The number of people dying from heart disease has increased significantly in the last several years. This has delivered a wake-up call to the medical and scientific communities and among people from all over the world. the development of medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol and the public campaign against smoking have brought thousands of victories in the battle against heart diseases.
However, medical specialists are now revealing a worrying truth that the latest data show that heart disease deaths are on the rise. Â There are many risk factors for heart disease. Some of them can be controlled but some not. Learning about heart disease and their risk factors can help you prevent or reverse the progression of heart conditions.
The most common heart disease risk factors
Cardiovascular disease risk factors can be split into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable. There are some things that you can control that will help you decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. But there are also some that simply cannot be changed.
Modifiable risk factors
These are the ones that can be reduced or controlled with altered behavior. Certain life changes can lower the chances of developing heart conditions. The main risk factors include lack of exercise, unhealthy eating habits, or smoking. Those habits and behaviors can be modified, treated, or controlled through medication or lifestyle changes.
Non-modifiable risk factors
These are conditions that people may have been born with or could have appeared as a result of the increasing age. They can include a person’s age, ethnicity, and family history. The heart disease risk is increased if you have a close family member who had a heart condition at an early age. Also, older people are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As genetics and the process of aging cannot be changed, it is even more important to manage the risk factors that can be changed.
Most common heart conditions
Heart disease is more than just heart attacks and blocked arteries. There are many different heart conditions and problems which are collectively called heart disease. They affect the ability of the heart to work efficiently and properly fulfill all its functions in the body. The most common heart conditions include coronary heart disease, angina, unstable angina, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure.
The symptoms of heart disease can certainly vary from a certain condition to another. It may also be different depending on gender. For example, men are more likely to have chest pain, while women can experience a lot more symptoms along with the chest pain. The most common symptoms can include chest tightness, chest pressure, shortness of breath, pain or weakness in your legs, and pain in the upper abdomen or back.
How to prevent and reverse the progression of heart disease
Some types of heart disease such as those that are present from birth cannot be prevented. Fortunately, there are many things that people can do to reduce the chances of developing heart disease:
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or suffering from obesity can significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Excess weight can lead to other serious conditions linked to heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is vital for overall good health. It can definitely reduce the risk of heart disease as a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help protect your heart. It is important to avoid consuming too much salt, sugars, and fats in your diet to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
3. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity has many benefits. It strengthens your heart and improves the blood circulation. Combined with a healthy diet, exercising is a great way to maintain a healthy blood pressure and a low cholesterol. The top cardiologist in queens ny recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily for maintaining a healthy heart.
4. Do not smoke
Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco raises the blood pressure putting you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. The carbon monoxide that can be found in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in the blood. As a result, the blood pressure and heart rate are increased as it forces the heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen.
5. Control your blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. It is important to get the blood pressure checked at least once in a year, especially for aging people, to prevent or control high blood pressure.
6. Get quality sleep
Getting enough sleep is another important thing to do to lower the risk of developing heart disease. Sleep deprivation can seriously damage the overall health of a person by triggering a higher risk of obesity, heart attack, diabetes, and depression. Medical specialists recommend that most adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
7. Manage stress
In today’s modern world, almost all adults deal with high levels of stress on a daily basis. Unfortunately, stress does not only affect the mental wellbeing but also the heart of a person. It can raise the blood pressure becoming a trigger for a heart attack. Also, people that deal with high levels of stress usually use coping ways such as heavy drinking or smoking which are both bad for the heart.
Prevention is always the best way to ensure good overall health. Heart diseases are easier to treat when detected early, so any concern regarding your heart health should not be neglected.
If you are concerned about your cardiovascular disease risk profile, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If you need more information or seek emergency medical care contact the specialists from Emu Health 83-40 Woodhaven Blvd, Glendale, NY 11385 (718) 850-4368.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
