Many health conditions can result in a term called heart disease, such as arrhythmia, heart infections, coronary artery disease, diseases that affect blood vessels, and congenital heart defects. The most common meaning of heart disease is any blockage in the blood vessels, arteries, or the heart’s valves, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Many things put a person at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Some factors are out of a person’s control. For example, the older you are, the more likely it is you will develop heart disease. Men are at an increased risk, but women’s risk goes up after menopause. Also, having a family history of heart disease makes it much more likely that you will experience the condition.
Not everything that increases a person’s risk for heart disease is out of that person’s control. Eating a poor diet that consists of high amounts of fat, salt and cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. Smoking is another huge contributor to heart problems. Not managing high blood pressure or diabetes through medication and lifestyle changes also increase a person’s risk. Being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and not properly managing stress are all things within a person’s scope of control that also increase his risk for heart disease.
How can someone tell they might have heart disease? There are several warning signs for you to watch. Chest pain and shortness of breath are apparent symptoms, but many people write them off as indigestion or fatigue. If your legs or arms experience sudden pain, turn numb without reason, or are consistently cold, this is a definite warning sign that something is wrong with your cardiovascular system. Other possible symptoms include experiencing lightheadedness regularly, fainting, and feeling a fluttering sensation in your chest.
If you suspect you or someone close to you is suffering from heart disease, medical attention is needed to diagnose and manage the situation accurately. The doctor might prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure, thin out your blood, or lower your cholesterol. If medications alone are not enough to manage your heart condition, the doctor might recommend undergoing various medical procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.
Medications and medical procedures are not the only ways to manage heart disease. Making specific lifestyle changes can at least help with your condition. If you smoke, you need to quit immediately. Take any diabetes or blood pressure medicines faithfully, and monitor your cholesterol levels. Change your eating habits, so you consume more foods with low saturated fats, whole grains, and vegetables. Exercise regularly and work to lower your weight if you are overweight. These changes may take time, but each day that passes that you continue with your current lifestyle can bring you closer to your grave.
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Photo credit to Alexandru Acea/Unsplash.
