Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart
It is estimated that approximately 7% of the population has some form of heart disease or damage to their heart. Most people associate heart disease with arteriosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks. However, there are other forms of heart disease, which are just as deadly. Knowing the facts about arteriosclerosis as well as the other primary forms of heart disease can enable you to recognize the symptoms both in yourself and loved ones. And early recognition is one of the most important factors in surviving heart disease.
Arteriosclerosis is the most common type of heart disease. This disease is characterized by a hardening of the arteries, including the coronary arteries, which surround and nourish the heart. Many believe that this process begins early in life. It is so common that it is found present in over half of Americans at death. Though the exact process is unknown, it is understood that the build up of plaque in blood vessels eventually causes the arteries to harden. Thus, the plaque seems to be the precipitating factor. Luckily, this can be controlled through a proper diet and regularly exercise. Eventually the build up is enough that the blood flow becomes seriously constricted. When this happens, the result may be a myocardial infarction, which we commonly call a heart attack. Another possible result of this same problem is when the fatty deposits form a clot that eventually cuts off the blood supply to the heart or some other vital part of the body. These two possibilities amount to the most frequent cause of death for the average American.
Cardiomyopathy is the next most common form of heart disease. This disease takes the form of impaired function of the heart itself. What has happened is that somehow the heart has been damaged and weakened to such an extent that the pumping action is impaired and in the process of compensating the muscle grows larger and larger. As the damage increases the danger of clotting and cardiac arrhythmia increases as well. Cardiomyopathy often results in damage to the heart’s electrical system and is the primary factor in later developing arrhythmias. Many patients with Cardiomyopathy are the prime candidates for heart transplants, which has a chance of saving their lives.
The final form of heart disease is when damage takes place on or near the heart valves themselves. This damage is usually a result of a congenital defect or an infection. Often it is a strep throat infection, which untreated, leads to rheumatic fever and eventually direct damage to the heart valves. Rheumatic fever has been well controlled in the United States but it is still responsible for approximately 7000 deaths per year. As far as congenital defects, it is estimated that only a portion of the 25,000 babies born yearly with heart defects have damage to the heart valves. One known cause is when the mother contracts German measles during late term pregnancy.
Regardless of the type of heart problem encountered it is helpful to know the common warning signs for a heart attack. They are: - A feeling of pain or slight pressure to the chest or a crushing sensation behind the breastbone. This may radiate to the shoulder, arm or legs. - The feeling usually lasts for a length of time. - OTC medication or rest does not reduce the pain though it will respond to a narcotic drug. - The face often turns ashen gray and a cold sweat develops. Often this is accompanied by nausea and shortness of breath. - Retching, belching or vomiting may occur which is often confused with indigestion.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE EXPERIENCES THESE SYMPTOMS GET TO A DOCTOR!
About the Author
Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Sign up for his Free Exercise and Meal Planner at The Biggest Loser or http://www.free-online-health.com
This article in Thursday’s WSJ, reports on a study from the Columbia University Medical Center in New York which was published in the Annals of Neurology. The study indicates that a Mediterranean-style diet that appears to cut the risk of heart disease also helps protect against Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, people who followed the diet were up to 40% less likely than those who largely avoided it to develop Alzheimer’s during the course of the research, scientists reported. A Mediterranean style diet consists of lots of vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and fish, while limiting intake of meat and dairy products, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and emphasizing monounsaturated fats, such as in olive oil, over saturated fats The article suggested that the idea that a heart-healthy diet could also help fight Alzheimer’s fits in with growing evidence that the things we associate with being bad for our heart may also be bad for our brain. This list would include: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes, according to an Alzheimer’s specialist. While this article discusses diet only and not exercises, the news is consistent with other studies that I have seen both as to diet and exercise. In other words, the exercise programs and diets that tend to reduce cardiovascular disease also are believed to reduce the risk of dementia.
For more information on Mediterranean diets Visit Getfitsource Blog
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Tags: Heart Disease
