#Understanding How the Heart Works
The heart is the hardest working muscle in the body. The average heart beats 100,000 times a day, day and night, to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Blood pumped by the heart also shuttles waste products such as carbon dioxide to the lungs so it can be eliminated from the body.
Proper heart function is essential to support life.
#What is Heart Disease?
Coronary artery disease (CAD), commonly known as heart disease, is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other fats accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This material hardens forming a plaque that blocks blood flow to the heart. When a coronary artery narrows due to plaque buildup or some other cause, the heart muscle is starved for oxygen and a person experiences chest pain known as angina.
#The Link Between Heart Disease and Heart Attack
Sometimes a piece of a fatty plaque in a coronary artery breaks off or ruptures. When this happens, a blood clot forms in the area in response to the injury. The clot may block the flow of blood through the artery, causing a heart attack. Sadly, some heart attacks lead to the heart stopping completely, a situation known as sudden cardiac arrest. The heart may also start to beat in a very dangerous rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which is potentially fatal.
#Heart Disease: The Number-One Killer
Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States and affects an estimated 14 million adults. Heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than the 2nd through 7th leading causes of death combined.
#What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
Certain risk factors increase the chances of developing heart disease. More common heart disease risk factors include:
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Heart disease in a close blood relative
Obesity
High blood pressure
Smoking
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
#What Are Lifestyle Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
Certain lifestyle factors and choices increase the risk of heart disease including:
Eating a diet high in fat
Being "type A" (impatient, aggressive, and/or competitive)
Being physically inactive
Experiencing emotional distress or being "stressed out"
Sudden Cardiac Death - A Fatal Consequence of Heart Disease
Heart disease symptoms differ from person to person. Those who experience chest pain or shortness of breath have a chance to receive life-saving treatment in a hospital. For others, unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest and death are the first symptoms of heart disease they experience.
#What Are Common Symptoms of Heart Disease?
Many people with heart disease notice symptoms during physical exertion or exercise. The heart needs more oxygen and nutrients during physical exertion, so people with heart disease may notice symptoms when they are active. Symptoms of heart disease may include:
Jaw pain
Chest pain
Back pain (typically left-sided)
Shortness of breath
There is No Single Treatment Method for Heart Disease
Heart disease treatment differs from person to person. There is no such thing as one uniform treatment that works for everyone who has heart disease. Most heart disease patients are treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes in addition to medication.
#The Key to Preventing Heart Disease is Through a Healthy Lifestyle, Starting with a Healthy Diet.
Some heart disease risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. However, many other heart disease risk factors can be modified. Eating heart-healthy foods can reduce the risk of heart disease. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, and vegetables. Cholesterol-lowering foods such as beans, soy, chickpeas, garlic, avocados, and olive oil are beneficial. Boost levels of HDL "good" cholesterol by eating nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are good choices, but limit your serving to a small handful as nuts are high in calories. It's a good idea to eat fish and seafood a few times a week to boost intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid sugary foods as they promote heart disease and other chronic conditions.
#There is No Single Treatment Method for Heart Disease
Heart disease treatment differs from person to person. There is no such thing as one uniform treatment that works for everyone who has heart disease. Most heart disease patients are treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes in addition to medication.