A Healthy Heart and How it Functions

The heart is a muscle and is also known as the body’s pumping system. A healthy heart is a strong, hardworking pump and is about the size of a fist. It is the center of the circulatory system and consists of a network of blood vessels that delivers blood to every part of the body. The blood carries oxygen and other important nutrients that all body organs need.

The heart is divided into two separate pumping systems: the right side and the left side. These sides contain the four chambers of the heart. The four chambers are: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle. The four chambers of the heart are made of a special muscle called myocardium, which does the main pumping work. Healthy heart blood flow patterns flow from body to heart to lungs to heart and back to body.

The four heart valves are:  The tricuspid valve (located between the right atrium and right ventricle), the pulmonary valve (located between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery) the mitral valve (between the left atrium and left ventricle) and the aortic valve (between the left ventricle and the aorta). All of the valves together control the flow of blood in and out of the chambers. The valves are designed to keep blood flowing forward only, which prevents backflow.

The right atrium receives oxygen poor blood from the body and pumps it to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve. The right ventricle pumps the oxygen poor blood to the lungs through the pulmonary valve. The left atrium receives oxygen rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the left ventricle through the mitral valve. The left ventricle pumps the oxygen rich blood through the aortic valve out to the rest of the body. When your heart functions properly all four chambers work together in a continuous and coordinated effort to keep oxygenated rich blood circulating throughout your body. 

Types of Heart Related Diseases

A large portion of heart related diseases are due to atherosclerosis. This is when arterial walls become thick and stiff due to fatty deposits called plaques. This then restricts blood flow. When blood flow is restricted, it can lead to heart diseases. There are many types of heart-related diseases. Here are some of the most common heart related diseases and how they present:

Ischemic heart disease is a broad name for heart conditions that include angina, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, heart attack and sudden death. Angina manifests as chest pain due to a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply the heart. This may result in a heart attack if not immediately treated. Coronary artery disease is caused by narrowing of blood vessels that supply the heart with blood. The narrowing if severe enough may lead to angina and heart attacks. Coronary heart disease is the disease of the arteries of the heart. This disease may be caused by plaque build-up in the arteries causing reduction in oxygen rich blood supply to the heart muscle. Heart attack is the narrowing of the coronary arteries completely blocks the supply of blood to the heart. Sudden death is the abrupt loss of the heart’s ability to pump which is usually caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart’s pumping system.

Hypertensive heart diseases describe heart problems caused by high blood pressure and how it relates to the heart’s arteries and muscles. Prolonged high blood pressure creates stress on the blood vessels causing heart disease, strokes and renal disease. High blood pressure can also lead to an aneurysm which is a bulge or weakness in the wall of a blood vessel which can enlarge overtime and even rupture. Aneurysms can occur in arteries in any location of the body.

Rheumatic heart disease is a disease caused by one or more attacks of rheumatic fever which can damage the heart valves. This can then lead to valvular heart disease. There are three types of valvular heart disease which includes stenosis which is a narrowing of the heart valves, regurgitation which is when the valves leak or prolapsed in which the valves do not close properly. These conditions can all inhibit the heart from functioning properly.

Inflammatory heart disease includes pericarditis which is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac that encases the heart which is usually caused by a viral infection. Endocarditis which is inflammation of the heart’s inner lining which is usually caused by infection and most commonly affects the heart’s valves.

Congenital heart disease refers to a heart disease present at birth, such as holes in the heart, abnormal valves or heart chambers. Congenital heart disease may be caused by predisposed genetics or family history.

Cardiac arrhythmias refer to when the heart does not beat regularly due to a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system; whether too slow (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or an irregular heartbeat.  Cardiac arrhythmias in severe cases can cause undue stress on the heart if not corrected.

Heart failure occurs when the heart becomes too damaged to properly function. It may not pump adequately, causing organs to not receive enough oxygen to function efficiently. 

Symptoms of Various Heart Disease Conditions

Here are some of the symptoms for each heart related disease. If any of these symptoms come up, go see a doctor. These diseases are life threatening and should be taken seriously. If one has questions, got see a doctor as well. Being informed is the first way to prevent these types of diseases.

For Ischemic Heart Disease, there are a couple standout symptoms that should make a patient go see a doctor immediately. Those are fast heart rate, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These symptoms should not be ignored. Some other symptoms include sweating and nausea. For hypertensive heart disease, some symptoms too look out for are chest pain, pain in the neck, arms or shoulders, loss of appetite, and a persistent cough. These signs might come on gradually and when that happens it can be hard to notice them. Also tightness in the chest area, ankle or feet swelling, and heavy sweating can also be signs of this terrible disease.

Rheumatic heart disease has a signs and symptoms that very noticeable and those are a rash with pink rings or lines and multiple-joint inflammation. There is also the pain in the chest or joints, fatigue, fever, inability to exercise, and a fast heart rate. For Inflammatory heart disease symptoms there are only a few those were fever, shortness of breath, an achy feeling in the chest, a fever, and joint pain and swelling.

            Cardiac arrhythmias is also a serious heart disease and the symptoms include pain in the chest, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and palpitations of the heart. If one does not know what palpitations of the heart means, it is just when it feels like one’s heart is beating too fast or heard, or like it is skipping a beat. Congenital heart disease symptoms include a murmur or abnormal heart rhythm, shortness of breath, and swelling.

            The last heart disease talked about was heart failure. This is the type that everyone assumes with heart attacks. The symptoms include pain in the chest area, dry cough, dizziness, fatigue, water retention, bloating, and excess urination. Again if any of these symptoms occur or if one thinks they are occurring, don’t hesitate and go see the doctor. These symptoms might not sound serious but they certainly can become very serious. Below is a picture of a map of the United States and it shows that throughout the years, some states have been reducing heart diseases while others like the southern states have had an increase in the number of heart diseases. 

Risk Factors for Heart Related Disease

Several medical conditions can increase your risk for heart disease including high blood pressure which is a medical condition that occurs when the pressure of the blood in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. The high pressure, if not controlled, can affect your heart and other major organs of your body, including your kidneys and brain. Another condition that can increase your risk of heart disease is high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver or found in certain foods. If we take in more cholesterol than the body can use, the extra cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, including those of the heart. This leads to narrowing of the arteries and can decrease the blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Diabetes Mellitus is another medical condition that may increase your risk of developing a heart related disease. Your body needs glucose for energy. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps move glucose from the food you eat to your body’s cells. If you have diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin, cannot use its own insulin as well as it should, or both. Diabetes causes sugars to build up in the blood. The risk of death from heart disease for adults with diabetes is two to four times higher than adults who do not have diabetes.

There are several lifestyle risk factors that can increase your risk of heart disease. These are risk factors that can be controlled with a healthy lifestyle. Eating an unhealthy diet is one example such as eating foods high in saturated fat, trans fats, sodium and cholesterol. Physical inactivity, such as not getting the recommended 30 minutes of exercise daily to reduce risk of heart disease. The previous two can lead to obesity which can then lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes mellitus which all increase risk of heart disease. Alcoholism as in consuming too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can then increase risk of heart disease. Tobacco use is another risk factor that can be modified by leading a healthy lifestyle. Tobacco use can damage heart muscle and blood vessels leading to heart disease.

There are also risk factors for heart disease that cannot be controlled such as your age, sex, heredity and family history and race and ethnicity. Heart disease risk increases with age. Men and women alike have increased risk for heart disease but symptoms and severity of heart related conditions may present differently and at different ages. Family history of heart disease increases your risk of heart disease along with increasing factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Non-Hispanic blacks, Mexican Americans and American Indians have higher prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which increases risk for heart disease.

Genetic Predisposition

Cardiovascular disease, another name for heart disease, is one of the leading causes of mortality in nearly all countries of the world. Risks for developing this disease include gender, age, tobacco use, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, and family history. There are many tests that physicians, and other health professionals alike, utilize to screen for certain genetic susceptibility. At this point in time, most of these tests are aimed at screening for single-gene disorders of the heart, with most aiming towards detection of familial hypercholesterolemia (L. Claassen et. al, 2012). It is known that individuals with a genetic predisposition, or familial history, have a higher risk of developing CVD and heart disease, a less healthy lifestyle, and believe that medications are more beneficial than modifying their lifestyle factors (L. Claassen et al, 2012). It is important to take this information into consideration when one has parents, grandparents, etc. with a history of heart disease.

A study done in Greece looked at the correlation between heart disease and a genetic risk score. The researchers looked at genotypes of 494 cases of CVD. Of those cases, the genetic risk score (GRS) was 1.74 times higher than those with no genetic risk factors for developing heart disease. This research is important to note before getting into details involved in the health history at the doctor’s office. To understand what one’s primary care doctor is saying regarding their risk of developing heart disease, he/she must first comprehend that if they have a familial history, they are automatically more at risk (at least 1.74 times higher) than those who do not have a family history of CVD (N. Yiannakouris et. al, 2012).

First, when having one-on-one visits with your health care provider, it is important to notify your primary care physician that you have a history of heart disease in your family. Questions such as, “Did your grandfather have a stroke?” or “Did your father have a heart attack?” may be brought up. Although these may seem odd, it is important that these questions be answered thoroughly and accurately, because questions like these are important in determining one’s risk for developing heart disease. Even if you do not know your grandfather or grandmother’s history, you can begin with your immediate family—father and mother, brothers and sisters. It is also helpful to know his/her ages if or when they developed this disease.

Next, patients are going to frequently ask, “What can I do about it if my family has a history of heart disease?” It is important to note that we, as humans, cannot change our genes. Patients with heart disease, or those who have a genetic history of heart disease,  just have to work around their genes and try to modify our risk factors as much as possible. Modifying one’s diet, exercising, and avoiding tobacco are all great ways to change one’s environment.

            Also, there are many other genetic factors involved with heart disease to be aware of. For example, if a patient is of African-American descent, he/she is automatically at a higher risk. There is genetic history for African-Americans to have higher blood pressure, a higher rate of diabetes, and higher risk for stroke. It is also shown that Hispanics have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If patients are of this decent, it is imminent that modifiable risk factors (smoking, exercise, diet) are kept under control at an early age in order to decrease their chances of developing heart disease (“Family History and Heart Disease,” 2015).

            Conclusively, it was found that having a family history of CVD, or heart disease, is an important risk factor in developing heart disease. By modifying certain risk factors, such as not smoking, avoiding alcohol, exercising, and having a proper diet, patients can “work around” their genes to try to make their risk for developing the disease decrease.            

Here is a YouTube link that explains the genetic effect on heart disease and proves that, even when you have a genetic risk, there are still important modifiable risk factors that can decrease your risk of developing heart disease: 

Age Differences

As many of us know, the aging process can definitely take a toll on our body. Some of the age-related changes include: memory loss, weakened bones, arthritis, presbyopia (decreased sight) cataracts, glaucoma, other retinal disorders, presbycusis (hearing loss), slowing of the GI system, incontinent of urine, tooth decay, loss of skin elasticity, and an overall decrease in functional abilities. It is important to note that, as we age, our body’s organs become “played out” in a sense. This includes the heart, one of the most vital organs of the body.

            As the heart begins to age, so do the vessels of the body. These vessels can become more rigid, making it harder for blood to flow through them. Through life processes, fatty deposits (plaque) also develop along the endothelium in the walls of the arteries, which also slows blood flow to and from the heart. Other heart related changes with age are as follows: The heart tends to get thicker, especially the left ventricle. Heart valves, the mitral and tricuspid, may become thickened, or even leaky. The heart rate also changes. Medications, anxiety, stress, lack of physical activity, illness, injury, and infection all affect the heart’s pumping ability throughout the aging process as well (“Age-related Heart Disease,” 2016). Having narrow vessels due to hardening and plaque formation, along with other risk factors (smoking, diabetes, hypertension), all add up to increase one’s risk for heart disease and put the individual at a greater risk of having a heart attack.

            Age is one of the number one risk factors for heart disease. The age differences related to the development of heart disease are also based on gender, which will be discussed in further detail in the next passage. For men, the development of heart disease occurs much earlier than it does in women. Once again, this will be discussed later as to why this occurs. For men, the typical ages seen in the development of heart disease range from 35-65. This large gap can be due to many factors, including environment (both work and home), stress, and certain genetic attributions. Women, on the other hand, tend to have heart attacks after menopause. These ages for females, depending on their postmenopausal state, are usually after 60.

            Problems associated with heart disease throughout the aging process include angina (chest pain), atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension (high blood pressure), orthostatic hypotension, and atrial fibrillation (rapid, irregular heart beat) (“Age-related Heart Disease,” 2016).         

            However, despite any age, it is important to know that heart disease can develop at any point in time, especially if certain risk factors (genetic predisposition, smoking, diabetes, etc.) are present. Patients cannot expect to just have a development of heart disease between the ages of 35-70. Heart disease is a progressive condition that needs to be prophylactically treated early. Things that patients can do to assist in the age-related changes involved in heart disease include, but are not limited, to: exercising, smoking cessation, low-fat and low-sodium diet, yearly physical examinations including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, and taking medications, if prescribed, as ordered by the physician (“Age-related Heart Disease,” 2016).

Gender Differences

           Heart disease is one of the single most causes of death for both women and men in the United States. Women typically have a lower mortality rate than men when it comes to heart disease, so therefore heart disease has been considered a “male disease.” It is strange, however, that the reasons for the gender differences in heart disease are not quite known. Scientists, however, have hypothesized that there are differences in the physiology of the body between men and women. Also, it is noted that estrogen, which is higher in women, tends to have cardioprotective effects. When admitted to the hospital for a heart attack or chest pain, women, contrarily to men, undergo less types of heart surgeries. Tests for the diagnosis of heart disease are also performed less on women as well (Maserejian, N.  et. al, 2009).

           Heart disease tends to develop at least 10 years later in women than in men. However, even though it is seen later, heart disease is still one of the top causes of death in women. It is assumed, as stated above, that the exposure to estrogen during women’s fertile years delays the hardening of the blood vessels and other clinical manifestations. Nevertheless, signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis can still appear in women before they reach menopausal years. However, the plaques that cause atherosclerosis tend to become more “vulnerable” after the menopausal years. Other risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy, also increase a women’s chance of developing heart disease later in life (Maas & Appelman, 2010).

            When looking at the male perspective, heart disease is still a major killer—causing 1 in 4 deaths among men. It is important to remember that heart disease involves many other things besides just the narrowing of the arteries. It also includes heart attack, dysrhythmias, heart failure, valve disease, heart muscle disease, pericardial disease, aorta disease, and vascular disease. Men are two to three times more likely than women to have implanted defibrillators (pacemakers) to prevent a heart attack. It is important to note some of the pathophysiology at this point. The heart is divided between left and right sides, with ventricles and aortas. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs and brings back oxygen. It is noted that the right ventricle is larger in men than it is in women. Men differ from women in that their primary reason for having heart disease is having atherosclerosis, or a cholesterol-filled vessel. Women primarily develop small vessel occlusions rather than the large ones seen in males (Maas & Appelman, 2010).

             Conclusively, it is important to recognize the pathophysiology behind the gender differences associated with heart disease in males and females. By looking into this, health care providers can have a greater understanding of why the differences are occurring and what can be done to prevent them. Regardless of sex, it is important to know the risk factors for developing heart disease and to schedule regular health care checks in order to make sure that his/her’s modifiable risk factors are under control.

Environmental Factors

               When one thinks of the common risk factors for developing heart disease, they think of age, gender, and many of the other risk factors stated above. However, environmental exposure plays a significant role in heart disease, both leading up to and while having heart disease. Both the heart and the vascular system are susceptible to many toxic agents found in the environment. These agents can include, but are not limited to, air pollution, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Other things that pollute the air, such as smoking, play a key role in the development of heart disease as well. Exposure to agents such as these can “initiate” the start of the progression of heart disease or enhance the effects in those already diagnosed (Cesselman et. al, 2015). 

              Environmental factors do not just play a role in the development of heart disease. They are also significant in stroke and arterial disease as well. Metals, such as arsenic, that are found in polluted air have a detrimental effect on the blood vessels. Metals tend to damage the endothelial walls of the vessels. This, in turn, can cause scarring and may thicken the vessels, as seen in atherosclerosis. When vessels are thickened, less blood flow is occurring, which can lead to many problems including increased blood pressure and clogged vessels.

            In a study done by the American Heart Association, various factors were investigated in 2 groups. It was found that the incidence of heart disease was much higher in the urban and upper socioeconomic classes (Krishna, 1960). This can be, as stated above, due to the increased pollution of environmental air in urban areas.

              The body responses quickly to changes in the environment. For example, these changes include fluctuations in blood pressure. An increase in blood pressure significantly elevates a patient’s 

risk in developing heart disease by causes arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arterial walls, and 

atherosclerosis, or plaque formation in the arterial walls. A consideration for patients who live in 

urban or heavily polluted areas would be to modify their hypertension factors, including 

medications, diet, exercise, and having a diet low in sodium and fats.

            

              Another environmental risk factor in developing heart disease is one’s diet. As stated before, there is a higher incidence of CAD in urban or low economic areas. In areas such as these, proper nutrition can be difficult to come across, especially in low economic communities. The population will be eating unhealthy meals that contain numerous saturated fats, carbohydrates, and excessive sodium. In combination with other risk factors, this can increase the fatty plaque formation in the arterial walls and cause occlusion, leading to higher incidences of heart disease. Diet is one of the number one modifiable risk factors, however, and should be taken into consideration in the populations stated above. Access to healthy meals, such as local food banks, would be an excellent resource for patients experiencing these difficulties.

            Exposure to secondhand smoke can be just as deadly to an individual as smoking the cigarette themselves. Smoking causes vasoconstriction in the body, which narrows the blood vessels. This decreases blood flow to the heart. Smoking also causes an increase in fatty plaque build-up. These two body mechanisms increase the risk for developing heart disease, as stated before. In areas of high pollution, it can be difficult to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Something that those at risk for heart disease can do would be to wear masks out in public. The mask can filter the air that the body is breathing and provide a more pure air to breathe. It is very important to note your family history of heart disease when choosing your location to live and work.

            It is important to be able to modify this risk to a patient’s best ability. If there is a strong like to heart disease in the family, a patient should consider living in a pollution-free environment or rural area. Although it can be inconvenient at times, it is better to slow or prevent the progression of a deadly disease than to stack risk factors on top of one another until the disease is no longer in control. 

Diet

It is important, at any age, to take care of yourself. Whether that comes from choosing the right foods or keeping a well-balanced life style, staying healthy is essential to living a long, happy life. The first thing to look at when going to the grocery store is not the picture on the product, but the label on the product. Look at the ingredients and decide if that is something that should go in someone’s body. Meal planning is a helpful option because it gives one the time to plan each meal and not have to rush to throw it together last minute. Getting all of the right nutrients is important as well. The earlier one starts thinking about these things, the less worry they will face in the future.

            According to the American Heart Association, all age groups should look out for saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Too much of these can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Also eat a lot of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, fiber and skipping some meals with meat in it (American Heart Association, 2017). There are so many different types of fruits and vegetables, that it is easy to find some that one likes. Also, now with everything revolving around the internet, there are millions of recipes that are accessible to everyone. Eating healthy does not have to be a hassle or chore. It is something that will be beneficial in the long run and will not take away from one’s daily life.

 This is a photo from Harvard Medical School that shows what one’s plate should look like and consist of. It is known that the more colorful one’s plate is, the healthier it is. Loading up on the vegetables and fruit can make a very vibrant dish that can be appeasing to one’s eye.

Another important factor is reading what is on the label. The first thing one should look at when picking up a food item is the serving size. Knowing the serving size will help figure out how much of each thing is in the product. Next, look at the total fat and make sure the serving size has an amount of fat that is less than 10 grams and the saturated fat is less than 3 grams (Department of Health and Aging, 2017). Also, the amount of sodium is important as well. Try to have less than 120 mg per serving, as anything more can be harmful (Department of Health and Aging, 2017). The next crucial thing to look at is what is in the ingredients. The key rule here is if one cannot pronounce it, then the ingredient should not go in one’s body. The first ingredient listed is the ingredient that has the greatest amount in the food. The first three ingredients are the ones that should be checked for trans-fat, saturated fat, and sodium (Department of Health and Aging, 2017).

            The last thing that is helpful in maintaining a healthy diet is meal planning. Now to some, this sounds dreadful and appears as a lot of work. All it takes is some planning and one day to put it all together. Once all the meals have been planned for the week, the week goes fast and eating healthy is not a lot of work. Everything will be laid out and ready to go, so all one has to do is grab it and go. Eating healthy does not have to be a lot of work. It can be simple and easy, if one is willing to do it.

Staying Fit

Lack of exercise can be detrimental to one’s health and staying active is easier than most people think. Going on walks daily is beneficial. Any type of physical activity can be helpful. “Physical activity can help you control your weight and reduces your chance of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes,” (Mayo Clinic, 2016).

            It is better to start being active when one is younger. Regular exercise can slow down the aging process and give many benefits to the body (Gaz, 2016). Strength training and high intensity training can help maintain muscle mass, prevent cardiovascular decline and improve balance (Gaz, 2016). It is better to do these types of training when one is younger as these can be difficult to accomplish. If one starts younger, than it will be easier for them to keep exercising as they get older. One does not have to keep the same intensity throughout life. The body goes through stages and ages on its own and that is something we cannot control. Lowering the intensity as one ages is smart, as it still helps one’s health.

            For younger adults who want to aim for a high intensity workouts, they are easy to find on the internet. Some endurance training includes running and cycling for 30 minutes to an hour each day. It is important to also have some strength training in one’s routine, because as we age we lose muscle mass. One way to prevent that, or slow down the rate, is to start lifting weights (Gaz, 2016). Do multiple reps for each movement and try to increase the weight each week.

            Here is a video demonstrating some weight lifting movements for beginners. 

Just because one gets old, does not mean they are unable to stay active. If one can walk around, such as walking around the block each day or walking through the yard, it is a great way to stay active. If one is not able to walk that great anymore, there are still many exercises he or she can participate in. Here is a video showing some of the many exercises the elderly can do just by sitting on a chair.

As a reminder, one does not have to do high intensity workout to achieve benefits. Just taking the stairs, cleaning the house, gardening and walking the dog are great way to stay active and achieve the health benefits. If one was to do high intensity workouts, they would see results much faster, but sometimes that is not always an option.

Treatments

There are many different treatments for heart disease based on the specific disease. No treatment will be the same for every person. Sometimes multiple treatment types are necessary. Some conditions may require surgical treatments such as a coronary stent in which a tube is placed in the arteries of the heart to keep open for proper blood flow. Another surgical procedure is known as an angioplasty which is a procedure that involves inflating a balloon inside an artery and sometimes using a stent to hold the artery open. A more invasive procedure may be necessary such as coronary bypass surgery. This is a surgery that restores blood flow to the heart by using a healthy artery or vein to bypass a blocked artery thereby restoring proper blood flow. Surgical repair of damaged valves may also be necessary.

In addition to surgical treatments, some conditions may also require medications to treat heart disease related conditions or conditions that lead to heart disease. Some of these medications include: Statins which decrease liver production of harmful cholesterol. Some examples of statins are Atorvastatin and Simvastatin. Blood thinners may also be used which help prevent clots from forming or dissolves existing clots. Some examples of blood thinners include Aspirin and Clopidogrel. Beta blockers are medications that will slow the heart rate and decreases blood pressure. Some examples of beta blockers include Atenolol and Metoprolol. There are also certain heart medications that reduce chest pain or pressure caused by blockages in the arteries. Some examples include Nitroglycerin and Isosorbide. Calcium channel blockers will relax blood vessels allowing blood to flow easier. One example of a calcium channel blocker is Amlodipine.

Self-Care treatments may be necessary in all cases in conjunction with the other treatments or as part of a plan to decrease the risk factors for heart related diseases. These treatments include physical exercise which studies have proven that aerobic activity of 20-30 minutes five days a week improves cardiovascular health. Weight loss can also improve cardiovascular health to reduce risks and complications related to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Following a low fat diet by reducing intake of high fat foods such as fried foods, high fat dairy (cheese and ice cream), and red meat. Some dietary requirements for health related diseases may also be following a low sodium diet. Following a low sodium diet helps to control high blood pressure and excess fluid. It may also make breathing easier if you have heart failure. The recommended daily allowance of sodium is less than 1500 milligrams of sodium each day. You can reach that goal by avoiding sauces, pickled items, canned foods, gravies and even sandwich meat. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is best and using natural flavor additives like lemon, garlic and herbs.

No treatment will be the same in every individual. Some treatments may require the use of all three treatments combined a surgical procedure with a medication regimen and suggested self care treatment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should you go see a doctor?

A: One should go get an annual check-up every year. Sometimes, depending on one’s situation and condition, they should go more often than once a year. If one feels like something is wrong or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should go to a doctor immediately or as soon as possible.

Q: How many people have a heart related disease?

A: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 614,000 people who die of a heart related disease in the United States. That is 1 in every 4 Americans. It is also the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women (CDC, 2017).

Q: What should you do to prevent getting one of these diseases?

A: Staying active and eating healthy are vital in reducing one’s risk of getting a heart-related disease. Watching what goes into one’s diet is important, as many unwanted fats and sodium can sneak into products. Buying fresh is always best. Also, exercising daily either by strength training or by just walking the dog, can help reduce the risk.

Q: Does genetics play a role?

A: According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, one’s risk of heart disease can go up if it runs in your family and is also based on your race, age, and ethnicity. It is said that genetics does play a role in factors that influence heart disease, such as high blood pressure, however, it could also be that the family is in the same environment (CDC, 2015).

Q: Do you have a higher risk of getting heart disease if you are obese?

A: Being overweight will increase your risk of getting heart disease, because high blood pressure and diabetes are associated with being overweight. Also, being overweight decreases HDL, “good” cholesterol. Changing one’s diet and exercise is necessary to reduce that risk of obtaining a heart-related disease.

Q: What is a stress test?

A: A stress test is taken when the patient is typically running on a treadmill and the electrical activity of the heart is monitored on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). However, not everyone should get this test done because it does produce false positives. Only patients with a high risk of heart disease or have the symptoms should have this test performed.

References

• About Heart Disease. (2015, August 10). Retrieved October 01, 2017, from                                                           https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm
• Age-related Heart Disease. (2016, September 30). Retrieved from                                                                                           http://www.wakehealth.edu/Heart-and-Vascular/Conditions/Age-Related-Heart-                         Disease.htm
• Classen, L., Henneman, L., Weijden, T.V., Marteau, T., & Timmermans, D. (2012). Being at risk                    for cardiovascular disease: Perceptions and preventative behavior in people with and                        without known genetic predisposition. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 17(5), 511-521.                 doi: 10.1080/13548506.2011.644246
• Coronary Artery Disease Treatment. (2017, August 04). Retrieved September 30, 2017, from                       mayoclinic.org
• Cosselman, K. E., Navas-Acien, A., & Kaufman, J.D. (2015, November). Environmental factors     in cardiovascular disease. Retrieved from                                                                                                                 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26461967
• Cox, O. (2017, April 30). Food labels: what to look for. Retrieved October 01, 2017, from                 https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/eating-well/how-understand-food-labels/food-labels-                           what-look
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