Avoid Heart Diseases | 5 Preventive Steps

The heart is simply known as the silent hero of the circulatory system. It is a muscular pump that works tirelessly to pump blood throughout the body through a network of blood vessels. It is the size of a fist, but its power and importance go far beyond its small appearance. So, what happens when you get heart diseases?

In this article, we will discuss heart diseases, the challenges that may threaten this vital organ, and how we can work to prevent and protect against it. Prepare to be immersed in an inspiring article that takes you behind the scenes of your heart, as we explore its hidden power and the wonder of its vital function. We will learn how to protect this precious organ, enhance its health, and realize its true value as a source of life.

Heart Diseases

“Heart diseases” is a general term that includes many types of heart problems. It refers to diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. One common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects blood flow to the heart and can cause a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States, but there are ways to prevent and control many types of heart diseases, and many of these conditions can be avoided by making healthy lifestyle decisions.

Awareness of heart diseases should be high because it can affect all races and all groups, and prevention and education efforts should focus on informing women about the symptoms of heart diseases and associated risk factors, and encouraging them to get regular checkups and take care of their heart health.

Heart Diseases Types

Heart diseases constitute a comprehensive group of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. These diseases vary in their nature, symptoms, and impact on cardiovascular health. Identifying the types of heart diseases is important for understanding the health challenges that individuals can face in relation to heart health. These include:

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs as a result of narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. This occurs when fat and cholesterol deposition accumulate on the walls of the arteries, thus reducing blood flow to the heart.

Coronary artery disease may cause symptoms such as:

• Angina, which includes pain or tightness in the chest.
• A heart attack may occur if a coronary artery is completely blocked by a blood clot.
• Palpitations (irregular heartbeat).
• Increased heart rate.
• Weakness or dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Sweating.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a medical condition that occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. It is considered a chronic condition that requires continuous medical care.

Several factors cause heart failure, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve problems, and also heart disease that affects the heart muscle and reduces its ability to contract properly.

Thyroid disease, kidney disease, heart infections, and rheumatic heart disease can also cause heart failure.

Symptoms of heart failure include:

• Feeling uncomfortable or painful in the chest, arm, or under the breastbone.
• Pain that extends to the back, jaw, throat, or arm.
• A feeling of fullness, heartburn, or a feeling of choking (may feel like heartburn).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Severe weakness.
• Sweating and shortness of breath.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Congenital Heart Defects

They are medical conditions that occur when there is an abnormality in the development of the heart during pregnancy. Congenital heart defects vary in type and severity of impact on heart function. Types of heart defects include:

• Septal defects: a gap between the heart chambers.
• Obstructive defects: Completely or partially blocking blood flow between the heart chambers.
• Cyanotic heart diseases: A heart defect that causes a lack of oxygen around the body.

Heart Rhythm Disorder

Arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat do not work properly.

Different types of heart disorders include:

• Tachycardia.
• Bradycardia.
• Premature contractions.
• Atrial fibrillation: irregular heartbeat.

Myocardial Hypertrophy

Myocardial hypertrophy usually occurs when a genetic problem affects the heart muscle. The wall of the heart muscle swells and contractions become more difficult. This affects the heart’s ability to absorb and pump blood, and blockage can occur in some cases.

There may be no symptoms, and many people never receive a diagnosis. However, myocardial hypertrophy can increase over time and lead to various heart problems.

Myocardial hypertrophy is the leading cause of cardiac death among young people and athletes under the age of 35, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), so anyone with a family history of this condition should seek testing, as receiving treatment can help prevent complications.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

It is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs. This blockage impedes the flow of blood returning to the heart, and can lead to the formation of other clots in other blood vessels, such as the lung.

Deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of certain medical conditions related to the formation of blood clots. For example, a blood clot will likely form in the legs if they are not moved for a long time.

Deep blood clot is considered a serious medical condition, as it can lead to serious complications, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness in the leg, and treatment may require the use of anticoagulants and preventive measures.

Heart Valve Diseases

The heart contains four valves that work to maintain blood flow in the correct direction. Each valve contains folds, also known as leaflets or cusps, which open to allow blood to flow from the atria to the ventricles and then to the rest of the body. They then close to prevent blood from flowing backward, which happens once during each heartbeat.

This continuous, one-way flow of blood delivers oxygen to all parts of the body. Heart valve disease occurs when the valves do not open or close properly, disrupting blood flow through the heart and into the body, or causing blood to leak backward.

These valves include:

1. Atrioventricular valves: Consist of the mitral and tricuspid valves.

• Mitral valve: It consists of two leaflets and a fibrous annulus that supports it.
• Tricuspid: Opens and closes to allow blood to flow between the atria and ventricles and prevent reflux.

2. Ventricular valves: consisting of the pulmonary and aortic valves.

• Pulmonary valve: It is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, and controls the flow of blood from the ventricle to the artery.
• Aortic valve: It is located between the right ventricle and the aorta and controls the flow of blood from the ventricle to the artery.

Symptoms of Early Heart Disease

Heart diseases are very diverse, and although they are diverse, they may show some common symptoms that indicate the presence of heart disease in its early stages. Here are the most prominent symptoms to watch for:

• Chest pain

The patient feels discomfort or pain in the front part of the body between the neck and upper abdomen. It may be caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart or a heart attack. The pain can be annoying, and may be accompanied by heaviness in the chest or burning. Chest pain can occur with activity or emotions and go away with rest.

• Shortness of breath

When the heart cannot pump blood properly, blood accumulates in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart, and fluid leaks into the lungs and causes shortness of breath.

• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet

It is another sign of a heart problem. When the heart is not working well, blood flow slows and accumulates in the veins in your legs, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues. You may also notice bloating in your stomach or weight gain.

• Poor blood flow

It can mean a high risk of having a heart attack. This happens when cholesterol and fats build up on the walls of the arteries.

• Fatigue and tiredness

Fatigue can have many causes. Sometimes it simply means you need more rest, but feeling so exhausted that you can’t do normal daily activities can be a sign of a more serious problem.

• Heart palpitations

A fast or irregular heartbeat occurs if your heart is unable to pump blood well, so the pulse may accelerate to try to compensate. You may feel that your heart is beating quickly or beating intermittently, and this could be a sign of a heart arrhythmia.

When Should You Go to the Cardiologist?

If you have any signs of heart disease, call your doctor right away. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away or ignore them as something fleeting.

You can call emergency services in the following cases:

• Chest pain, or a feeling of heaviness, especially when moving.
• Unconsciousness.
• Severe shortness of breath.
• If you think you are having a heart attack.
• Pain or numbness in the arms or legs.

Heart Diseases Causes

Heart disease develops when one of the following happens:

• Damage to all or part of the heart.
• There is a problem with the blood vessels leading to or leaving the heart.
• Lack of supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart.
• Heart rhythm problem.

In some cases, there is a genetic cause. However, certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions can increase your risk of developing these diseases. These factors include:

• Hypertension.
• High cholesterol.
• Smoking.
• Consuming large amounts of alcohol.
• Overweight.
• Diabetes.
• Having a family history of heart diseases.
• Unhealthy diet.
• Age.
• Having a previous history of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Low activity levels.
• Sleep breathing disorder.
• High levels of stress and anxiety.
• Leaky heart valves.

Heart Diseases Diagnosis

Methods for diagnosing heart diseases include:

1. Physical examination: This includes checking your heart, blood vessels, and other organs by listening to your heartbeat and breathing, and checking your blood pressure, weight, and height.

2. Questioning symptoms: The doctor asks you about symptoms associated with heart diseases, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. This helps evaluate symptoms and determine the possible disease for diagnosis.

3. Medical and family history: Information is collected about your medical history and family history related to heart disease. You may have a previous history of heart disease or risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure in the family.

4. Some common tests done to diagnose cardiovascular disease include:

• Blood tests: Measure levels of cardiovascular health indicators such as cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and proteins, and the doctor can use a blood test to check for blood clotting problems.

• Ankle-hip index (ABI): compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms to diagnose peripheral arterial disease.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.

• Using mobile monitoring devices: such as a Holter monitor, which the person wears to record the heart rate.

• Echocardiogram: Uses high-frequency sound waves; To create a picture of your heartbeat and blood flow.

• Ultrasound: Used to check blood flow in your legs or neck.

• Cardiac MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your heart.

• Magnetic resonance angiography or CT angiogram: Used respectively to see blood vessels in the legs, head, and neck.

• Stress tests: Analysis of how physical activity affects the heart under a doctor’s supervision, using exercise or medications, to determine how your heart responds.

• Cardiac catheterization: A catheter (thin, hollow tube) is used to measure pressure and blood flow in your heart.

Heart Diseases Treatment

Treatment methods can vary based on your symptoms and the type of cardiovascular disease you have. Treatment for heart disease may include:

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your diet, following a healthy lifestyle, increasing aerobic activity, and quitting smoking can help improve your heart health.

Medications to Treat Heart Diseases

Treating heart disease requires multiple interventions, including medications. Here are some common medications used:

• Statins: They are used to reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the blood, and they work to reduce the possibility of the formation of fatty plaques that cause blockages in the arteries, including Atorvastatin and Fluvastatin.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors): These medications help widen the arteries, improve blood flow, and reduce stress on the heart.

• Beta blockers: Beta blockers are used to lower blood pressure, by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline. When taken, the heart beats more slowly and with less force, which leads to lowering blood pressure. Bisoprolol (Zebeta) also helps dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow.

• Diuretics: They help get rid of excess fluids in the body, which reduces pressure on the heart.

• Anticoagulants: These are used to prevent blood clots in the coronary arteries and other blood vessels in the body, such as aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.

• Calcium channel blockers: They dilate blood vessels and are used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain, such as Amlodipine.

Surgery to Treat Heart Diseases

Heart surgery is done to treat blockages and heart problems when medications aren’t effective. Common types of surgery include:

• Open-heart surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery)

It is centered around improving blood flow to the heart muscle through coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which is the most common procedure in heart surgery. This process plays a crucial role in widening narrow and hardened coronary arteries, making it essential for people with coronary artery disease.

• Implantable devices

It is a surgical procedure aimed at implanting medical devices in the body to regulate the heartbeat and support blood flow. Examples of implantable devices include cardiac floaters, balloon tubes, pacemakers, and electrical conduction devices (ICDs).

• Valve repair and replacement

It is used to treat heart valve disease, in which at least one of the heart’s four valves does not work properly. Repairing or replacing the diseased valve in the heart requires surgery to restore its normal function and improve blood flow in the body.

In cases of severe heart failure, a heart transplant may be necessary, but this process requires finding a suitable compatible donor.

Getting Rid of the Illusion of Heart Diseases?

Whatever the fears, you must remember that excessive anxiety may negatively affect your daily life, so here are some tips that may help you overcome the fear of heart disease, including:

• Education: Get the correct information about heart diseases and its associated risk factors, and understand the facts and statistics related to heart disease, as this can reduce unjustified fear and anxiety.

• Health care: Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Regular medical examinations: You can make regular visits to the doctor for regular heart examinations, as it helps monitor your heart health and evaluate any risk factors that may be present.

• Control psychological stress: Try to deal with stress and anxiety through healthy means such as practicing meditation, yoga, or activities that help relaxation.

• Social support: Talk to family members and friends about your fears and anxieties. Getting emotional support from close people may have a positive effect on alleviating anxiety and fear.

• Consult a doctor: If you suffer from persistent and severe anxiety about heart disease, it may be helpful to see a psychiatrist or counselor to talk about your concerns and explore appropriate strategies for dealing with them.

5 Steps to Prevent Heart Diseases

Discover effective steps that can protect your heart and enhance your overall health, including the following:

1. Follow a balanced diet

Choose a healthy diet that contains fibre, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Exercise regularly

Do cardio-strengthening exercises, such as brisk walking or cycling, and make them part of your daily routine. Aim to get 150 minutes of exercise per week.

3. Maintain a moderate weight

Make sure you maintain a healthy weight, and consult a nutritionist to determine the appropriate weight for you and your overall health.

4. Stay away from smoking

Smoking is a major factor in cardiovascular disease, so you should quit smoking.

5. Treating associated medical conditions

Commitment to appropriate treatment for conditions related to heart health, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

By following these tips, you can enhance your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications.

In conclusion, my dear, there is one thing we must always remember, the heart is the center of our lives, and it is what gives us the strength to live, love and enjoy every day. However, heart diseases pose a major challenge.

But with knowledge and preparation, we can work to maintain heart health. Let us always remember that good heart care begins from within, through healthy nutrition, exercise, checking our health regularly, and dealing with psychological stress in healthy ways. Life is more beautiful when the heart is at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heart Diseases

Sources:

medicalnewstoday

clevelandclinic

cdc.gov