What is it?
Heart disease is a broad term that includes several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart condition in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack and other serious conditions. CHD is the most common type of heart disease. CHD occurs when the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the plaque buildup. The plaque buildup and the narrowing and hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. Plaques are a mixture of fatty substances including cholesterol and other lipids. Blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart can be reduced or even fully blocked with a growing plaque. Plaques may also rupture and cause blood clots that block arteries. CHD can lead to a heart attack. Angina can also occur. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. Over time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure, a serious problem where the heart cannot pump blood the way that it should. Also, irregular heart beats, called arrhythmias, can develop. Heart Attack Signs If the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off, a heart attack can result. Cells in the heart muscle don’t receive enough oxygen and begin to die. The more time that passes without treatment to restore the blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart. It is important to recognize the signs of a heart attack and to act immediately by calling 911. The five major symptoms of a heart attack are: - Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Feeling weak, light-headed or faint
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
What causes it?
Some conditions as well as some lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. In principle, all persons can take steps to lower their risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing these risk factors. Control of risk factors is especially needed by people who already have heart disease. Conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), and diabetes mellitus are all risk factors for heart disease. Behavioral factors can also increase a person’s risk; among them are: tobacco use, poor diet such as diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, and excessive use of alcohol. Heart disease can also run in the family. Genetic factors likely play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other vascular conditions. However, it is also likely that people with a family history of heart disease share common environments and risk factors that increase their risk. | Can it be Prevented or Treated?
In principle, all people can take the steps to lower their risk for heart disease and heart attack. Controlling high blood cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Preventing and treating high blood cholesterol includes eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, keeping a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise. All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked once every five years. If yours is high, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help lower it. Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Lifestyle actions such as healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and healthy weight will help you to keep normal blood pressure levels and all adults should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Blood pressure is easily checked. If your blood pressure is high, you can work with your doctor to treat it and bring it down to the normal range. A high blood pressure can usually be controlled with lifestyle changes and with medicines when needed. Prevention and control of diabetes
People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease but can reduce their risk. People can also take steps to reduce their risk for diabetes in the first place, through weight loss and regular physical activity. No tobacco
Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Never smoking is one of the best things a person can do to lower their risk. And, quitting smoking will also help lower a person’s risk of heart disease. A person's risk of heart attack decreases soon after quitting. If you smoke, your doctor can suggest programs to help you quit smoking. Moderate alcohol use
Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. People who drink should do so only in moderation and always responsibly. Health Weight and Regular Physical Activity
Healthy weight status in adults is usually assessed by using weight and height to compute a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI usually indicates the amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Proper diet and regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight. Adults should also engage in moderate levels of physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. How can I live successfully? |
