Overview of Basics of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a word used to describe many different conditions affecting the heart. Coronary heart disease is a common type of heart disease. This condition results from a buildup of plaque on the inside of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of a heart attack and other heart complications. Other forms of heart disease include:
- irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- congenital heart defects
- weak heart muscles (cardiomyopathy)
- heart valve problems
- heart infections
- cardiovascular disease
Approximately 600,000 people die from heart disease every year, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC). It’s a leading cause of death in both men and women.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart disease is often called a “silent killer”. Your doctor may not diagnose the disease until you show signs of a heart attack or heart failure. Symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the specific condition. For example, if you have a heart arrhythmia, symptoms may include:
- a fast or slow heartbeat
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- chest pains
- shortness of breath
Symptoms of congenital heart defect may include skin discoloration, such as a bluish or pale color. You may also notice swelling in your legs and stomach. You might become easily tired or have shortness of breath shortly after beginning any type of physical activity.
If you have weak heart muscles, physical activity may cause tiredness and shortness of breath. Dizziness and swelling in the legs, ankle, or feet are also common with cardiomyopathy. Signs and symptoms of a heart infection can include:
- tiredness
- coughing
- skin rash
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling in legs and stomach
Seek medical attention if you have any signs of heart problem. It’s important to address symptoms early since there are many types of heart diseases, each with its own set of symptoms.
Risk Factors of Heart Disease
Several factors increase your risk of heart disease, like a family history of the disease, age, or ethnicity. Other common risk factors include:
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- diabetes
- poor diet
- lack of exercise
- obesity
- stress
- poor hygiene (some viral and bacterial infections can affect the heart)
Diagnosing Heart Disease
Different tests are used to diagnose heart disease, and your doctor may choose a particular test based on your symptoms and a review of your family history. After a blood test and chest X-ray, other tests include:
- electrocardiogram (EKG): a test that helps doctors identify problems with your heart’s rhythm
- echocardiogram: a test that uses ultrasound waves to view the flow of blood through the heart
- cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan: an X-ray test that creates cross sectional views of your heart
- cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of your heart and surrounding tissue
- stress test: a test that monitors your heart during periods of strenuous activity or exercise
How to Treat Heart Disease
Heart disease treatments depend on the condition, but may include lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes can include:
- eating a healthy diet rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables. Choose foods that are low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol to help control your blood pressure.
- increasing physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of diabetes, and improve cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 60 minutes of activity per week, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
- quitting smoking can lower your risk of heart disease and complications.
- drinking alcohol in moderation can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk for heart disease. Men should drink no more than two, and women no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
- learning how to deal with stress, either through exercise, medication, stress management therapy or support groups
When lifestyle changes do not improve your conditions, doctors may prescribe certain medications to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. These include medications that lower blood pressure or prevent blood clotting.
Sometimes, medical procedures are necessary to treat certain types of heart disease. These include an angioplasty (a flexible tube inserted in arteries to improve blood flow) or a coronary artery bypass surgery (blood vessels surgically moved from one area of the body to another to improve blood flow to the heart).
If you ever find yourself or a loved one in need call 011-410-77-102, +91-7861-021-021, +91-8595-102-102 and visit https://www.familyhealthcare.co.in/
