What You Need to Know About Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, yet many people don't fully understand what it is or how to prevent it. While a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, knowledge is the first step toward a healthier life. Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms, and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your chances of developing this condition.

This guide provides essential information about heart disease, from its various forms to practical prevention strategies. Whether you're looking to make lifestyle changes or simply want to be more informed, you'll find valuable insights here. For those in Philadelphia, PA, having access to quality primary care is a crucial part of managing your heart health journey.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is not a single condition. It’s a broad term that refers to several types of heart conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects blood flow to the heart. When blood flow is reduced or blocked, it can lead to a heart attack.

Other common types of heart disease include:

• Heart failure: This occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It doesn't mean the heart has stopped working, but that it needs support to function properly.
• Arrhythmia: This is an irregular heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
• Heart valve problems: These conditions occur when one or more of the heart's four valves do not work correctly, disrupting blood flow.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): While often considered a risk factor, chronic high blood pressure is also a type of heart disease that can damage your heart and arteries over time.

Each type of heart disease has different symptoms and requires a specific treatment plan, which is why regular check-ups with a primary care provider are so important for early detection and management.

Key Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Several factors can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Some of these are beyond your control, while others can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical care.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Age: The risk of heart disease increases as you get older.
• Gender: Men are generally at higher risk than pre-menopausal women. However, after menopause, a woman's risk increases.
• Family History: If you have a close relative who had heart disease at an early age (a father or brother before age 55, or a mother or sister before age 65), your risk is higher.

Controllable Risk Factors

• High Blood Pressure: When your blood pressure is consistently high, it makes your heart work harder, which can damage the heart muscle over time.
• High Cholesterol: High levels of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, increases blood pressure, and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have other conditions that are risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Poor Diet: A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and sugar can contribute to several heart disease risk factors.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for heart disease. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Excessive Alcohol Use: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and contribute to other health problems.

Managing these controllable risk factors through a partnership with your primary care provider is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of heart disease can vary depending on the specific condition. It's also important to note that men and women can experience different symptoms, especially during a heart attack.

Common symptoms of heart disease include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina): This can feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching.
• Shortness of breath: You might feel breathless during activity or even at rest.
• Pain, numbness, or weakness: These sensations may occur in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those areas are narrowed.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting: These can be signs of an arrhythmia or other heart issues.
• Fatigue: Unusual or extreme tiredness can be a symptom of heart failure.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet: This can be a sign of heart failure, as the heart isn't pumping blood effectively.

During a heart attack, men often experience crushing chest pain. Women may also have chest pain, but they are more likely to experience other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, back pain, or jaw pain. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How to Prevent Heart Disease

The good news is that up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is your best defense.

1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods, salt, sugar, and saturated fats.

2. Stay Physically Active

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, each week. You can also include muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Losing even a small amount of weight if you're overweight can help lower your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. Don't Smoke

If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your heart health.

5. Limit Alcohol

If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

6. Manage Stress

Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors.

7. Get Regular Check-Ups

Partnering with a primary care provider in Philadelphia, PA is essential. They can help you monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and create a personalized plan to manage your risk factors.

Your Partner in Heart Health

Your journey to a healthy heart begins with understanding your personal risk and taking proactive steps to manage it. Regular visits to a primary care provider are essential for monitoring your health, catching potential issues early, and creating a strategy for prevention.

If you are in the Philadelphia, PA area and looking for a dedicated primary care team to support your health goals, Vital Urgent Care is here to help. Our experienced professionals can provide the guidance and medical care you need to protect your heart for years to come.

Contact Vital Urgent Care today to request an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier future.