How healthy is your heart? In recognition of American Heart Month which takes place each February, we’re diving into the basics of heart health, including:
While you may have heard about different types of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels, it can be easy to get confused between different terms and meanings.
As outlined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), here is a simple breakdown of the
However, there are several other types of cardiovascular disease, including but not limited to arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate/rhythm), valve disease (issues sending blood from one chamber to another), and congenital heart disease (which people are born with).
The NHLBI also shares several notable statistics on cardiovascular disease, including:
Since cardiovascular disease affects so many American adults each year, it is important to be aware of its associated risk factors and symptoms to reduce your risk of developing serious health issues.
The Cleveland Clinic shares that the following
When we talk about cardiovascular health, it is also essential to discuss blood pressure. As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
While the CDC notes that blood pressure typically changes throughout the day, chronic high blood pressure—also known as hypertension—increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is important to know if your blood pressure is consistently high, so you can begin a treatment plan as soon as possible to protect your health. Unfortunately, the CDC notes that only a quarter of adults with hypertension have it under control.
Also, while high blood pressure is common in adults in the United States, the CDC shares that
First, it is worth noting that symptoms vary from one cardiovascular disease to the next. However, the most common signs of cardiovascular issues include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and/or difficulty breathing. If you experience these or similar symptoms, be sure to consult your doctor immediately—or in serious, life-threatening cases, dial 911.
In any case, doctors diagnose cardiovascular disease by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and family health history. From there, they will also perform a physical exam and conduct
Of course, it is incredibly important to live a healthy lifestyle throughout the course of your life to reduce your risk of developing any types of disease, including those related to cardiovascular health.
In order to protect yourself from cardiovascular disease, the NHLBI
While all of these are best practices to prevent cardiovascular disease and hypertension, those who are already affected should also follow these protocols. However, treatment plans may also include:
If you fall under any of the risk factors or experience symptoms as outlined above, be sure to discuss your options for diagnostic testing (and treatment as needed) with your doctor.