The buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries can lead to heart disease. Over time, the arteries become narrowed as plaque builds on the arterial walls, which harden, a condition also known as atherosclerosis. Blood flow that normally carries oxygen and nutrients from the heart to organs and tissues becomes restricted, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eating unhealthy foods, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking are major culprits in getting heart disease.
Potential
Some people are at risk for heart disease because of conditions that cannot be changed, as heredity plays a role in some heart disease cases. People with parents who had heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves, the American Heart Association points out. They need to take extra care when dealing with other risk factors, such as unhealthy lifestyles or habits. Men are more at risk for heart disease than women. As people age, their risk of heart disease increases. The majority of people who die from heart disease are 65 or older.
Theories/Speculation
Stress may be a contributing factor for heart disease, the American Heart Association notes. Sometimes this is related to a person's particular life, health behaviors and economic or social factors. High levels of stress may cause people to overeat, eat unhealthy foods, smoke or drink heavily.
Dietary Effects
Unhealthy diets have been linked to heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol raise blood cholesterol levels, which can result in atherosclerosis. High intake of salt, or sodium, can raise blood pressure. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, making the heart thicker and stiffer. High blood pressure also leads to hardening of the arteries, restricting blood flow. It also increases the risk of developing diabetes, the American Heart Association says. About three-quarters of diabetics die from heart or blood vessel disease. Diabetics need to control their condition through diet, exercise and sometimes insulin use.
Function
A lack of physical activity increases the risk of heart disease, the CDC notes. Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease by controlling blood cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. The more vigorous the activity, the more benefits a person gets. Regular exercise helps keep off excess pounds to avoid the risk factors of being overweight or obese, which can lead to heart disease. Obesity increases the risk of other heart disease factors, including excess LDL, or bad cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Considerations
Smoking or high alcohol consumption can cause heart disease, according to the CDC. Smoking increases blood clotting factors, promoting atherosclerosis. Nicotine raises blood pressure. The carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke decreases the amount of oxygen that blood can carry. Heavy drinking of alcohol increases blood pressure and the blood levels of triglycerides, fatty substances that also contribute to heart disease. However, moderate drinking may lower the risk for heart disease. Moderate drinking is considered two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
