Resource Library
Powered by: ![]() |
|
|
|
What You Need to Know About Heart Disease Heart disease is most often caused by atherosclerosis, or thickening and hardening of the arteries. If an artery narrows too much, the flow of blood carrying oxygen and nutrition to the heart muscle is decreased or blocked. When there is not enough blood flowing to the heart, you may feel chest pain. A heart attack may occur if an artery closes all the way or narrows so much that a blood clot blocks the blood flow. Risk factors for heart disease Some risk factors for heart disease, such as advancing age, gender, and heredity, can't be controlled. But, says the American Heart Association (AHA), you can control other factors, including:
Other factors that may also contribute to heart disease include stress and a poor diet. These may have effects on some of the major risk factors listed above. Preventing heart disease You can reduce your risk for heart disease and a heart attack by seeing your doctor for regular checkups to evaluate your risk factors. If you have risk factors, you and your doctor can work together to control them. The AHA recommends regular screening for your risk of heart disease beginning at age 20. Screening usually includes measuring blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and pulse every two years, and getting a cholesterol profile and blood glucose testing at least every five years. Your doctor may want you to have more frequent screenings or visits if you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your screening schedule. Signs of a heart attack If you or someone you're with is having a heart attack, call 911 or your emergency medical help number. The signs of a heart attack include:
|
|
|
20351091(1)-12/03-EBS-CON







