Tips For Avoiding Heart Disease - From Heart Attacks to Atherosclerosis

A heart attack is an all-too-familiar term that describes a condition that occurs when the flow of blood is cut off to the heart. A heart attack can cause cardiogenic shock if blood flow to the brain, kidneys, or other organs is cut off. The heart muscle is damaged as a result. The most common cause of a heart attack is a blocked artery, and this condition is called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis disease is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, on the interior wall of the arteries. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, even though many people think that it is more likely to affect men. Over time, these deposits get larger, and can reduce the flow of blood to the heart. If the blood flow is cut off, then the person has a heart attack and required immediate medical attention.

Atherosclerosis can take a number of years to develop, and most people have at least some plaque on their arteries. Damage to the arteries caused by smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can cause plaque buildup. For this reason, adolescent heart disease is something that should be on your radar.

Coronary artery disease ("CAD") is another term used to describe atherosclerosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and swelling in the lower extremities. Age is a factor in this disorder as well. As people get older, they are more likely to develop atherosclerotic plaque in their arteries.

Heart failure, sometimes called "congestive heart failure," is a condition where the heart isn't strong enough to pump blood throughout the body. A person who has had a heart attack is at increased risk of developing heart failure. High blood pressure, an infection, or a heart valve disease are other causes of heart failure.

Signs that may indicate that you have heart failure include shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and ankles. The latter symptom can be traced to decreased kidney function causing fluid to collect in the lower parts of the body. If the heart failure is caused by high blood pressure, CAD, or a problem with the heart valves, it may be possible to treat the condition with medication. Reducing salt intake, losing weight, and reducing your intake of fluids can also help to relieve the symptoms of heart failure.

Another heart condition that you should be aware of is called an aortic aneurysm. This condition occurs when a portion of the aorta, the main artery supplying oxygenated blood to the heart, becomes weak. As a result, a portion of the artery bulges. If the bulging is large, it may cause discomfort in the abdomen, chest, or back.

Some people can have an aortic aneurysm and be asymptomatic until the bulging is quite pronounced. If the aneurysm gets too large, it may rupture. This is a very serious medical condition that causes internal bleeding, which can result in blood clots or a stroke.

The signs of a stroke include blurred vision, severe headache, and difficulty speaking. The person may experience numbness in the face and have a hard time following a conversation. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should go to the nearest Emergency Room for treatment.

Good health habits really start in childhood. A person who starts off eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refrains from smoking when they are younger is more likely to continue with a healthy lifestyle through adulthood. Parents can set a good example for their children, and it's never too late to start making positive changes that will improve your health.