Heart Disease

The term ‘heart disease’ includes various diseases that affect the heart. It is one of the leading causes of death the world over, with about one person dying of it every half an hour or so in the United States. One of the most common types of heart disease is coronary heart disease, which involves the blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, which results in a heart attack. Some of the other types of heart disease are: hypertensive heart disease; cardiovascular disease; ischemic heart disease; heart failure; angina; cardiomyopathy; valvular heart disease; inflammatory heart disease; and congenital heart disease.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Heart Disease?

Usually, there are signs of heart disease long before the occurrence of any major problem of the heart, such as a heart attack. Hence, recognizing the symptoms of heart disease can be vitally important for increasing the chances surviving the onset of a heart attack, since this often enables the affected person to seek medical help fast. The more time that elapses without medical treatment after a heart attack, the higher the damage that is caused to the heart. Given below are some of the main symptoms that occur if there is heart disease:

Discomfort in the chest: Also known as angina, this is one of the most common symptoms felt, especially during the onset of a heart attack. It is a discomfort felt in the middle of the chest, which can last for several minutes, or occur intermittently, going and coming back. This discomfort is often described as a feeling of pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain.

Shortness of breath: This usually occurs along with the discomfort in the chest, but can also be experienced before any chest discomfort.

Discomfort in the other parts of the body: There can even be an uncomfortable feeling or heaviness in the arms, stomach, jaw, neck, or back.

Some of the other symptoms of heart disease are a cold sweat breaking out, light-headedness, or nausea.

How can Heart Disease be Prevented or Controlled?

Some of the main causes of heart disease are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. As a matter of fact, everybody can take certain measures in order to reduce their chances of developing heart disease.

Preventing and Controlling High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can be prevented by making lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking. The blood pressure should be checked regularly, and if it becomes high, you need to seek medical help in order to reduce it to normal levels.

Preventing and Controlling High Cholesterol: One of the main risk factors for the development of heart disease is high cholesterol, particularly LDL. It is recommended to include a diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fats and one that is high in fiber. Plus, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also keep the cholesterol levels in check. The blood cholesterol levels should be checked regularly, and in case they get high, medications may be prescribed to help in lowering it.

Preventing and Controlling Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease. Regular exercise, maintaining an optimal weight, and diet can help in reducing the chances of developing diabetes.

Some of the other measures that can be taken in order to lower the risk of developing heart disease are: quitting smoking, maintaining an optimal weight, incorporating regular exercises, reducing the intake of alcohol, and including a balanced diet that is low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats, and high in vegetables and fruits. Also, medications will be prescribed after the doctor determines the exact cause of the heart disease, once it does occur.