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Conviva
health & wellness
| April 17, 2025

Your Guide to Heart Disease: What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed by Jocelyn Hermanson MSN, RN, COC, CPC, CRC

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. While the term “heart disease” encompasses a range of conditions, coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common. It's characterized by the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. This buildup can block blood flow, potentially leading to a complete blockage and triggering a heart attack.

 

Understanding heart disease, its risk factors, and management strategies is crucial for promoting heart health and well-being.

 

Debunking common myths about heart disease

Let’s explore the facts about heart disease and clear up common misconceptions about the disease and treatments. If you’re concerned about accurate information, or have questions about your heart health, visit your Conviva primary care doctor.

 

Myth: The only way to treat heart disease is through medication or surgery.

Reality: While medication and surgery play a role, lifestyle modifications are very important in managing heart disease. A heart-healthy diet and regular exercise are also great ways to keep your heart healthy.

 

Myth: Angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery will completely fix your heart.

Reality: These procedures can help with chest pain (angina) and improve quality of life, but they don't address the underlying cause, atherosclerosis. Without lifestyle changes, arteries will continue to clog with plaque.

 

Myth: You'll always know when you're having a heart attack because of chest pain.

Reality: While chest pain is a common symptom, heart attacks can happen with subtle signs, particularly in women. Recognizing symptoms is important for getting help as soon as possible.

 

How the heart works

 

The heart, a muscular organ beneath the rib cage, pumps blood through the body using a network of blood vessels. These vessels include:

 

  • Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body. Healthy arteries are elastic and narrow between heartbeats.
  • Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Veins have thinner walls than arteries and can widen as blood flow increases.
  • Capillaries: Tiny vessels connecting veins and arteries, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and nutrients.

 

The heart has four chambers: the right atrium, left atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle. Four valves (pulmonary, tricuspid, aortic, and mitral) regulate blood flow between these chambers. This intricate system works together to ensure efficient blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body.

 

What is heart disease?

Heart disease impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and keeps blood flowing freely through vessels. Damaged vessels make the heart work harder. Coronary artery disease occurs when arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup.

 

Cholesterol, along with other substances, forms thick deposits inside arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. If a blood clot blocks a narrowed artery, a heart attack or stroke happens, depriving the heart or brain of oxygen-rich blood. Over time, coronary artery disease can weaken the heart muscle, potentially leading to heart failure (the heart's inability to pump enough blood) or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

 

While there's no cure for heart disease, its progression can be managed through lifestyle changes. CAD is the most common type of heart disease, but other forms include heart arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, heart infections, and valvular heart disease.

 

Cholesterol: The good, the bad, and the triglycerides

 

Cholesterol, a fatty substance traveling in the bloodstream, can contribute to plaque buildup. Understanding the different types of cholesterol is vital because they aren’t all the same.

 

  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often called "bad" cholesterol, LDL transports cholesterol to cells. High levels can lead to arterial buildup.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL acts like a vacuum cleaner, removing cholesterol from cells and transporting it to the liver for processing.
  • Triglycerides: Another type of fat in the blood, high triglyceride levels can also increase the risk of heart problems.

 

Interpreting cholesterol test results can be confusing. Here’s a quick at-a-glance table to help explain normal and abnormal levels.

 

 

Total Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol

Desirable

Below 200 mg/dL

Below 100 mg/dL

Borderline High

200-239 mg/dL

 

130-159 mg/dl

High

240 mg/dL and above

160-189 mg/dl

Very High

 

190 mg/dl and above

 

 

HDL cholesterol

Poor

Men – Below 40 mg/dL

Women – Below 50mg/dL

Better

Better (Men): 40-49 mg/dL

Better (Women): 50-59 mg/dL

Best

60 mg/dL and above

 

Triglycerides for both men and women are ideal below 150 mg/dL. A level above 200 mg/dL is considered high. Seniors may want to discuss any results and target ranges with healthcare providers.

 

Diagnosing heart disease

 

If a doctor suspects heart disease or you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate a heart problem, several diagnostic tests can help detect any real problems with your heart. Most tests are non-invasive and painless and may simply involve a monitor to record the heart’s activity.

 

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the heart's electrical activity to find abnormal heartbeats.
  • Holter monitor: A portable ECG worn for extended periods to assess heart activity during daily routines.
  • Echocardiogram (echo): Uses sound waves to create an image of the heart in motion, revealing valve problems.
  • Cardiac catheterization (heart cath): A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart to identify blockages.
  • Cardiac CT or MRI: Captures detailed images of the heart and chest to detect abnormalities.
  • Blood tests: Regularly check cholesterol levels to assess heart health and guide treatment. A lipid panel (or lipid profile) measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Fasting for at least eight hours before the test is generally recommended.

 

Treating heart disease

Treatment for coronary artery disease aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, reduce the risk of heart attack, halt or reverse plaque buildup, and widen or bypass clogged arteries. Understanding risk factors is key to prevention and management. Risk factors are both controllable and uncontrollable.

 

Uncontrollable risk factors:

 

  • Age: Risk increases with age (especially over 65).
  • Gender: Men have a higher risk at younger ages.
  • Heredity: CAD can run in families.
  • Ethnicity: Certain ethnicities (African Americans, Mexican Americans, etc.) are at higher risk.

 

Controllable risk factors:

 

  • High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol increases CAD risk.
  • High blood pressure: Increased blood pressure makes the heart work harder.
  • Inactive lifestyle:A lLack of physical activity increases risk.
  • Smoking: Smokers are at greater risk.
  • Obesity: Excess body fat, especially around the waist, increases risk.
  • Diabetes: People who are diabetic have an increased risk, especially when blood sugar is poorly controlled.

 

Other contributing factors include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes is essential for managing heart disease. A basic healthy lifestyle begins with:

 

  • Heart-healthy diet: Emphasize omega-3 fatty acids, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
  • Regular exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (e.g., 30 minutes a day, five days a week). Consult your doctor about the right exercise level for you.
  • Healthy weight: Losing excess weight can improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol: These habits can worsen heart disease and risk factors.

 

Medications for heart disease

 

Healthcare providers may prescribe medications to manage risk factors or treat underlying causes. A few of the possible medications your doctor may talk to you about include:

 

  • ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers: Lower blood pressure, reducing the heart's workload.
  • Calcium channel blockers: Reduce blood pressure and relax blood vessels.
  • Medications to control blood sugar: Important for individuals with heart disease and diabetes.
  • Nitrates: Relieve or prevent chest pain (angina).
  • Ranolazine: Treats coronary microvascular disease and chest pain.
  • Statins or non-statin therapies: Control high blood cholesterol. Statins are also used for heart attack and stroke prevention in patients with diabetes or CAD.

Cardiac procedures: When more intervention is needed

Advanced heart disease may require procedures to ease chest pain or clear blockages:

 

  • Angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention): A catheter with a balloon is inserted into the artery to flatten plaque against the arterial wall.
  • Plaque removal: Removes plaque using shavers or lasers.
  • Stent placement: A wire mesh tube props open the artery to improve blood flow.
  • Coronary bypass surgery: A healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to reroute blood flow around a blocked section of the artery.

Cardiac rehab is a special program that helps people get stronger and healthier after having heart problems like a heart attack, heart surgery, or other heart treatments. The program includes exercise, education, and counseling. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, help pay for cardiac rehab. Taking care of your heart means working closely with your doctor and other healthcare helpers. Some important parts of this are:

 

  • Controlling blood pressure 
  • Checking cholesterol levels
  • Managing blood sugar if you have diabetes
  • Establishing an exercise routine and adopting a heart-healthy diet

 

Warning signs of a heart attack

 Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack and getting help right away can save your life. The signs can be different for each person, but many people feel chest pain or discomfort, have trouble breathing, feel sick to their stomach, get dizzy or lightheaded, or break out in a cold sweat. Chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack. However, women are more likely to feel shortness of breath, nausea, or pain that spreads to the back, jaw, or arm. If you or someone else has these signs, call 911 right away.

 

Take action now to build a heart-healthy lifestyle. Begin by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor, who can help evaluate your diet, activity level, and heart risks. Set a SMART goal to improve your heart health. For example, plan to walk for 30 minutes, three times a week for a month.By understanding heart disease, its risk factors, and available management strategies, you can take proactive steps to protect your cardiovascular health and live a longer, healthier life.

 

Disclaimers:

This blog is based on insights shared in Conviva Presents: Understanding heart disease, available on the Engagement Hub (opens in new window).

 

Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

 

 

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