Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all genders and ethnic groups in the United States. It affects millions of Americans and costs the country billions in health care services. Every 34 seconds, someone dies of heart disease. 

February is American Heart Month. It’s a time for people to learn about their hearts and the potential risks of developing heart disease. It’s also the perfect time to understand what they can do to keep their hearts healthy. 

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a group of conditions that affects the heart. There are various types of heart disease, but a few common ones include: 

• Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when major blood vessels fail to send enough nutrients, blood, and oxygen to the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart attack. 
• Heart arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. They happen when electrical impulses in the heart don’t work correctly, causing the heart to beat too fast or slow. It can also cause chest pains or shortness of breath. People with heart arrhythmias feel like they have a racing or fluttering heart. 
• Heart failure is when the heart does not pump enough blood or oxygen to support organs. Contrary to popular belief, heart failure does not mean the heart stops beating. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, persistent cough, or nausea. 
• Heart valve disease occurs when one of the four heart valves doesn’t work correctly. Heart valve disease can cause a heart murmur, chest pain, abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat. 

Can I prevent heart disease?

Not every heart disease is 100 percent preventable. However, you can make many lifestyle changes to reduce your heart disease risk. 

• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels low. High blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar significantly increase your risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about medications and lifestyle changes to keep these levels healthy. 
• Find ways to move your body daily. Physical activity improves your heart health. You don’t need to stick with a vigorous workout routine, but find ways to move your body daily, such as walking, yoga, or biking. 
• Eat nutritional foods. The food you eat fuels your body, and it’s essential to eat healthy foods that provide the proper nutrients your body needs to function. Try incorporating more fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats into your diet. 
• Don’t smoke tobacco. Smoking contributes to various health concerns, including heart disease. Don’t start smoking; if you do, work with your doctor on treatment options to help you quit. 
• Visit your doctor regularly. It’s natural to have anxiety around visiting the doctor, but it’s vital to see them regularly so they can help you take care of your body. It’s also essential to be honest with your doctors about how you’re feeling and if you’re experiencing symptoms that may suggest heart disease. 

How can Visiting Angels help?

Living with heart disease can create challenges in caring for yourself. If you’re struggling with daily living activities because of heart disease, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our professional caregivers assist clients with light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation to doctor’s appointments, personal grooming, and many other nonmedical tasks. 

Our Gulf Shores office works with seniors and families in the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule a complimentary consultation, send us a message or call 251.943.7525.