When thinking about heart disease, many people imagine a heart attack, but heart disease is much more complex. It includes all the conditions affecting the structures and functions of the heart. There are many different types of heart disease, including conditions such as:
Nevertheless, when most people say “heart disease,” they mean the kind where arteries become clogged, and heart attacks and strokes occur as a result. Addressing this type of heart disease early greatly increases the likelihood of favorable outcomes. That’s why it’s important to go for regular checkups to ensure your cardiovascular system is working smoothly. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, depending on the kind of heart disease that you have.
Learning about the scope of heart disease is eye opening for many people. Here are 3 statistics that you may not know.
In the United States more than 600,000 people die from heart disease every year, which translates to one in four people. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Even cancer can’t compete with these numbers.
Understand the risk factors affecting your heart health. Make wise lifestyle choices to minimize your risk or to manage your condition after diagnosis. Follow up with your doctor to monitor your health and discuss how you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
A heart attack occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries carrying blood to the heart become blocked. This condition is known as coronary artery disease, and it’s responsible for the majority of heart attacks.
Many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through responsible lifestyle choices. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are key in maintaining heart health.
Keeping on top of checkups is another way of preventing heart attacks. Make sure you come in for regular visits so we can regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Keep an open dialogue with us about any concerns that you may have.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and cease tobacco use. Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack. Maintain a healthy body weight and keep stress levels low to decrease your risk of having a heart attack or developing heart disease.
An astonishing one in three women die from heart disease. The risk of heart disease grows with age, so postmenopausal women are at an even greater risk.
It’s important to understand the unique risks that women face. Hormone-based contraceptives increase the risk of high blood pressure by two to three times. Many women don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity. Stress is another risk factor affecting many women
Heart disease has a reputation of being a man’s disease. So while women tend to be more likely to visit the doctor than men, many women don’t feel that heart disease is a serious concern for them. As a result, women tend to not pay much attention to their heart health when speaking to their doctor.
Take the first step toward avoiding being a heart disease statistic. Make an appointment with Dr. Maribao today and find out how your heart is doing. Call our office in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, or schedule an appointment online.
