How Heart Disease Affects Your Body
How Heart Disease Affects Your Body
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It affects more than 85 million Americans, and it claims the lives of nearly 600,000 people each year.
Heart disease is a general term for several conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. Some of the most common types of heart disease include:
* Coronary artery disease (CAD): CAD is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. CAD is the most common type of heart disease, and it can lead to a heart attack.
* Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is stopped. Heart attacks can be caused by CAD, a blood clot, or a spasm in the arteries.
* Heart failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure can be caused by CAD, heart attacks, or other conditions that damage the heart.
* Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm disorder. Arrhythmias can be caused by CAD, heart attacks, or other conditions that damage the heart.
How Heart Disease Affects the Body
Heart disease can affect the body in many ways. Some of the most common effects include:
* Chest pain: Chest pain is a common symptom of heart disease. It can be caused by CAD, a heart attack, or other conditions that affect the heart.
* Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is another common symptom of heart disease. It can be caused by CAD, heart failure, or other conditions that affect the heart.
* Fatigue: Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness or weakness. It can be caused by CAD, heart failure, or other conditions that affect the heart.
* Lightheadedness: Lightheadedness is a feeling of dizziness or faintness. It can be caused by CAD, heart failure, or other conditions that affect the heart.
* Edema: Edema is a swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands. It can be caused by heart failure or other conditions that affect the heart.
If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor right away. Heart disease is a serious condition, but it can be treated if it's caught early.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
There are many things you can do to help prevent heart disease, including:
* Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
* Getting regular exercise: Getting regular exercise can help strengthen your heart and improve your circulation.
* Quitting smoking: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your heart. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 50%.
* Managing your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Managing your blood pressure can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
* Controlling your cholesterol: High cholesterol is another major risk factor for heart disease. Controlling your cholesterol can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
* Managing your diabetes: Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. Managing your diabetes can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you have any of the risk factors for heart disease, it's important to talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk.