Heart Disease

Heart disease is a very general term used to describe both health issues with the heart and health issues with the surrounding arteries. The term heart disease is used to include diseases of the blood vessels, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects and heart rhythm malfunctions. There are many specific types of heart disease which can be prevented and treated with simple lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise .

Many heart disease symptoms can vary, depending on the specific type of heart disease, and can often go unnoticed until they become life threatening. Cardiovascular disease can produce symptoms including shortness of breath, pain or numbness in arms and legs and chest pain. These symptoms are usually caused by a narrowing of blood vessels carrying blood to the arms, legs, lungs and heart. Abnormal heart beat can produce symptoms including shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, slow heartbeat, fainting and dizziness. Congenital heart disease can exhibit symptoms during infancy, or can reside in the heart and blood vessels without symptoms until adulthood. This type of heart disease can include blue skin or nails, shortness of breath during infant feedings, shortness of breath during exercise and swelling in the extremities or around the eyes.

A heart attack occurs when a blockage in the coronary artery or a heart muscle defect becomes severe enough to interfere with the regular function of the heart. Prior to the advancements in medical care enjoyed today, heart attacks were often, even usually, fatal. With more widespread understanding of actual heart attack symptoms and advanced medical treatment, the odds of surviving a heart attack are greatly improved. A patient’s lifestyle is often the most significant factor in recovering from a heart attack. Weight loss, change in diet and an exercise plan can decrease the chance of suffering a second heart attack significantly.

The connection between being overweight and hypertension, or high blood pressure, and risks of heart attacks has been well documented. Obesity and hypertension, as well as obesity and high cholesterol, can be a deadly combination. A sensible, doctor supervised, weight loss and exercise program can go a long way toward preventing a heart attack.
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