Heart Disease
When you get older, chances are you are going to be affected by the number one killer in America: heart disease. If you develop heart disease, you may experience heart related events such as heart attacks , strokes, or hardened arteries. All these examples of heart disease are caused by certain factors such as diet, smoking, and diabetes. These factors can be controlled and the choices you make will help out in the long run. By making certain lifestyle changes now, your chances of developing heart disease can be greatly reduced. Before you make these changes though, you have to first know what heart disease is and how it develops.
A heart attack is an example of heart disease and occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque, which comes from foods high in cholesterol, is the sticky substance that blocks these vessels. Diabetes and tobacco from smoking make things even worse for the heart by making the blood vessels smaller and narrower.
A stroke is another example of heart disease and occurs when the brain doesn't get the oxygen it needs. When the brain doesn't get oxygen, its cells begin to die. Cell death is permanent and without oxygen, the brain can only go about ten minutes before going brain dead. The cause of the brain's lack of oxygen, is a blood clot in the vessels leading to the brain. Like in a heart attack, these vessels clot due to a build up of plaque. Tobacco and diabetes also narrow the vessels and make the risk for a stroke even higher.
Hardened arteries (or atherosclerosis) are a form of heart disease caused by tobacco smoke, plaque build up due to a high cholesterol diet, and high blood pressure. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is caused by a diet high in salt, lack of exercise, smoking, being overweight, and stress.
Key Steps for Avoiding a Heart Attack and Stroke:
A heart attack is an example of heart disease and occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque, which comes from foods high in cholesterol, is the sticky substance that blocks these vessels. Diabetes and tobacco from smoking make things even worse for the heart by making the blood vessels smaller and narrower.
A stroke is another example of heart disease and occurs when the brain doesn't get the oxygen it needs. When the brain doesn't get oxygen, its cells begin to die. Cell death is permanent and without oxygen, the brain can only go about ten minutes before going brain dead. The cause of the brain's lack of oxygen, is a blood clot in the vessels leading to the brain. Like in a heart attack, these vessels clot due to a build up of plaque. Tobacco and diabetes also narrow the vessels and make the risk for a stroke even higher.
Hardened arteries (or atherosclerosis) are a form of heart disease caused by tobacco smoke, plaque build up due to a high cholesterol diet, and high blood pressure. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is caused by a diet high in salt, lack of exercise, smoking, being overweight, and stress.
Key Steps for Avoiding a Heart Attack and Stroke:
- Lower your blood pressure.
- Improve your cholesterol levels.
- Lose excess weight.
- Control your blood sugar levels.
- Quit smoking.
- Consider low-dose aspirin.