Heart disease is a broad term used to describe any cardiovascular disease or condition that affects the cardiovascular system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47% of all Americans have at least one of the risk factors for heart disease and many don 't know it. Understanding heart disease is crucial to its prevention, however, so it 's important for you to know the causes and symptoms of heart disease. You should strive to prevent heart disease if you can and know your treatment options if you already have it.
Causes of Heart Disease
Some people are born with heart disease due to congenital defects of the heart. Others may develop heart disease later in life as a result of bacteria and viruses or diseases …show more content…
This buildup restricts blood flow and can block it altogether. Your heart must work harder to push blood through narrowed arteries which increases your blood pressure. This artery narrowing is often the result of eating fatty foods and those high in cholesterol.
Diet isn 't the only life choice that impacts heart health. Other behaviors that put you at risk for heart disease include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, consuming large amounts of caffeine and eating a lot of salt. To avoid heart disease, try and avoid these activities or at least reduce their frequency. A family history of heart disease also increases your odds of developing it, so be aware of your family history and don 't skip doctor 's appointments if you know you 're family tree puts you at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease
It 's important to know the signs of heart disease and talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of them. The signs of heart disease are quite numerous and may mimic other problems, tricking you into believing you have something as innocuous as the flu when you 're really dealing with something much bigger. Don 't hesitate to check with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms of heart disease:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating down your left arm
• Fluttering sensation in your …show more content…
When medication alone isn 't enough, your doctor may enter your body via a catheter and install a balloon or stent. Balloons are placed inside your body deflated and then inflated at the site of arterial clogs to move the blockage. Stenting procedures are performed in a similar manner but the stent stays in your artery to hold it open and is not removed like the balloon.
Though these surgeries are the most common, your doctor may recommend a different procedure that is better suited to solving your specific problem. These suggestions may include bypass surgery or installing a pacemaker or other device. Your doctor will thoroughly explain the procedure he is planning and tell you why he feels it is your best option. Listen carefully as he explains and ask whatever questions you have. Your doctor will be happy to answer them for you.
Armed with this knowledge about heart disease you can now do what you must to try and avoid it. Remember that heredity does play a factor in heart disease and you could develop it even if you play your cards right, so don 't get discouraged if you are diagnosed with heart disease. Keep in touch with your doctor and schedule regular checkups to make sure you stay healthy and catch minor problems early so you and your doctor can work through them before they become bigger
Causes of Heart Disease
Some people are born with heart disease due to congenital defects of the heart. Others may develop heart disease later in life as a result of bacteria and viruses or diseases …show more content…
This buildup restricts blood flow and can block it altogether. Your heart must work harder to push blood through narrowed arteries which increases your blood pressure. This artery narrowing is often the result of eating fatty foods and those high in cholesterol.
Diet isn 't the only life choice that impacts heart health. Other behaviors that put you at risk for heart disease include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, consuming large amounts of caffeine and eating a lot of salt. To avoid heart disease, try and avoid these activities or at least reduce their frequency. A family history of heart disease also increases your odds of developing it, so be aware of your family history and don 't skip doctor 's appointments if you know you 're family tree puts you at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease
It 's important to know the signs of heart disease and talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of them. The signs of heart disease are quite numerous and may mimic other problems, tricking you into believing you have something as innocuous as the flu when you 're really dealing with something much bigger. Don 't hesitate to check with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms of heart disease:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating down your left arm
• Fluttering sensation in your …show more content…
When medication alone isn 't enough, your doctor may enter your body via a catheter and install a balloon or stent. Balloons are placed inside your body deflated and then inflated at the site of arterial clogs to move the blockage. Stenting procedures are performed in a similar manner but the stent stays in your artery to hold it open and is not removed like the balloon.
Though these surgeries are the most common, your doctor may recommend a different procedure that is better suited to solving your specific problem. These suggestions may include bypass surgery or installing a pacemaker or other device. Your doctor will thoroughly explain the procedure he is planning and tell you why he feels it is your best option. Listen carefully as he explains and ask whatever questions you have. Your doctor will be happy to answer them for you.
Armed with this knowledge about heart disease you can now do what you must to try and avoid it. Remember that heredity does play a factor in heart disease and you could develop it even if you play your cards right, so don 't get discouraged if you are diagnosed with heart disease. Keep in touch with your doctor and schedule regular checkups to make sure you stay healthy and catch minor problems early so you and your doctor can work through them before they become bigger