Cardiovascular disease, also called heart disease, affects millions of Americans every year. Heart disease is an umbrella term for a variety of cardiovascular conditions which, together, account for one in four deaths in America. While common, heart disease can be prevented, so it is important to stave off cardiac conditions before they start.
Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis is often referred to as a fatty build-up in arteries. This process can lead to the narrowing of heart arteries which then makes it harder for blood carrying oxygen and nutrients to be supplied to heart muscle.
This process can lead to a heart attack.
Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease are preventable. Risk factors including age and family history cannot be changed, but making healthy lifestyle choices can lower cholesterol and blood pressure to help prevent the development of arterial diseases.
Heart Attack
Coronary artery disease is a primary cause of heart attacks, also called myocardial infarction. It occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that at least half of Americans have one of the three primary risk factors for heart attack, which include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking. Age and family history are also risk factors.
These can be managed through regular, even moderate, exercise, stopping the use of tobacco products and adhering to a healthy diet.
If you suspect you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the neck, jaw or back
- Pain in the arm or shoulders
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling light-headed or nauseated
- Recurrent indigestion
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood as it pushes through the arteries. As the blood pressure increases, so does the risk for most cardiovascular conditions. Two numbers are used to measure blood pressure. The top number, systolic blood pressure, is pressure as the heart beats. The second number, diastolic pressure, is pressure in the arteries in between heartbeats. The general recommendation is that blood pressure should be less than 130 over 80.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, does not typically have any symptoms. A medical provider diagnoses it by measuring blood pressure. High blood pressure usually develops over time, often due to conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy or lifestyle habits. Untreated high blood pressure causes arteries to become less elastic, which results in a loss of oxygen to the body’s organs. High blood pressure can also cause a heart attack, heart failure and even stroke.
You can manage blood pressure by limiting the use of tobacco products, lowering alcohol and sodium intake, exercising regularly, and by taking certain medications prescribed by your health care provider.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a factor in many cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in the blood, some of which is required to keep the body healthy.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is the “bad” form of cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol causes a build-up of plaque that can lead to dangerous cardiac conditions.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is the “good” form that helps to lower rates of LDL in the body.
Physicians use a blood test to determine levels of cholesterol in the blood. These tests typically take less than five minutes to complete.
The following conditions increase the risk of developing high cholesterol:
- Age
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Inactivity or low exercise
- Obesity
- Poor diet high in unhealthy fats
- Smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
The most effective way to manage cholesterol levels is to maintain a healthy diet and weight, and get regular exercise. These lifestyle changes may help the effectiveness of medications used to lower cholesterol.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
While risk factors for heart disease such as age, sex and genetics are uncontrollable, many people are at risk of developing cardiac conditions due to lifestyle habits. Under the supervision of a cardiologist, you can often manage cardiovascular conditions by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.
- Healthy diet. A diet low in saturated fat and high in fresh fruits and vegetables is important for heart health. Start small by replacing red meats with lean proteins such as fish, chicken or turkey. Instead of white bread, rice or pasta, consider whole grains such as whole wheat/multigrain and brown rice. Reducing the number of pre-made or processed foods (anything that comes in a box or a can) is also good for heart health. Sink your teeth into these eight heart-healthy foods.
- Regular exercise. Moderate physical activity is good for your heart. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week. This works out to 15-30 minutes of exercise daily for at least five days per week. Build exercise into your day by walking the dog, taking the stairs or seeking other opportunities to get up and move. Here are some ways to exercise for heart health.
- Quit smoking. Smoking, vaping or using tobacco products increases your risk of heart disease. Get tips to quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol use. Significant alcohol use can raise the levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”), decrease the levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”) in your blood and increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, putting you at risk for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, the key is moderation. Some studies indicate that up to two alcoholic drinks a day for men (12 oz beer, 1.5 oz of alcohol or 5 oz glass of wine) and one drink per day for women may be protective for the heart, but only in people ages 41-65. Any intake greater than that amount can be harmful to the heart. As such, drinking in moderation is key to protecting your heart.
Read More
- The Link Between Family History and Cardiovascular Health
- Women and Heart Health: How to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk
- When to Seek Emergency Room Care for Cardiovascular Symptoms
- 4 Practical Tips for Reducing Your Heart Disease Risk
Medically reviewed by Clarence Findley, MD.
