Heart diseases, also referred to as Cardiac diseases are used to denote a range of cardiovascular conditions. These diseases are one of the most widely prevalent health disorders that have affected the lives of millions of people across the globe. It is one of the leading causes of death in most of the developed countries around the world.
These diseases either affect the heart or the blood vessel system, particularly the arteries and veins that lead to and from the heart. Some of the cardiac congenital conditions, plaque-blocked arteries, diseases of the cardiac muscle and arrhythmia. While some people inherit the diseases from their parents, others develop it over a period of time. The most common form of heart disease in adults is known as coronary artery disease and the condition that commonly affects children is known as congenital heart disease.
Some of the common factors behind heart diseases include:
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Stress
* Smoking
* Family History
The symptoms of having contracted a heart disease can be subtle as well as dramatic. Breathlessness while exercising is sure sign that your fitness levels are not up to the mark and this maybe affecting your heart negatively. Undue palpitations are also one of the common signs of heart diseases. A tingling sensation on your fingers, toes or lips is again a sign that your circulating system is not functioning properly. Finally the most obvious sign of a cardiac problem is a feeling of tightness in the chest. If there is chest pain regularly it is advised that you consult a doctor at the earliest.
Modern medicine has found a number of effective measures to treat heart diseases including lifestyle improvements, taking drugs and undergoing surgery. Prevention is always better than cure and there are a number of ways you can keep the disease at bay.
A healthy lifestyle goes a long way to reduce the risk of contracting cardiac problems. It is important that you consume organic diet comprising vegetables and fruits. This together with exercises would help you to stay fit and healthy. Your cholesterol levels and blood pressure too would be under check. Though many people are genetically inclined towards heart diseases, with certain adjustments in lifestyle habits it can be avoided to a large extent.
Two of the most dangerous contributors to heart diseases are obesity and smoking. Both of these are known to increase blood pressure to high levels thereby exerting enormous strain on the heart. Smoking leads to the building up of fatty deposits in the arteries leading to circulation problems that affects the heart. Having excess weight also implies that you are not following a healthy diet and are missing out on important vitamins and mineral that are essential for the proper functioning of the heart. Quitting smoking as well as other unhealthy practices such as drinking is very helpful towards lowering the risk of contracting heart diseases.
To conclude, a healthy lifestyle with an eye on the symptoms will ensure that your life is not devastated by heart diseases.