February 14th is not just about celebrating love with your significant other; it’s also a day to show some love to your heart. This Heart Health Day let’s focus on lifestyle changes that can prevent heart disease and promote overall well-being.
Understanding Heart Disease
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It encompasses a range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Know More about Major Heart Health Problems
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD occurs when the major blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. Symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue. If left untreated, CAD can lead to a heart attack.
You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, a stroke or heart failure. It’s important to watch for heart symptoms. Talk with your healthcare team about any concerns. Heart disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups.
Heart Attacks: A heart attack happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. Emergency signs include chest discomfort, pain in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.
Strokes: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Emergency signs include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, and severe headache with no known cause.
Heart Failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, and rapid heartbeat. It can result from conditions that overwork the heart, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can be too fast, too slow, or erratic. They can cause symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. Some arrhythmias can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Congenital Heart Defects: These are heart problems present at birth. They can affect the heart’s structure and function, leading to issues like abnormal heart rhythms, heart valve problems, and heart failure.
In children, congenital heart defects can present with symptoms such as blue or gray skin, which may be more or less noticeable depending on the child’s natural skin tone. Swelling in the legs, belly area, or around the eyes is also common. Infants may experience shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain.
In older children and adults, symptoms may include shortness of breath during exercise or physical activity, easily tiring during such activities, and swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. These symptoms can vary in severity and may be noticed at different stages of life. Early detection and management are crucial for better outcomes.
Emergency Management
Heart Attack: If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Chew and swallow an aspirin (unless allergic) to help prevent blood clotting. Stay calm and rest while waiting for medical help.
Stroke: Remember the acronym F.A.S.T. to identify a stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Immediate medical attention is crucial to minimize brain damage.
Heart attack and stroke are life-or-death emergencies every second counts. If you think you or someone, you’re with has any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call for help immediately.
For a stroke, also note the time when the first symptom(s) appeared. A clot-busting drug received within 3 to 4.5 hours of the start of symptoms may improve your chances of getting better faster.
Many of these conditions are linked to many risk factors Such as
Age: The risk of heart disease increases with age due to the potential for damaged and narrowed arteries and a weakened or thickened heart muscle.
Sex: Men generally have a higher risk of heart disease, though the risk for women increases after menopause.
Family History: A family history of heart disease, particularly if a parent developed it early (before age 55 for men and 65 for women), increases the risk.
Smoking: Smoking damages the arteries and significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. Quitting smoking is crucial for heart health.
Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in fat, salt, sugar, and cholesterol are linked to heart disease.
High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can harden and thicken the arteries, altering blood flow to the heart and body.
High Cholesterol: High cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, with obesity and high blood pressure further elevating this risk.
Obesity: Excess weight exacerbates other heart disease risk factors.
Lack of Exercise: Physical inactivity is associated with many forms of heart disease and its risk factors.
Stress: Emotional stress can damage the arteries and worsen other heart disease risk factors.
Poor Dental Health: Unhealthy teeth and gums can allow germs to enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, causing infections like endocarditis. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential.
Diagnosis of Heart Disease
Diagnosing heart disease involves a combination of physical exams, medical history, and various tests:
Blood Tests: Check for heart proteins, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the electrical signals in the heart to detect irregularities.
Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart in motion.
Stress Tests: Monitor the heart’s response to physical activity.
Cardiac Catheterization: Detects blockages in the heart arteries using a catheter and dye.
Heart CT Scan and MRI: Provide detailed images of the heart and chest.
Treatment of Heart Disease
Treatment for heart disease depends on the cause and type of heart damage. It may include:
Lifestyle Changes: Eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat, getting more exercise, and not smoking.
Medications: To control symptoms and prevent complications.
Heart Procedures: Such as angioplasty or stent placement.
Heart Surgery: Including bypass surgery or valve repair.
Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Heart
Healthy Eating: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Avoid processed foods, excessive salt, and sugary beverages.
Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can significantly improve heart health.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can improve your heart health almost immediately.
Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your heart. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress levels
Heart-Healthy Valentine's Day Ideas This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate with activities that are good for your heart:
Cook a Heart-Healthy Meal: Prepare a romantic dinner with heart-healthy recipes and dishes rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants.
Go for a Walk: Spend quality time together by taking a walk in the park. It’s a great way to bond and get some exercise.
Gift a Fitness Tracker: Encourage your loved one to stay active by gifting them a fitness tracker.
Share a Healthy Dessert: Instead of chocolates, try a fruit-based dessert. It’s a sweet treat that’s also good for your heart.
This Heart Health Day let’s commit to making lifestyle changes that benefit our hearts. By incorporating healthy habits and celebrating Valentine’s Day with heart-friendly activities, we can show our hearts the love they deserve. Remember, a healthy heart is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones.
References:
American Heart Association. (n.d.). Lifestyle Changes to Prevent a Heart Attack. Retrieved from heart.org
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A contribution by Dr. Habab Basheir Elgamer,
