Heart disease is caused by fatty deposits in the blood arteries , high blood pressure, and some other factors. You should know the risk factors of heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attack.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease or coronary heart disease results when plaque (a fibrous tissue) builds up inside the arterial walls, which causes a partial or complete obstruction of blood flow. The effect of this is less oxygen carrying blood to heart and may result in angina. Angina is a sensation of discomfort, pain, burning or pressure which is generally felt in the chest area and may propagate to the arms or neck.
Angina may be the first indication of heart disease. But many people with heart disease often get no warning signals, until they suffer a full heart attack. Chest pain should not been ignored, even when it is not permanent.
During a heart attack, the supply of oxygen to heart is cut off, resulting in tissue death for a part of the heart muscle.
Reduce Risk Factors of Heart Disease
Most people think that heart disease is a problem mostly for men. But according to the American Heart Association, more women than men die from heart disease in the U.S.
40% of the time the first symptom of heart disease for a woman is a fatal heart attack, so don't wait until you have a risk factor," warns cardiologist Dr. Lori Mosca.
Women who measure 35 inch around their waist are at high risk for or already have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or diabetes. Talk to your doctor, make some lifestyle changes and get heart healthy.
To reduce the risk of Heart attack you should reduce major cardiovascular risk factors. (Source: Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, Harvard Medical School)
Stop Smoking Smoking cessation can decrease heart attack risk by 50-70%.
Body Weight Maintenance of ideal body weight can decrease heart attack risk by 35-55%.
Reduce Blood Cholesterol A 10% reduction of total cholesterol can decrease heart attack risk by 20-30%.
Exercise Regularly Regular exercise can decrease heart attack risk by 35-55%.
Reduce Blood Pressure 6 point decrease in diastolic blood pressure can decrease heart attack risk by 16%.
What is Heart Disease?
