The cardiovascular system, which is essential for the body to function properly, can be the cause of a few cardiac diseases. Understanding these conditions is crucial to adopting preventative measures and maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Hello, I’m Dr Joy,
In this new article, I’ll tell you about 4 of the most common heart diseases and 5 measures you can take to prevent them.
Let’s go?!
How to define cardiac diseases and their risks?
Heart disease, often referred to as cardiovascular disease, includes a series of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These diseases are often caused by various modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, a diet rich in saturated fats and salt, as well as other non-modifiable risk factors, such as heredity. The risks associated with heart disease go beyond the heart problems themselves, including complications such as strokes and kidney disease.
Here are the 4 most common cardiac diseases :
1. Heart failure
Heart failure is often the result of underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or heart infections. In this case, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to fulfil the body’s needs.
Symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling of the legs can limit a person’s ability to lead a normal life. Treatment for heart failure often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes such as weight control and regular exercise and, in some cases, surgical procedures such as heart transplantation.
2. The Infarction
A heart attack usually occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, often due to a blood clot. This can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. Risk factors include plaque build-up in the coronary arteries, often caused by a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Typical symptoms include intense chest pain, a feeling of tightness or pressure. Emergency treatment can include thrombolytic drugs to dissolve the clot, interventions such as coronary angioplasty to restore blood flow and close monitoring to prevent further recurrences.
3. The Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmias, characterized by irregularities in the heart rhythm, can be the result of electrical problems in the heart. The different forms of arrhythmia include heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or irregular. Causes can include structural abnormalities of the heart, thyroid problems, electrolyte disturbances or genetic factors.
Diagnosis may require tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or ambulatory monitoring. Treatment may involve anti-arrhythmic drugs, implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, or procedures such as catheter ablation.
4. The Hypertension
Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer”, is characterized by high blood pressure. This can damage the arteries and increase the heart’s workload. Although often asymptomatic, hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Controlling blood pressure through lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, stress management, regular physical exercise, as well as medication, when necessary, is essential for reducing risks.
6 measures to prevent cardiac diseases.
Preventing heart disease requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Here are five essential steps to follow :
- Adopt a balanced diet
Favor a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, oily fish and low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar. This helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce cardiovascular risks.
- Exercise regularly
Regular exercise strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and helps maintain an ideal weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, or 2h30 a week.
- Do not smoke
Smoking is a significant risk for cardiovascular disease. Giving up smoking considerably reduces these risks and helps to improve general health.
- Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in blood pressure, triglycerides, and weight gain, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. It is therefore important to consume alcohol in moderation.
- Managing stress
Chronic stress can contribute to heart problems. Adopt stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or relaxing hobbies.
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
It is essential to regularly monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels and, if necessary, carry out appropriate interventions. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are the main risk factors for heart disease.
Knowledge of heart pathologies, their risks and how to manage them is fundamental to preserving heart health. Regular cardiological assessments are essential for detecting problems at an early stage and treating them.
The real power lies in prevention.
Protect your heart.
Dr Joy !
This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
You must seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health condition.
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