As we all know a disease is a condition that impairs the proper functioning of the body or one of its parts. In other words Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being not merely the absence of disease. Cardiovascular diseases (disease of heart and blood vessels) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Why do we need to know the reasons people die? Because It’s important to improve how people live.
How the heart works and what is a heart attack?
Heart is a muscular organ consisting of 4 valves & 4 chambers. It exactly works as a pump i.e. to pump the blood to all parts of our body. When the heart fails to pump the blood such a condition is called Heart failure. Heart also needs energy to work which it gets via special blood vessels located on the outer surface of the heart called CORONARIES. When these blood vessels tend to get blocked(most commonly due to fat deposition) a life threatening condition may arise which is called heart attack. If it is not treated in time it can be fatal and lead to Sudden death.
Overview
Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect our heart, eg:
- Blood vessel disease such as coronary artery disease is one of the reasons for heart attack and cardiac deaths.
- Heart rhythm (heart beat) problems are called arrhythmias
- Heart defects you are born with(Congenital heart defects)
- Heart valve disease(there are 4 valves and 4 chambers in the heart and any of the valve can be damaged)
- Disease of the heart muscles
- Heart infections
Because heart disease is increasing globally, it is crucial that we understand the social and economic forces that promote the development of risk factors. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.
Risk factors
Risk factors for developing heart disease include:
- Age. Growing older increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries and a weakened or thickened heart muscle.
- Sex. Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. The risk for women increases after menopause.
- Family history. A family history of heart disease increases your risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a parent developed it at an early age (before age 55 for a male relative, such as your brother or father, and 65 for a female relative, such as your mother or sister).
- Smoking. Nicotine tightens your blood vessels, and carbon monoxide can damage their inner lining, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis. Heart attacks are more common in smokers than in non-smokers.
- Poor diet. A diet that’s high in fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol can contribute to the development of heart disease.
- High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in hardening and thickening of your arteries, narrowing the vessels through which blood flows.
- High blood cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of plaque formation and atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. Both conditions share similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
- Obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other heart disease risk factors.
- Physical inactivity. Lack of exercise also is associated with many forms of heart disease and some of its other risk factors as well.
- Stress. Unrelieved stress may damage your arteries and worsen other risk factors for heart disease.
- Poor dental health. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth and gums often, and have regular dental check-ups. If your teeth and gums aren’t healthy, germs can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, causing endocarditis.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath, palpitation, sweating, sinking sensation
- Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
- Nausea, Indigestion, heartburn
You might not be diagnosed with coronary artery disease until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure. It’s important to watch for heart attack symptoms and discuss concerns with your doctor. Cardiovascular disease can sometimes be found early with regular evaluations.
Early Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Not all heart problems come with clear warning signs. Chest pain might be a warning sign of a heart attack. Serial ECGs, Cardiac Markers, 2D Echocardiography, Coronary angiography are the essential tools of diagnosis. In the past thrombolytic agents were used to help dissolving blood clots. Currently percutaneous coronary intervention is a preferred treatment option. It is a procedure in which a guided balloon is used to open a blocked coronary artery and a stent is usually placed at the narrowed artery. Certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, can’t be prevented. However, the same lifestyle changes that can improve your heart disease can help you prevent it, including:
- Don’t smoke.
- Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
- Eat a diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
- Practice good hygiene
Conclusion : Purpose of writing this article is to just shed light on some of those untouched issues which are critical for the early detection of cardiac disease. There are so many behavioral & psychological factors (Anger, stress, depression, anxiety, hostility, back-stabbing, gossiping etc) that influence the course of our life span. By quitting these habits, a person can prevent the early onset of cardiac disease. I personally believe that there is an overflow of knowledge in every sphere of life but what is more importantly required is to follow the practical implications of our true learning as taught by our Prophets, Imams & Ahlebait a.s.
“There is no illness more debilitating than the lack of intellect” ~ Imam Ali a.s
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Dr. S.K. ASKARI
M.D (Medicine), PGC (Cardiology)
Associate Consultant, Cardiology Dept. – Jaypee Hospital, Noida