Approximately 652,091 people in the United States die of heart diseases every year, representing about 27 percent of all deaths. Although heart disease is very common, there are steps everyone can take to limit their risk of developing heart disease.
Additionally, just knowing the signs of a heart attack can enable you to get emergency medical attention when it is needed, which can save your life or someone else’s.
Types of Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, refers to the narrowing or blockage of arteries, which causes heart attacks. Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to the heart is cut off.
Other common heart conditions include arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats; cardiomyopathy, or rigid heart muscle; congenital heart defects, which are present at birth; and peripheral arterial disease, or the hardening of arteries in the arms and legs.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, a feeling of general weakness, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulder. Know the symptoms of a heart attack, and seek immediate medical attention if you think you or someone around you is having a heart attack.
Heart attacks can be fatal or cause permanent disability, and the risk of death or disability increases as time passes. Getting treatment quickly can save lives.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Risk factors for heart disease include inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, high cholesterol, diets high in saturated fats and salt, and diabetes. According to the CDC, in 2003 about 37 percent of adults believed they had two or more risk factors for heart disease.
Although heart disease can run in families and may have a genetic component, you can reduce your risk for heart disease in several ways.
Preventing Heart Disease
Prevent heart disease by not smoking, getting enough exercise, lowering your cholesterol, losing weight if you need to, limiting your alcohol intake, and controlling your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to exercise for half an hour several times a week.
These steps may seem intimidating, but even making small improvements in your lifestyle can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Leading Cause of Death
The leading cause of death is not cancer, car crashes, or any other illness. According to the CDC, heart disease represents the leading cause of death for men and women.
Additionally, just knowing the signs of a heart attack can enable you to get emergency medical attention when it is needed, which can save your life or someone else’s.
Types of Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease, refers to the narrowing or blockage of arteries, which causes heart attacks. Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to the heart is cut off.
Other common heart conditions include arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats; cardiomyopathy, or rigid heart muscle; congenital heart defects, which are present at birth; and peripheral arterial disease, or the hardening of arteries in the arms and legs.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, a feeling of general weakness, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulder. Know the symptoms of a heart attack, and seek immediate medical attention if you think you or someone around you is having a heart attack.
Heart attacks can be fatal or cause permanent disability, and the risk of death or disability increases as time passes. Getting treatment quickly can save lives.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Risk factors for heart disease include inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, high cholesterol, diets high in saturated fats and salt, and diabetes. According to the CDC, in 2003 about 37 percent of adults believed they had two or more risk factors for heart disease.
Although heart disease can run in families and may have a genetic component, you can reduce your risk for heart disease in several ways.
Preventing Heart Disease
Prevent heart disease by not smoking, getting enough exercise, lowering your cholesterol, losing weight if you need to, limiting your alcohol intake, and controlling your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to exercise for half an hour several times a week.
These steps may seem intimidating, but even making small improvements in your lifestyle can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Leading Cause of Death
The leading cause of death is not cancer, car crashes, or any other illness. According to the CDC, heart disease represents the leading cause of death for men and women.
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