Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Each year, heart disease kills more than 600,000 Americans.
Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, causing more than 350,000 deaths each year. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and sweating. The problem with heart disease isn’t that age will eventually lead you to it. It is that it’s integrated among many other diseases that exist out there.
In this article, you’ll know more about the heart and its functions. This article will also explore the nature of heart disease and what are some simple ways to avoid it.
The Human Heart
The human heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. The heart is divided into four chambers: the left atrium, the left ventricle, the right atrium, and the right ventricle.
- The atria are the upper chambers of the heart. The ventricles are the lower chambers of the heart.
- The left side of the heart pumps blood to the body. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs.
- The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. In addition, the aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to all parts of the body.
The heart is responsible for the circulation of blood in people’s bodies. Blood is circulated through the body by the contraction of the heart muscle. The heart muscle must receive a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a term that refers to many conditions that affect the heart. These conditions include coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and congestive heart failure.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. The most common type of CHD is a blockage in one or more of these blood vessels, called a coronary artery. This blockage can prevent enough blood and oxygen from reaching the heart, which can cause chest pain (angina) and other problems.
The most common symptom of CHD is chest pain or discomfort. This pain can occur in any part of the chest and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea.
Stroke
A stroke is a severe medical emergency and can cause death if not treated quickly. About 750,000 strokes happen in the United States yearly, with about 600,000 of them coming from people that never had a stroke before.
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing damage to the brain cells. There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
A blockage causes ischemic strokes in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. This blockage can be caused by a blood clot or plaque build-up on the inside of the artery wall.
The most common symptoms of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms can include trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech, confusion, severe headache, and dizziness.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart muscle can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, ankles, and legs.
The most common symptoms of CHF are shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Other symptoms can include chest pain, rapid heart rate, and swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen.
Nature of Heart Disease
Knowing about the nature of heart disease can help you prevent it. Here are some reasons why heart disease is so common among the populace.
Age
Old age isn’t the only reason for heart disease, but it’s common among those who are older. As a person ages, the heart muscle can weaken, and the fatty deposits that build up on the artery walls can increase.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
People who are obese or smoke are at a higher risk for heart disease. These unhealthy habits can damage the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Living a much healthy and active lifestyle can prevent this.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease. This is because diabetes can damage the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Avoiding diabetes and changing your diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Dental health
Interestingly enough, dental health also plays a big role in coronary health. Poor dental health can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and increase the of heart infection. Good oral hygiene habits can help reduce this risk. Cosmetic procedures such as teeth bleaching can also make a difference. It can help decrease the chance of cavities, which can then decrease the chance of bacteria build-up.
Genetics
Some people are born with a higher risk of heart disease. This is due to their genes and cannot be changed. However, this doesn’t mean that these people are destined to have a heart attack. There are many things that can be done to reduce the risk of heart disease, including eating a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other problems. Knowing about the nature of heart disease and how to prevent it is important. By living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular checkups, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.