What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease refers to several conditions including heart attack, atherosclerosis, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve diseases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Many heart diseases are related to atherosclerosis, which is when the substance plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. Plaque buildup makes it difficult for blood to flow due to narrowing of the arteries. You may still be at risk for having heart disease even if you are not experiencing any symptoms or are having atypical symptoms. A heart attack occurs when an artery becomes blocked and prevents oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart.
Symptoms of a heart attack
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
- Feeling weak or faint
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders
Dial 9-1-1 immediately if an individual is experiencing signs or symptoms of a heart attack. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately if a person loses consciousness and has no heartbeat or is not breathing. If available, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Modifiable:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical Inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
Non-Modifiable:
- Age
- Gender
- Genetics
- Race/ethnicity
Stroke
Stroke is the fourth cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability among adults in the United States. A stroke is when blood vessels, which bring oxygen to the brain, become blocked or ruptured. When this occurs, the lack of oxygen destroys brain cells within minutes. Long-term effects of stroke may be permanent, depending on how many cells are lost, their location in the brain, and other factors. It is important to act fast to recognize and respond to the warning signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately so that medication can be administered to limit the damage of the stroke.
Warning signs include:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Cholesterol
Total cholesterol refers to the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). Elevated cholesterol levels may contribute to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis) increasing your risk of stroke and heart disease. A total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is considered normal. A total level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is elevated. Levels 240mg/dL and greater are considered high. Managing high cholesterol may involve diet modification, exercise, weight management, and/or medication.
For more information you can click HERE to visit the CDC.
