First of all, it is important to know that there are many types of heart diseases. Coronary artery disease is the most common. If you picture a hose with water flowing through, similarly blood flows through arteries and provides oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Atherosclerosis occurs when arteries become clogged with fatty deposits (known as plaque), resulting in loss of elasticity and narrowing of the arteries. This blocks or slows the smooth passage of blood. Plaque (fatty material, calcium, and scar tissue) builds up over years in arteries (blood vessels) and arteries become more narrow and clogged. In coronary artery disease, limited or blocked blood flow to the heart results in angina (chest pain because the heart doesn't get enough oxygen), or a heart attack because the heart is not receiving any required nutrients. Sometimes a plaque can burst and the body creates a blood clot to heal the wound. However, this blood clot could also block an artery and lead to heart attack or stroke (if arteries in the brain are blocked).
Risks of heart disease that you can control include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- High blood cholesterol
- Being overweight
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Stress
Heart disease is preventable. The heart and stroke foundation suggests that you can decrease your risk by not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, and limiting alcohol and stress.
I agree that many of these suggestions may be easier said than done, but take a moment to consider how your habits may affect your heart health, and remember, we can't have life without a heart (not yet at least)!
Information Source:
http://www.heartandstroke.bc.ca/site/c.kpIPKXOyFmG/b.3644309/k.F84D/Heart_Disease_Stroke_and_Healthy_Living.htm
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