What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is the main cause of demise within the United States, in step with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. In the United States, 1 in every four deaths is the result of coronary heart sickness. That’s about 600,000 individuals who die from the circumstance every 12 months.
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Heart sickness doesn’t discriminate. It’s the main purpose of death for numerous populations, inclusive of white people, Hispanics, and Black people. Almost half of Americans are at risk for heart sickness, and the numbers are rising. Learn more about the increase in coronary heart disorder charges.
While coronary heart sickness can be lethal, it’s additionally preventable in most people. By adopting wholesome lifestyle behavior early, you may potentially stay longer with a more healthy coronary heart.
Medical terms
A type of ailment that affects the coronary heart or blood vessels. The threat of certain heart diseases may be extended through smoking, excessive blood pressure, excessive cholesterol, bad weight loss plan, lack of exercising, and weight problems. The maximum not unusual heart sickness is coronary artery disease (slender or blocked coronary arteries), that can result in chest ache, coronary heart assaults, or stroke. Other coronary heart illnesses include congestive coronary heart failure, coronary heart rhythm problems, congenital coronary heart ailment (coronary heart disease at beginning), and endocarditis (inflamed inner layer of the heart). Also referred to as cardiovascular disorder.
facts and risks The many factors that can affect heart disease risk are often difficult to decipher Still knowing the risks is important and it is possible to take actions to lessen the impact of your genetic predisposition to heart disease The key is to make the most of the information available about what puts you at greater risk for heart disease and then take action at an early stage in order to prevent or delay its onset.
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in the United States Heart disease includes heart attacks and ischemic heart disease and stroke includes both hemorrhagic strokes caused by bleeding into the brain and ischemic strokes caused by a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain People with either condition have a three times higher risk of dying from another—usually related—cause.
Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions that can affect your heart. These conditions include:
Coronary artery disease is a condition that affects blood vessels.
Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
Some heart defects you are born with (congenital heart defects)
Heart valve disease
Disease of the heart muscle
Heart infection
A healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease in many cases.
Types Heart disease
Types of heart disease include:
Arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm abnormality.
Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.
Cardiomyopathy. This condition causes the heart’s muscles to harden or grow weak.
Congenital heart defects. Congenital heart defects are heart irregularities that are present at birth.
Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is because of the accumulation of plaque inside the heart’s arteries. It’s from time to time referred to as ischemic coronary heart disease.
Heart infections. Heart infections may be resulting from microorganisms, viruses, or parasites.
Symptoms Heart disease
Sometimes coronary heart disease can be “silent” and not recognized till a person experiences signs or signs and symptoms of a coronary heart attack, coronary heart failure, or an arrhythmia.
If you have a specific type of heart disease, the symptoms will be different.
A buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries or atherosclerosis can damage your blood vessels and heart. This can cause narrowed or blocked blood vessels, which can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina), or stroke.
Men and women may experience different symptoms of coronary artery disease. For instance, men are more likely to experience chest pain. Women are more likely to experience other signs and symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and extreme fatigue.
Signs and symptoms can include:
Chest pain, tightness, pressure, and discomfort (angina) can occur when there is a problem with the heart.
Shortness of breath
If you feel pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs or arms, it may be because your blood vessels are narrowed.
If someone experiences pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back, they might have a sickness.
You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you experience one of the following: a heart attack, angina, or stroke. It is important to watch for symptoms of cardiovascular disease and talk with your doctor. Cardiovascular disease can often be found early with regular evaluations.
Heart disease symptoms can be caused by abnormal heartbeats.
Your heart may be beating too quickly, too slowly, or not at all. Some signs and symptoms of heart arrhythmia include:
Fluttering in your chest
Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
Some heart disease symptoms are caused by heart defects.
Heart defects that you are born with (congenital heart defects) are usually noticed soon after birth. Child heart defect signs and symptoms could include:
Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis)
If the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes are swollen, it could mean that there is an infection.
In infants who experience shortness of breath while breastfeeding, this can lead to poor weight gain.
Some congenital heart defects are not usually diagnosed until later in childhood or adulthood. Common signs and symptoms of defects that don't usually pose a life-threatening risk include:
If you are having difficulty breathing during exercise or activity, it might be because you are running out of breath quickly.
Exercise or activity can be tiring.
Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
Heart disease symptoms can be caused by a diseased heart muscle.
At first, if you have cardiomyopathy, you may not experience any symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include:
Breathlessness with activity or at rest
Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
Fatigue
Rapid, irregular heartbeats. They might feel like they're pounding or fluttering.
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
If you have heart disease symptoms, it may be because of an infection in your heart.
Endocarditis is an infection that affects the inner lining of your heart chambers and heart valves. Signs and symptoms of an infected heart can include:
Fever
Shortness of breath
Weakness or fatigue
Swelling in your legs or abdomen
Changes in your heart rhythm
Dry or persistent cough
Skin rashes or unusual spots
Heart disease symptoms can occur as a result of heart valve problems.
The heart has four valves - the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves - that open and close to control blood flow through your heart. Damage to these valves can lead to narrowing (stenosis), leakage (regurgitation or insufficiency), or improper closure (prolapse).
If one of the valves in a person's heart isn't working properly, signs and symptoms of valvular heart disease might include:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeat
Swollen feet or ankles
Chest pain
Fainting (syncope)
When to see a doctor
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms of heart disease, seek immediate medical care:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fainting
If you think you might be having a heart attack, always call 911 or emergency medical help.
If you have any concerns about your heart health, talk to your doctor. Detection of heart disease early makes treatment easier, so take steps to reduce your risk if you are concerned about it. This is especially important if you have risk factors for heart disease. A family history of heart disease means that you may be at an increased risk for developing heart disease.
If you have any new signs or symptoms that make you think you may have heart disease, see your doctor.
Causes Heart disease
Heart disorder is a collection of illnesses and conditions that cause cardiovascular issues. Each sort of coronary heart sickness is due to something completely precise to that circumstance. Atherosclerosis and CAD result from plaque buildup inside the arteries. Other reasons for heart disease are described below.
Heart disease is caused by the specific type of heart disease you have. There are many different types of heart disease, and to understand the cause of heart disease it helps to understand how the heart works.
How the heart works
Your heart is a muscle. It's about the size of your fist and located on the left side of your chest next to your ribs. The left and right sides of your heart are divided by a muscle.
The right side of the heart includes the right atrium and ventricle. This part of the heart collects and pumps blood to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries.
The lungs exchange air and give blood a new supply of oxygen. The lungs also expel carbon dioxide, which is a waste product.
Blood that is rich in oxygen enters the left side of the heart. This blood includes the left atrium and ventricle.
The left side of the heart pumps blood through the largest artery in the body (aorta) to provide oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
Heart valves
Your blood flow is controlled by four heart valves. Each valve opens only one way and only when it is needed, so the blood can travel in the right direction. The valves must open completely and close tightly to prevent leakage.
Tricuspid
Mitral
Pulmonary
Aortic
Heartbeats
A beating heart beats (contracts and relaxes) continuously.
When your heart beats, its chambers contract and force blood into your veins, which goes to your lungs and other parts of your body.
During relaxation (diastole), the ventricles are filled with blood drawn from the upper chambers (left and right atria).
Electrical system
Your heart's electrical wiring helps keep it beating. The continuous exchange of oxygen-rich blood with oxygen-poor blood keeps you alive.
Electrical signals start high in the right chamber (right atrium) and travel through specialized pathways to the ventricles, which deliver the signal for the heart to pump.
The machine keeps your heart beating in a normal rhythm, which helps to keep your blood flowing.
Causes of coronary artery disease
A buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis) is the most common cause of coronary artery disease. A poor diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, and smoking can all contribute to atherosclerosis.
Causes of heart arrhythmia
There are many common causes of arrhythmias or conditions that can lead to arrhythmias, including:
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Drug abuse
Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
You are born with certain heart defects.
High blood pressure
Smoking
There are many types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, prescription medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies.
Stress
Valvular heart disease
It's unlikely for a deadly arrhythmia to develop in a healthy person, since the heart's electrical signals will be properly initiated in a healthy heart. However, in a heart that is diseased or deformed, the electrical signals may not be properly started. Arrhythmias can happen when the travel through the heart is rapid.
Causes of congenital heart defects
Heart defects are usually caused by something that happened during a baby's development in the womb. Heart defects can develop as the heart begins to form about a month after conception, changing how blood flows through it. Some factors that may contribute to heart defects include medications, genetics, and medical conditions.
Heart defects can also develop in adults. As you age, your heart's structure may change, causing a heart defect.
Causes of cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy can be caused by a thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle, depending on the type.
Dilated cardiomyopathy. This most common type of cardiomyopathy is often caused by unknown reasons. The condition causes the left ventricle to enlarge, most often due to reduced blood flow. Dilated cardiomyopathy may be caused by a variety of factors, such as heart disease caused by damage after a heart attack, infections, toxins, and certain substances. Cancer can be treated with drugs. It may also be passed down from a parent.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.This type of plant is usually passed down through families (inherited) or it can develop over time as a result of high blood pressure or aging.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy.This type of cardiomyopathy is the least common and causes the heart muscle to become stiff and less elastic. It may be caused by diseases such as connective tissue disorders or the accumulation of abnormal proteins (amyloidosis).
Causes of heart infection
A heart infection, such as endocarditis, is caused when germs get into your heart muscle. The most common causes of heart infection are:
Bacteria
Viruses
Parasites
Causes of valvular heart disease
There are many things that can cause diseases of your heart valves. You may be born with valvular disease or it may be caused by conditions such as:
Rheumatic fever
Infections (infectious endocarditis)
Connective tissue disorders
Risk factors Heart disease
High blood stress, excessive blood ldl cholesterol, and smoking are key danger elements for heart ailment. About 1/2 of human beings within the United States (forty seven%) have as a minimum such a three danger elements.2 Several different clinical conditions and way of life choices also can put people at a better danger for heart sickness.
Some factors that increase your risk of developing heart disease include:
Age.As you grow older, your risk of having damaged arteries and a weak heart increases.
Sex.Men are more likely to develop heart disease than women. The risk increases after menopause for women.
Family history.If your family has a history of heart disease, you are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease. This is especially true if one of your relatives developed the condition before the age of 55 in men and 65 in women.
Smoking.Nicotine and carbon monoxide can tighten your blood vessels, which can lead to heart problems. Smokers are more likely to have a heart attack than nonsmokers.
Poor diet.A diet high in fat, salt, and sugar can contribute to the development of heart disease.
High blood pressure.High blood pressure can cause your arteries to harden and narrow, leading to a decrease in blood flow.
High blood cholesterol levels.High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes.Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. Both conditions are caused by similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
Obesity.Being overweight typically worsens other health risks, such as heart disease.
Physical inactivity.Inactivity is also associated with heart disease and some of its other risk factors.
Stress.Stress can damage your arteries and increase other risk factors for heart disease.
Poor dental health.It is important to brush and floss your teeth and gums often, and have regular dental checkups. If your teeth and gums are not healthy, germs can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, causing endocarditis.
Complications Heart Disease
Complications of heart disease include:
Heart failure. If heart disease or heart failure occurs, it can be caused when the heart isn't able to pump enough blood. Heart failure can result from many forms of heart disease, including heart defects, cardiovascular disease, valvular heart disease, heart infections, and more. Heart disease.
Heart attack.A blood clot that blocks the flow of blood through a blood vessel that supplies the heart can cause a heart attack. This can happen as the result of atherosclerosis, which is a condition that causes the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to a heart attack.
Stroke. The risk factors that lead to heart disease can also lead to an ischemic stroke, which is a medical emergency in which the arteries to your brain are narrowed or blocked, leading to brain tissue death within just a few minutes. draw a line.
Aneurysm.A serious complication that can occur anywhere in your body is an aneurysm. If an aneurysm bursts, you may experience life-threatening internal bleeding.
Peripheral artery disease.When you have peripheral artery disease, your extremities (usually your legs) don't receive enough blood flow. This causes symptoms such as leg pain when walking (claudication). Atherosclerosis can also lead to peripheral artery disease.
Sudden cardiac arrest.Sudden cardiac arrest is a sudden unexpected loss of heart function that can cause breathing and consciousness to disappear. If it isn't treated quickly, this can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Prevention Heart Disease
Some types of heart disease cannot be prevented, but the same lifestyle changes that can improve your health can help you prevent it, including:
Don't smoke.
You can try to control other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
It is important to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, on most days.
Eat a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat. These foods can cause cell damage in the body.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.
Practice good hygiene.
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Heart disease prevention
Omega-3 in fish
Red wine, antioxidants and resveratrol
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Healthy Heart Numbers
Diagnosis Heart disease
Your health practitioner may additionally order numerous sorts of exams and reviews to make a heart disorder analysis. Some of these tests can be executed earlier than you ever display signs and symptoms of coronary heart ailment. Others can be used to search for viable reasons for symptoms once they expand.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your health history. The tests they need to diagnose your heart disease depend on what they think you have. Besides blood tests and a chest X-ray, tests that might be used to diagnose heart disease include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).An ECG is a test that records the electrical signals in your heart. It can identify abnormal heart rhythms, either during rest or when you are under stress (a stress electrocardiogram).
Holter monitoring.A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart rhythm for 24 to 72 hours. It is used to diagnose heart rhythm problems that are not detected during a regular ECG exam.
Echocardiogram.This noninvasive exam uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart's structure. It will show how your heart beats and pumps blood.
Stress test.This test involves exercising or taking medicine to increase your heart rate while doing heart tests and imaging.
- Cardiac catheterization. In this test, a short tube (sheath) is inserted into a vein or artery in your leg (groin) or arm. A longer, flexible tube (guide catheter) is then inserted into the sheath. Using X-ray images on a monitor, your doctor will carefully guide the catheter through the artery until it reaches its destination. This passage speaks to the heart.During cardiac catheterization, the pressures in your heart chambers can be measured. This is done with a dye that is injected. The dye can be seen on an x-ray which allows your doctor to see the blood flow through your heart's blood vessels and valves. This helps to check for problems.
A cardiac CT scan is a picture of the inside of your heart.In a cardiac CT scan, you are placed on a table inside a doughnut-shaped machine. An X-ray tube rotates around your body and collects images of your heart and chest.
MRI is a type of medical imaging that uses magnetic fields and radiation to produce images of the body.An MRI of the heart uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of your heart.
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Cardiac catheterization
Chest X-rays
A CBC is a blood test that checks for different types of cells in the blood.
Coronary angiogram
CT scan
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Holter monitor
Stress test
Treatment Heart disease
The remedy alternatives will range depending on the form of heart disease a person has, but a few common strategies include making way of life adjustments, taking medications, and present process surgical treatment.
The kind of treatment you receive depends on the type of heart disease you have. In general, treatment for heart disease usually includes:
Lifestyle changes.Eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are also helpful.
Medications.If lifestyle changes and medication aren't enough to control your heart disease, your doctor may prescribe a specific type of medication. This type of medication will depend on the type of heart disease you have.
Medical procedures or surgery.If medications aren't effective, your doctor may recommend specific procedures or surgery. The type of procedure or surgery will depend on the type of heart disease and the extent of damage to your heart.
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Daily aspirin therapy
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Cardiac ablation
Cardiac catheterization
Cardioversion
Coronary angioplasty and stents
Coronary bypass surgery
Cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are devices that can help to restart a heart if it does not beat normally.
Pacemaker
Sports Cardiology Program
How long can you live with heart disease?
Millions of Americans are living with heart disease and many don't know it Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States killing one American every 38 seconds But you can protect your heart by being aware of what heart disease is how to recognize its symptoms and how to take steps to reduce your risk Learn how to live with heart disease as a healthy person by regularly scheduling checkups with your doctor and getting yourself screened for various types of cardiovascular diseases.
What are the early signs of heart disease?
Common heart disease warning signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and leg pain.
Can you recover from heart disease?
Yes heart disease can be reversed Several factors can play a role in reversing the effects of heart disease Lifestyle changes are an important element as well as medical treatments.
Can a weak heart be cured?
According to the American Heart Association heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States However it can be prevented and even cured through lifestyle changes and proper treatment.
How can I improve my heart health fast?
If you want to improve your heart health fast you don't have to change everything about how you eat immediately The American Heart Association recommends choosing healthy foods and limiting unhealthy ones These tips will help: Eat more fruits vegetables whole grains and lean protein sources such as beans eggs fish and poultry Limit processed foods and those high in saturated fat added sugar and salt Stick to the recommended limits for sodium (2,300 milligrams or 1 teaspoon per day) and trans fats (no more than 2 grams per day).
Lifestyle and home remedies
There are ways to improve heart health by making certain lifestyle changes. The following changes can help everyone who wants to achieve better heart health:
Stop smoking.Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, and quitting is the best way to reduce your risk.
Control your blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend blood pressure measurements at least every two years, but you may want to check your blood pressure more often if your blood pressure is higher than normal or if you have a history of heart disease. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic. There are millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
- Check your cholesterol.You should have a baseline cholesterol test when you are in your twenties and then at least every five years. If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend more frequent tests.Most people should aim to have a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level below 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L). If you have other risk factors for heart disease, you should aim for an LDL level below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L). If you're at very high risk of heart disease, your LDL level may be as low as 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L). If you have a disease such as heart disease or diabetes, aim to have your LDL level below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L).
Keep diabetes under control.If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Exercise. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol--all of which are risk factors for heart disease. If you have a heart arrhythmia or heart defect, there may be some restrictions on the activities you can do. Talk to your doctor to see what activities are safe for you. Talk to your doctor before trying any new physical activity. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
Eat healthy foods.A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugar can help you control your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Maintain a healthy weight.Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. A BMI of less than 25 and a waist circumference of 35 inches or less are the goals to prevent and treat heart disease.
Manage stress.Try to reduce your stress as much as possible. Practice techniques such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing to help you manage it.
Get treatment for depression.If you are depressed, it can increase your risk of heart disease significantly. If you feel hopeless or uninterested in your life, talk to your doctor.
Practice good hygiene.To stay healthy, brush your teeth and wash your hands often.
Make sure to get regular medical checkups. Early detection and treatment can help you have a long, healthy life.
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A heart-healthy diet includes following these eight steps:
Menus for heart-healthy eating
Eating nuts for heart health can be good for your heart.
Grass-fed beef
Coping and support
When you or someone you love learns they have heart disease, you may feel frustrated, upset, or overwhelmed. Here are some ways to cope with heart disease or improve your condition:
Cardiac rehabilitation. People who have heart disease or cardiac rehabilitation often need to take care of their physical health by doing exercises and eating a healthy diet. You can reduce your risk of heart problems by following healthy lifestyle habits and getting regular education about heart health.
Support groups.Talking to friends and family is important, but if you need more support, you can speak to your doctor about joining a support group. This can help you share your concerns and find support in similar situations.
Continued medical checkups.If you have a recurring or long-term heart condition, make sure to check in with your doctor on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that you are properly managing your condition.
Preparing for your appointment
Some heart diseases can be detected without an appointment. For example, if a baby is born with a serious heart defect, it will be detected soon after birth. In other cases, your heart disease may be diagnosed in an emergency situation, such as a heart attack.
If you think you have heart disease or are worried about your heart disease risk, see your family doctor. You may be referred to a heart specialist (a cardiologist).
Here is some information about your appointment.
What you can do
Be aware of pre-appointment restrictionsBefore your test, let the clinic know if you are on a special diet. This may include avoiding fast foods or drinking alcohol before the test.
When you experience symptoms, write them down. This will help you better understand what is happening and how to treat it.It is important to include any foods that may be helpful in preventing heart disease.
Write down key personal informationHaving a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, or diabetes puts you at an increased risk for developing these conditions. Recent life changes and stressful situations can also contribute.
Make a list of medications,What vitamins or supplements are you taking?
Take someone along,Remember what you're told by listing it off if possible. Someone who accompanies you can help you remember the information.
Be prepared to discussIf you don't already have a healthy diet and exercise plan, talk to your doctor about starting one.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Some basic questions to ask your doctor if you have heart disease include:
What might be causing my symptoms or condition?
What are some other possible reasons for my symptoms or condition?
What tests will I need?
What's the best treatment?
Can I find a similar medicine that does not have the same side effects as the one you are prescribing?
What are some other ways to do what you're suggesting?
What foods should I eat or avoid?
What is the appropriate level of physical activity?
How often should I have my cholesterol checked? For example, how often do I need a blood test to check my cholesterol levels?
I have other health conditions.How can I manage multiple tasks at the same time?
Do I need to follow any specific rules when decoupaging the leaves?
Do you need to see a specialist?
Can I have brochures or other materials? What websites do you think I should visit?
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you questions such as:
When did your symptoms begin?
Do the symptoms you are experiencing continue constantly or do they come and go?
How severe are your symptoms?
What do you think might help improve your symptoms?
What are the possible side effects of using this treatment?
Are you at risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other serious illness?
What you can do in the meantime
Making healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods, and being more physically active is never too late. A healthy lifestyle is the best protection against heart disease and its complications.
General summary
Contrary to popular belief heart disease is not a condition that goes away or gets better Despite advances in medical care and new treatments heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and in most developed countries.