Heart disease includes a number of conditions that affect the heart. The vast majority of heart diseases are related to the disease of the blood vessels of the heart, called cardiovascular disease, caused by atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is often caused by high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption and others.
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaque). They then become narrow and harden, which can restrict blood flow. Advanced atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.
Healthy living with atherosclerosis is possible with proper management, so take steps now toward better heart health. Atherosclerosis doesn’t have to be a hopeless battle. In fact, the disease can be reversed with lifestyle changes.
Heart disease also includes cardiac arrhythmias, which often present with palpitations, heart failure, which causes shortness of breath, and heart valve disease.
Ideally, people should become aware of their personal risk of developing heart disease before the first symptoms appear. This is where the cardiological examination comes in.
If necessary, individualized treatment is initiated.
If high blood pressure is detected, modern combined drug treatment is started immediately.
If cholesterol levels are elevated, proper dietary changes and, if necessary, drug treatment with statins is indicated.
Antiarrhythmic treatment is chosen considering the underlying cause of the mechanisms.
If there is a strong suspicion of significant cardiovascular disease, it is necessary to undergo an invasive diagnostic procedure called a coronary angiogram and, if indicated, treatment of coronary stenosis with a stent.
If a form of heart disease is detected and diagnosed, individualized treatment is given according to the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiologists. This relieves symptoms and, in many cases, can reverse organ damage. Ongoing treatment is modified regularly to meet accuracy needs and limit the risks of side effects.
It is estimated that up to 90% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is preventable. Prevention of CVD includes improving risk factors through: healthy diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Treating risk factors, such as high blood pressure, blood lipids and diabetes, is also beneficial. Exercise is prescribed for everyone!
Exercise
Put on your sneakers.
Move more in October, aiming for at least 20 minutes of daily activity or exercise. If you have a family history of heart disease, you can lower your risk to someone without a family history by increasing your fitness.
Don’t smoke
Stop smoking cigarettes. Yes, smoking affects your heart.
And not just your heart. Nearly 80 years of research has shown that smoking negatively affects your lungs, all your blood vessels and your blood pressure.
Get moving to fight heart disease!
Diet
Some diets are good. Weight loss is good. But which diet is optimal?
Keto? Paleo? Mediterranean? 5:2? Gluten-free? Vegan?
Family History
How do I know I’m susceptible to heart disease?
Is there a history of heart disease in your family?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Are you stressed out?
Are you overweight?
Do you have diabetes?
If the answer is “yes” or “I don’t know,” you should find out.
Cardiovascular disease is not difficult to detect. There are numerous tests and diagnostic modalities to visualize both the structure and function of the heart. What can be challenging is finding clues to future cardiovascular disease BEFORE the actual damage occurs.
gncdubai Neurologist in Dubai offers heart health assessment tools to help you lower your risk for heart disease and live your best life.
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