The good news is that many of the causes of heart disease are preventable.

Definition of Heart Disease Heart disease is a broad term used to describe a range of diseases that affect your heart. The various diseases that fall under the umbrella of heart disease include diseases of your blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); heart infections; and heart defects you're born with (congenital heart defects). The term "heart disease" is often used interchangeably with "cardiovascular disease." Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as infections and conditions that affect your heart's muscle, valves or beating rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease. MayoClinic.com

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Heart Disease Risk Factors Non-modifiable: Age Gender Family history Modifiable: Hypertension Tobacco use Diabetes High cholesterol Overweight/Obesity Physical inactivity

Complications of Heart Disease Heart failure Sudden cardiac arrest Stroke Heart Attack Peripheral artery disease Aneurysm

Diagnose Methods Heart disease can only be diagnosed by your doctor. A few of the tests offered to determine the health of your heart include: Chest x-rays Blood tests Heart biopsy Electrocardiogram Echocardiogram Holter monitoring Cardiac catheterization CT scan MRI

Prevention Methods Exercise and eating healthy foods help to manage weight, which is a big factor with heart disease. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are factors of heart disease. Smoking can contribute to both.

Additional Prevention Methods Stop smoking. Eat healthy foods and maintain a healthy weight. Manage your blood pressure and reduce stress. Exercise on a consistent basis. Get your cholesterol levels tested. Manage diabetes. Participate in regular health check ups.

Things to do to Prevent Heart Disease in Specific Age Ranges In your 20’s: Find a doctor and have regular exams. Be physically active. Don’t smoke. In your 30’s: Learn your family health history. Invite the whole family to participate in healthy decisions. Manage your stress level. In your 40’s: Don’t ignore snoring, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and heart disease. Have your doctor check your blood sugar level. Manage a healthy weight.

Things to do to Prevent Heart Disease in Specific Age Ranges In your 50’s: Follow a healthy diet. Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke. Follow your doctor’s orders if they have given you a treatment plan to promote your health. In your 60’s +: Have your doctor preform an ankle brachial index test once every 1-2 years. Maintain a healthy weight. Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke.

Follow your Doctor’s Recommendations Only you and your doctor will be able to decide the best possible methods to treat your heart’s health. If you have any questions or known family history with heart disease, you should talk to your doctor to review a treatment plan for prevention. If your doctor has offered a treatment method to you, be advised that you should consider following the plan as for this may save your life.

Only you can maintain your heart’s health. Are you doing everything you can to preserve the life of your heart?

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