All You Need to Know About Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the United States, affecting more than 18 million adults. Heart disease is also something people can significantly reduce their chances of with lifestyle modifications. If you or an aging loved one is worried about developing heart disease, it’s best to learn about how heart disease affects the body and ways to prevent it.

What is Heart Disease

Heart disease is not a singular condition but refers to a range of cardiovascular disorders.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is when there’s an irregular heartbeat rhythm. An arrhythmia can also mean the heart is beating too fast or too slow. An irregular heartbeat happens when the heart tissue or the electrical signals controlling the heart experience changes. These changes are usually because of disease, genetics, or injury. An arrhythmia may not produce symptoms, but some people may experience dizziness or difficulty breathing in severe cases.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances that restrict blood flow. Atherosclerosis can occur anywhere in the body, but it’s most common in heart arteries. The most common symptom of atherosclerosis is chest pain, although not everyone experiences symptoms.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease, and it causes complications in the heart’s ability to pump blood. There are often no symptoms in the early stages of the condition. Still, as it progresses, it can cause breathlessness, swelling of the legs and feet, fatigue, coughing while lying down, rapid heartbeats, dizziness, and chest discomfort.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease in the United States. Coronary artery disease is the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits in the coronary arteries or blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to your heart. The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is chest pains. If left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks.

Heart Infections

A heart infection occurs when bacteria and germs flow through the bloodstream and attacks the heart. One of the most common heart infections in older adults is endocarditis. This life-threatening infection causes aching joints, chest pain, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, swelling of the feet or abdomen, or night sweats.

Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease is common, but you can significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease with a few lifestyle modifications.

Exercise. Exercising for at least 30 minutes can help you maintain a healthy weight, vital for keeping a healthy heart. Your workout doesn’t have to be intense, but it should get your heart rate up. Try taking a brisk walk, cycling, swimming, or hiking. Whatever activity you decide, stick to a routine. If you’re new to working out, talk to your doctor before starting to prevent injuries.
Maintain a healthy diet. Eating foods high in salt and saturated fat raises your blood cholesterol and increases your risk of heart disease. Try to incorporate fresh produce and lean meats into your meals. If you eat pre-packaged food, look for options with low salt, fat, and sodium.
Stop unhealthy lifestyle choices. Smoking and excessive drinking are two of the main contributors to heart disease. Unfortunately, both substances are addictive. If you’re struggling to stop drinking or smoking, know it’s never too late to quit. You can talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Manage your stress. High levels of stress can cause body strain. Find ways to manage your stress, such as medication or exercise. Some stress is normal but talk to your doctor about managing it if your stress negatively affects your daily activities.
Attend your doctor’s appointments. Every time you visit your doctor, you’re creating a health record to help your doctor identify potential risks. Visit your doctor annually or more if your doctor suggests it. Also, make sure to share any concerns or complications, even if you don’t think they’re significant. The sooner you address a concern, the quicker your doctor can resolve it, and the less likely it’ll develop into a more severe problem.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you or a loved one is suffering from heart disease and needs assistance at home, the team at Visiting Angels Hurst, Texas can help. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparations, personal grooming, mobility, and more. Our Hurst office serves those in North Fort Worth, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, and Watauga. If you would like to learn more about our services, contact us online or call us at 817-893-6816.