Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options empowers you to take control of heart health. This overview examines the key information everyone needs to know about protecting this vital organ.
Major Causes and Risk Factors
Heart disease develops gradually over time in response to the following influences:
Atherosclerosis
Fatty plaque buildup causes artery hardening and narrowing. This reduces blood flow and oxygen to the heart, causing angina and heart attacks.
High Blood Pressure
Chronic hypertension damages arteries. It forces the heart to work harder, enlarging the heart muscle over time.
Diabetes
Chronically high blood sugar from diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. It’s a major risk factor for heart disease.
Obesity
Excess visceral fat stresses the heart and blood vessels. Obesity also increases risk for diabetes and hypertension.
High Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol accumulates in arteries as plaque. HDL removes plaque, so low levels raise heart disease risk.
Smoking
Chemicals in cigarettes damage arteries and lower oxygen levels. Smokers have double the risk of heart attack deaths.
Poor Diet
A diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar and low in fiber contributes to dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity.
Recognizing Symptoms
Catching heart disease early is critical. Symptoms include:
- Chest pain, tightness or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in arms, neck, jaw, upper back
- Nausea, cold sweats
- Rapid or irregular heart beat
- Chronic cough, wheezing
- Fatigue, weakness
- Swollen legs or feet
Seek emergency care if chest pain lasts over 5 minutes. Call 911 for sudden dizziness, fainting, or severe shortness of breath.
Key Prevention Strategies
80% of heart disease cases are preventable through lifestyle changes:
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise 30+ minutes daily
- Maintain healthy weight
- Control blood sugar and cholesterol
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce stress via meditation, yoga, etc.
- Limit alcohol and avoid illicit drugs
- Eat a balanced diet low in sugar, sodium and saturated fat
Also take prescribed medications for conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Emerging Risk Factors
Research shows additional risks for heart disease:
Mental health issues
Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression strain the cardiovascular system over time. Manage mental health.
Air pollution
Environmental toxins cause inflammation and oxidation that damages arteries.
Oral health
Gum disease increases inflammation tied to heart disease. Floss and brush daily.
Loneliness
Lack of social connection doubles heart disease risk and lessens survival odds after a heart event.
Diagnostic Screening Tests
Doctors use several tests to diagnose heart disease:
- Physical exam – checks blood pressure, heart and lung sounds.
- Blood tests – assess cholesterol levels and markers for heart damage.
- EKG – records electrical signals in the heart to detect abnormalities.
- Stress testing – monitors EKG during exercise to reveal issues.
- CT scan – detailed images reveal plaque buildup and artery narrowing.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on heart disease severity and symptoms but may include:
- Medications – beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, blood thinners.
- Surgery – stents prop open blocked arteries, bypass reroutes blood flow.
- Implanted devices – pacemakers regulate rhythm, defibrillators correct arrhythmias.
- Lifestyle changes – diet, exercise, stress management.
See a cardiologist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
FAQs
What is considered a heart-healthy diet?
A heart-healthy diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.
How much exercise is needed to prevent heart disease?
Most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking 5 days per week to reduce heart disease risk. Any movement helps.
Does aspirin really help prevent heart attacks?
For those at high risk, a daily low-dose aspirin can reduce the chance of a first heart attack. Talk to your doctor before starting aspirin therapy.
What cholesterol levels are dangerous?
Total cholesterol over 240 mg/dL is considered high. For LDL (“bad” cholesterol), under 100 mg/dL is optimal while over 160 is concerning. HDL (“good”) should be over 60 mg/dL.
How accurate are at-home heart tests?
Consumer EKG devices, blood pressure monitors and cholesterol tests can provide helpful clues but don’t replace medical assessments. Always see your doctor too.
In summary, knowing the risk factors, screening yourself, making lifestyle changes, and working with your doctor provides the best odds of preventing heart disease or catching it early for prompt treatment.
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