Health Heart Disease The Causes of Heart Disease

Health Heart Disease Poor Diet Eating too many foods high in saturated fats narrows the arteries. Fatty foods cause people to put on weight which increases the strain put on the heart.

Health Heart Disease Smoking Nicotine - the main ingredient in cigarettes – causes an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure. More oxygen is therefore needed but smoking means that smokers actually get less oxygen.

Health Heart Disease Lifestyle/stress Stress increases blood pressure which puts a strain on the heart. Stress leads to an increase in fatty food intake.

Health Heart Disease Genetic Factors Some people inherit a predisposition to developing heart disease from their parents. For example, some people may be more likely to have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, because of their genes.

Health Heart Disease Lack of Exercise This can lead to people becoming overweight which puts a strain on the heart. It can also raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Health Heart Disease The Effects of Heart Disease

Health Heart Disease Lowers the life expectancy of a country as a whole but can also vary between different regions e.g. Glasgow has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the UK and lower life expectancy as a result.

Health Heart Disease Heart disease can also lead to an inability to work which can put a strain on support services and benefits.

Health Heart Disease Health costs increase as a result and more hospital beds may be required which puts an additional strain on the NHS.

Health Heart Disease Children can also inherit heart disease from their parents.

Health Heart Disease Strategies to Manage Heart Disease

Health Heart Disease Charities such as the British Heart Foundation have helped to combat heart disease by funding research into both the causes of the disease and potential new ways to treat it.

Health Heart Disease One of the most effective ways to control heart disease is to educate people on the ways to prevent it e.g. better diets, more exercise.

Health Heart Disease Ensure people have regular health check ups to check if they are at risk.

Health Heart Disease More money is being invested into medical treatment and equipment.