Introduction
Cardiovascular disease is more commonly known as heart disease. It is actually a broad term used for diseases related to the heart. It is one of the top causes of death in the world. Because of this fact, more and more people have an intense need to be aware of the disease process, symptoms and risk factors of heart related diseases.
To know more about this condition, read further.
Understanding Heart-Related Diseases
There are numerous heart related diseases that could affect anyone who is at risk. These include:
- heart attack - coronary artery disease
- arrythmias - heart rhythms that are not normal
- heart failure caused by cell and tissue damage/death
- congenital heart disease - an inborn condition of the heart
- disease of the heart muscle - cardiomyopathy
- pericardial disease - a disease involving the outer layer of the heart
- marfan syndrome - a disease which involves the connective tissue of the heart and blood vessels
- disease of the heart valves and aorta
- diseases involving the blood vessels (veins, arteries, capillaries)
- infection of the heart
In most cases, diseases involving the heart and blood vessels can be prevented. You just need to know the risk factors and the common symptoms. Knowing the background of heart diseases can prevent you from having this disease.
Risk Factors
- smoking
- consumption of high-calorie, high-sodium and high-cholesterol food
- high blood pressure
- sedentary lifestyle
- high blood glucose levels
- obesity
- increased levels of stress
- chest pain
- difficulty of breathing
- numbness, pain and weakness on your limbs
- heartbeat that is too fast or too slow
- dizziness
- fainting
- fatigue
- lightheadedness
- change in skin color (bluish or grayish tone)
- swelling in the limbs
Management of Heart-Related Diseases
In order to spot and rule out heart related diseases, certain procedures need to be done. Common diagnostic tests include:
- blood tests
- electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- chest x-ray
- echocardiogram - ultrasound of the heart
Treatment of heart diseases varies according to each condition. Symptoms need to be managed. Irregularities need to be fixed. Components that have failed to function need to be eliminated or repaired. Common management procedures include lifestyle and diet modifications, medications such as calcium channel blockers/beta blockers, surgery, defibrillation, pacemakers and catheterization.
Prevention
In order to prevent the occurrence of heart disease, the best way is to put the following to practice:
- Consume a diet plan that is rich in nutrients but make sure that they are low in cholesterol and sodium. Consider having food supplements such as Vitamin E, Fish oil and Omega-3 or Omega-4.
- Exercise more. A cardio exercise 30 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week will do. Brisk walking could also help. Weight management prevents you from having heart related diseases.
- Stop smoking. If you intend to start smoking, do not even think about it.
- Avoid and manage stress. Take a break once in a while to avoid burnout.
- Manage your diabetes as early as possible.
- Take yearly check-ups with your trusted doctor.
- Stay away from infection by practicing good hygiene habits. Talk to your doctor regarding how you can boost your immune system.
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