Heart Disease

Heart disease is a very common disease which is affecting approximately around more than 7% of the population. The most common from of heart disease is known as arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis form of heart disease usually leads to heart attack in the patient. This form of heart disease is characterized by a sudden process where the arteries often get hardened. Besides arteriosclerosis, there are also some other forms of heart disease which are often found to be very much deadly.

Cardiomyopathy is yet another form of heart disease which impairs the heart's function.

Cardiomyopathy form of heart disease often damages and weakens the heart. But the most important and the most dangerous from of heart disease is that which eventually damages the entire functioning of the heart. It may start from a simple form of throat infection which when not taken care of or when not treated may lead to the ultimate damage of the heart valves.

Heart disease may be any one among the various types but more importance should be given to its symptoms. The symptoms which are related with various forms of heart disease may be enumerated as below:

• The most common symptom of a heart disease is a slight pain or pressure on the chest and often sometimes might be a devastating sensation which can be felt at the rear end of the breast bone.

• Pain which may also be experienced in the arms, shoulder or legs may also be considered as certain virtual symptom of heart disease.

• The pain may last for a longer period of time. Sometimes heart medications or even rest cannot lessen the heart problem or the pain. But yes, though it may sound ridiculous narcotic drug can help in overcoming of the pain in the heart.

• Heart disease symptoms can also be experienced when there is cold sweat coming out of the body.

• Heart disease can be accompanied with symptoms like nausea and lack of proper inhaling.

• Certain indigestion problems may also cause heart disease.

• Obesity can also lead to the formation of heart disease.

Heart disease is a global problem. Heart disease may often lead to heart attack. Heart attack is also known as myocardial infarction in the medical term. Heart attack usually occurs when the blood pressure gets high and there is the sudden stoppage of the supply of blood to the different parts of the body. So effective care and medical treatment should be meted out to the heart patients.

By Farzina Naznin

Labels: cardiovascular, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, heart, heart attack, heart attack symptoms, heart disease, heart health, heart stroke, heart surgery, heart symptoms

Coronary heart disease afflicts millions of people in the United States and in other western countries. This deadly disease is on the rise, especially among women. In fact, each year in the United States, heart disease kills around 366,000 women, making it the leading cause of death for women. Men and women are both equally at risk from coronary heart disease.

The major causes of coronary heart disease are unhealthy diet, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. When you eat too many fatty foods and don’t get enough exercise, the arteries in your heart begin to clog with fatty deposits. Over time, these deposits can lead to major restriction of heart arteries, which leads to heart attacks. Learning how to prevent heart disease now can go a long way in preventing this from happening to you.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent heart disease by making some easy changes in your diet and everyday routine. It may be a struggle at first to make these changes, but the benefits for your long-term health far outweigh any temporary unpleasantness you may experience.

Eat Healthy Fish and Oils

It’s already known that a diet that contains fish and vegetable oil is good for your overall general health. Now you can add one more reason, these foods can help prevent heart disease.

You may be surprised to learn that including lots of fish and vegetable oils in your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 10 times. Be sure to make sensible choices when choosing which fish you consume. Monitor mercury levels in each type of fish to make sure you are not adversely affected.

Go for a Walk in the Early Morning or Evening

Believe it or not, going for a walk during certain times of the day can actually increase your risk of heart disease!

If you happen to live in a large city with high pollution, avoid going outside for a walk during peak pollution times - between 12pm and 4pm. Pollution is not only bad for your lungs, but it can actually inflame the blood vessels in your heart. Inflammation of heart blood vessels is a leading cause of heart disease.

Get Enough Sleep

Many people don’t get enough sleep at night. This not only leads to lower energy levels, but sleep deprivation can also increase your risk for heart disease by a whopping 40%!

Lack of sleep really stresses out your body's nervous system, and we already know that stress is a high risk factor in heart disease. Try to make sure you get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If this is not possible, then simply taking a short nap during the day will reduce your risk factor by 45%, so start getting some decent shut eye.

Chase the Blues Away

It's no fun being depressed for many reasons, and studies show that depression can lead to hypertension, artery inflammation and abnormal heart rhythms. There are several natural treatments for depression that you can use to chase away the blues. Anything that makes you laugh a lot is one way. However, if you can’t shake the blues on your own, go and speak with your doctor about antidepressants.

Reduce High Blood Sugar

There are some people who just can’t get enough candy and sweets. Many of us love sweets, but unfortunately overindulging in them can increase your risk for heart disease by fivefold!

You've got to make a commitment to cut down on eating sugary goodies like pies, cakes, cookies and yes, your favorite soda. This simple dietary change can lower your risk by up to 43% in just six months.

Stay Clear of Cigarette Smoke

The more we learn about secondhand cigarette smoke, the clearer it becomes that breathing in these smelly vapors is extremely bad for your health. You can reduce your risk of getting heart disease by 60% when you stay away from secondhand smoke.

Banish Belly Fat

Even if you are not extremely overweight, but just have a little "jiggle in the middle", you should not think for one moment that you are safe from health risks. Studies show that belly fat can lead to high levels of cholesterol in the body. High levels of cholesterol leads to heart disease. Now you have a great incentive to finally lose that extra tummy fat. You’ll look great and keep your heart healthy too.

By Nikki LeRoi

Labels: cardiovascular, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, heart, heart attack, heart attack symptoms, heart disease, heart health, heart stroke, heart surgery, heart symptoms