HEART DISEASE

The term heart disease refers to the broadest category of "disease of the heart" as defined by the International Classification of Diseases. This category includes acute rheumatic fever, chronic rheumatic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, coronary heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and many other heart conditions or diseases.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths when we include the  several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. Heart disease symptoms are recognizable.

Heart disease prevention means taking steps to prevent and control those adverse factors that put people at greater risk for heart disease and heart attack. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack, calling 911 right away, and getting to a hospital are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have had a heart attack receive a variety of heart disease treatments and also work to reduce their risk of future heart attacks.

A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction. If the blood supply to the heart is severely reduced or completely blocked, heart muscle cells may not receive enough oxygen and begin to die. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart. This damage can cause irregular heart rhythms or even sudden cardiac arrest or stopping of the heart beat. Death can result. Coronary artery disease is the chief underlying cause of a heart attack. A less common cause of a heart attack is a severe spasm of a coronary artery that reduces the blood supply to the heart.

In principle, all people can take steps to lower their personal risk of heart disease and heart attack by addressing their risk factors. People who already have heart disease especially need to control their risk factors. Learn more about how to prevent heart disease and heart attack and to act in time.

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It is not our intention to provide specific medical advice about heart disease, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and we urge you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions about heart disease. menwomenhealthtoday.com | Privacy