This week’s NOTES will cover the good news, the bad news, what to look out for, ways to minimize your risk of developing heart disease and the ways to prevent its progression.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in our country. Nearly 2,300 Americans die of CVD each day, an average of one death every 38 seconds. It is estimated 38,100.000 are age 60 or older. The risk of developing heart disease and dying increases with age.
We often think of heart disease as a “man’s disease,” but it is the number one killer of women in the United States. One of the most disturbing aspects of heart disease is that many of the risk factors are things we can control but we make unhealthy choices. People do not realize how their lifestyles and habits affect their health. Although heredity may play a part in heart disease, controlling your risk may actually offset some of the heredity.
A heart attack happens when an artery becomes blocked and prevents oxygen and nutrients in the blood from getting to the heart which is made of muscle. The most common type of blockage is caused by plaque building up, causing narrowing of the blood vessels or breaking off and blocking a vessel.
Don’t flirt with a heart attack — know the warning signs. These include unusual chest or abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness difficulty breathing, unexplained weakness, anxiety, heart palpitations, cold sweat or paleness. If you or someone experience some of the symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Heart disease is a lifelong condition. Once you get it, you will have it for life. The condition of your blood vessels will steadily continue to worsen until changes in your lifestyle and habits are attained.
There are types of risk factors you can’t control — heredity, age, and gender — and there are risk factors you can control. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because there are no noticeable warning signs until problems arise. It can lead to hardened arteries that cause a decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle and other parts of the body.
Smoking is one of the most prevalent and hazardous risk factors. According to the American Heart Association, cigarette smokers have a 70 percent greater chance of dying from heart disease than non-smokers. If you smoke, quit. If you need help, call the “Quit Line” at 1-800-Quit Now.
Each year 32 percent of heart disease deaths are related to being overweight. You are also likely to develop heart disease or worsen the condition; increase risks for congestive heart failure, gallbladder disease, diabetes, arthritis, breathing problems as well as breast, colon, and other cancers.
Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, kidney failure, blindness and other diseases. Physical inactivity and heredity are also risk factors. It is very important to control blood sugar levels with diet, exercise and medication. Physical inactivity increases your risk for heart disease as well as risks for other diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and overweight.
Physical activity can help control blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and other diseases. A study of 1,000 adults found that those who exercised five times a week had 43% fewer respiratory infections than those who were sedentary. Those who reported being in good shape had 46 fewer infections than those who weren’t as fit. Physical activity benefits everyone in many ways. Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Also, it is essential you work with your doctor to control and minimize risk factors in heart disease. Get a check-up and talk about safely making changes in your habits and lifestyle. The good news is that heart disease is a problem you can do something about. Take steps to improve your health.
For more tips on improving and protecting your cardiovascular health, visit the American Heart Association website for detailed information on cardiovascular risk factors, warming signs, and healthy lifestyles at www.americanheart.org.