Protecting Families from Heart Disease - What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for one in every three deaths. Understanding how we can prevent cardiovascular diseases is essential, especially for our families and loved ones.

Heart disease refers to various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and arrhythmias. The two most common forms are coronary artery disease and stroke, which are responsible for most of the heart disease-related deaths.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including genetic factors and lifestyle choices. Some of the primary factors that increase the risk of heart disease are:

• Age – As people age, their risk of developing heart disease increases, particularly for men over 45 and women over 55.
• High blood pressure – Untreated or poorly managed high blood pressure can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High cholesterol – Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Smoking – Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, as it damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart.
• Obesity – Excess weight puts added stress on the heart, raises blood pressure and increases the risk of developing diabetes, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
• Diabetes – People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, as high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.
• Physical inactivity – A sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
• Unhealthy diet – Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and sodium can contribute to the development of heart problems.

In order to minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications, it is recommended to actively follow several lifestyle changes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for good heart health. Aim to consume a well-balanced diet that's low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and salt. Make sure to eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
• Regular exercise is also crucial. Try to get some aerobic exercise each week and include strength-training exercises on a couple of days.
• Smoking is a big no-no for heart health. If you're a smoker, it's time to quit, and if you haven't started, don't. Also, try to stay away from secondhand smoke as much as possible.
• Keep your alcohol consumption in check. While moderate alcohol intake has been linked to lower heart disease risk, drinking too much can cause other health issues. Stick to one drink a day for women and two for men.
• It's vital to manage stress effectively, as ongoing stress can lead to high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors. Find healthy ways to cope, such as working out, meditating or talking to a mental health professional.
• Make sure to schedule regular checkups with your doctor to keep tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Catching and managing these risk factors early can greatly reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
• If you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, collaborate with your healthcare provider to manage them properly.
• Lastly, knowing your family's heart disease history can help you and your doctor identify potential risk factors and take the necessary steps to prevent heart issues.

It is never too late to make positive lifestyle changes to improve your heart health. By understanding the causes of heart disease and taking proactive steps to minimize risk factors, we can protect our families and ourselves from cardiovascular complications. A heart-healthy lifestyle and proper management of chronic conditions are crucial components of prevention. With knowledge and support from healthcare providers, we can significantly reduce the prevalence of heart disease and help ensure the well-being of our families.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Medline Plus
American Heart Association