The American Heart Association reports coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and heart failure are common heart diseases in the United States. Proper management of cholesterol and blood pressure is important in preventing common heart problems. Living a healthy lifestyle by participating in regular exercise and not smoking can also help prevent these problems.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. CAD manifests when the walls of the arteries of the heart become narrow or blocked because of plaque. According to the American Heart Association, plaque forms because of fats, cholesterol cellular waste products, calcium and other substances. Blood flow through the heart and arteries may become impaired. Plaque formation can lead to a heart attack, angina or chest pain; or a stroke. Persons with CAD may need to make healthy lifestyle changes such as improving their nutrition and exercising. Others may need medication or surgical procedures.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure in the arteries of the heart. The systolic reading reflects the pressure of the arteries of the heart when the heart is active or pumping. The systolic reading should be under 140. The diastolic reading is the lower number which is a measurement of the pressure in the arteries of the heart when the heart is at rest. The diastolic reading should be under 90. When these readings are consistently higher than 140/90, it is called hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Someone with high blood pressure is predisposed to heart attacks, strokes, or other heart problems. There are medications available for high blood pressure. Many have this disease and are not aware of it. Regular blood pressure screening is important for identification of high blood pressure and appropriate treatment.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is when the heart is not pumping the blood efficiently enough resulting in the body not getting enough blood to support the organs. There are close to six million people in the United States with heart failure according to the Center for Disease Control. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weight gain in the extremities and fatigue. There are medications available to help manage heart failure, though the only cure is a transplant. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease.
Heart Attack
According to the CDC, a heart attack is when a part of the heart muscle dies or gets damaged because of reduced blood supply. The most common reason for a heart attack is Coronary Artery Disease. Symptoms may include jaw, back, chest and shoulder or arm pain. Some may feel lightheadedness or shortness of breath. Persons having a heart attack need immediate treatment. CPR and defibrillation may be necessary. If someone is having symptoms of a heart attack, 911 should be called and CPR should be initiated if necessary.
