Heart disease, sometimes called coronary heart disease (CHD), refers to any condition affecting the ticker, and is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Heart disease is not a single type of disease, it encompasses a broad range of conditions and diseases including congenital disease of the heart, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), and heart attack.
Talking about the causes, there are many- each being a factor in developing cardiovascular disease. The more factors an individual has in their life, the higher their risk of developing heart disease. Some of the factors may include lack of physical activity, being overweight, improper nutrient supply in the body, etc. Depression and the feeling of isolation may as well contribute to the causes of such heart diseases.
The following list discusses the main causes of cardiac
disease you should be aware of:
Smoking- Smoking
is one of the biggest causes of heart disease that can damage the blood vessels
and reduce the amount of oxygen available in our blood. Just a few cigarettes a
day severely damage the ticker. Smoking causes artery walls to become
“stickier,” thus increasing the risk of clots forming which can lead to a
stroke or heart attack.
Diabetes- Links
have been found between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (diabetes causes
damage to blood vessels therefore contributing to cardiovascular disease),
often due to the same risks for both conditions. People who eat unhealthy and
are struggling with obesity are more prone to diabetes. The same is true for
the disease of the heart. If you wish to prevent cardiovascular disease from
diabetes, it’s advised that you adopt steps to control and manage your diabetes
for a longer period, such as learning more about the condition and getting
routine care (follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen) to stay healthy.
High Blood
Pressure- Having consistently high blood pressure, also called
hypertension, can damage artery walls, the heart and other organs, and increase
your risk of heart attack and stroke. It is advised to have an annual blood
pressure check.
High Total
Blood Cholesterol- Anything in excess may be dangerous and the same can
be said for total blood cholesterol. It’s true cholesterol is necessary for the
normal functioning of the body but in excess it can wreak havoc on your heart.
High cholesterol is one of the primary causes of heart disease due to the
hardening of the arteries. 'Bad' (LDL) cholesterol can accumulate in arteries,
narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow through further leading
to lack of oxygen to the ticker, which could lead to a heart attack.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing weight,
not smoking, managing your alcohol intake, keeping your blood pressure in a
healthy range, and medication can help to manage and lower cholesterol.
Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - This is a major cause for heart diseases in women.
Take action right away if you know you have this risk factor. Insulin in high
amounts is associated with PCOS and thus increases the risk for a heart attack
and stroke.
Hope this information helps.
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