Types And Reasons Of The Heart Diseases - Research Paper Example

Heart Disease Heart disease is a term that describes many different varieties of heart conditions. This paper will define heart disease, list its symptoms and identify groups most at risk. It will also discuss prevention strategies and treatment options. Some are more prone to health issues than others but all can lessen their likelihood of contracting heart disease. Thankfully due to modern medical advancements treatment options are varied and some are not terribly invasive. Definition/Prevalence ‘Heart disease’ is the term used broadly when describing any medical condition that causes the heart to function abnormally. Clogged arteries are the common reason of heart conditions and if permitted to progress untreated can produce heart failure. This is a gradually progressing condition that eventually acts to limit blood flowing to the heart, consequently the supply of oxygen to the body and brain. The two most common are coronary artery disease which is the build-up of arterial plaque in the arteries and atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of arterial passages. Plaque is caused by cholesterol and fat. (“Heart Disease FAQs”, 2007). Heart diseases can be caused by poor health habits or can be congenital (born with a greater propensity than average to contract the disease), caused by arrhythmia (an electrical malfunction within the heart), an abnormality of the heart valves or a deteriorating of the heart’s capacity to pump efficiently due to infection or toxins. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of coronary heart disease among all Americans decreased from 6.7 percent in 2006 to 6.0 percent last year (2010). Men, Native Americans, Alaskans, Southerners and those who didn’t graduate high school education had appreciably higher rates of heart disease. The rate of heart disease in 2010 was 7.8 percent for men and 4.6 percent for women. The rate for Native Americans and Alaskans is appreciable higher at 11.6 percent. Blacks experience a 6.5 percent rate, Hispanics 5.8 percent and for whites, 3.9 percent. High school dropouts are twice as likely to contract heart disease as those that hold a college degree, 9.2 to 4.6 percent. West Virginia and Kentucky (8 percent) to the states with the highest rate of heart disease. Connecticut, 4.4 percent, and Hawaii 3.7 percent experience the lowest rate. (CNN, 2011) Symptoms Chronic shortness of breath and tightness in the chest are the symptoms of severely clogged arteries. Because heart disease is a. illness that progresses gradually, the onset may not be perceptible until the person has a heart attack. When this occurs, severe shortness of breath and pain in areas of the upper body such as either or both arms, stomach, neck or back accompanied by a sharp pressure on the chest. Other symptoms could comprise becoming nauseous, feelings of light-headedness and/or perspiring profusely for no other apparent cause. (“Heart Disease FAQs”, 2007). Risk Factors Heart disease is the principal cause of death globally among both men and women. It causes the deaths of close to a million Americans each year heart disease accounts for more than 40 percent of total U.S. deaths. According to the American Heart Association, "cardiovascular disease accounts for more deaths per year in the United States than the next six causes of death combined” (“Heart Disease Overview”, 2007). Nine controllable factors are the source for nearly all cases of heart disease. Diet and exercise are two important ways to stave off an attack. Obesity, principally of the abdomen, more than doubles a person’s risk of having a heart disease. A heavy mid-section causes hormonal irregularities which, in turn, causes diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure all of which puts the person at greater risk. Having abnormally high cholesterol or diabetes quadruples a person’s odds for heart disease. High blood pressure triples the likelihood. Surprisingly, moderately consuming alcohol (one drink per day) actually lessens the chance for heart disease, by an impressive 12 percent for men and an astounding 60 percent for women. However, over-drinking promotes heart disease. The failure to effectively cope with the stresses of everyday life which includes behavioral disorders and bouts of depression triples the possibility for heart disease. Persons that smoke is three times more likely to contract heart disease than those who do not. These mentioned factors cause plaque to form which impedes blood flow through the arteries. Consequently, clots form and when they break from the artery wall clog the passageway through the artery which results in a heart attack. (Baldauf, 2011) Prevention Strategies Heart disease can be regulated by changing lifestyle choices provided a person does not have congenital heart disease. By exercising regularly and not smoking decreases the risk of contracting heart disease by approximately 25 percent. If these common-sense lifestyle choices are combined with maintaining a desirable weight and eating healthy foods the chances are decreased even further. “Consistently eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help protect your heart. Low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can reduce your risk of heart disease” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2007). As people age, they find it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Due to this age contributes to an increased risk too. It is imperative for older persons to exercise regularly and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease. Treatment Options Many treatments and medications are available which will increase blood flow within the arteries. Lopressor and other beta-blockers blocks stress hormones from the heart and slow the heart rate which lessens the risk of a person experiencing a second heart attack. Norvasc is one type of calcium artery blocker which decreases blood pressure. Diuretics such as Diuril cause the body to release unneeded fluids which also lowers blood pressure. Capoten is an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor which expands blood vessels acting to decrease blood flow resistance. Lipitor has been demonstrated effective in reducing levels of cholesterol. (“Health Encyclopedia”, 2001). Types of open-chest operations include Coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve procedures, and heart transplants. “Bypass graft surgery removes part of the blood vessel (graft) from somewhere else in the body and attaches it to a narrowed or blocked coronary artery so the muscle ordinarily supplied by the vessel can be nourished again” (“Health Encyclopedia”, 2001). Two measures that do not involve open-heart surgery are the use of a pacemaker and Angioplasty which expands the artery by enlarging it with a balloon attached to a catheter placed inside the artery. The electrophysiological device, or Pacemakers, restore the rhythm of the heart’s electrical pulses which maintains an appropriate heart rate. Conclusion The most leading cause of death in both the U.S. and the world is also the most avoidable. The lack of knowledge and discipline along with laziness and assorted indulgences including too much alcohol and fatty goods are the greatest contributing factors for human’s most prevalent killer. A fitting phrase when describing the reasons for heart disease may be you reap what you sow References Baldauf, Sarah. (2011). “Your Heart Health: 14 Numbers Everyone Should Know.” US News and World Reports Available October 14, 2011 from “Health Encyclopedia - Diseases and Conditions Heart Disease.” (2001). USA Today. Available October 14, 2011 from “Heart Disease FAQs.” (February 9, 2007). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available October 14, 2011 from “Heart Disease Overview.” (2007). Health InfoChannel. Health Communities. Available October 14, 2011 from < http://www.healthinfochannel.com/heartdisease/> Mayo Clinic Staff. (January 15, 2007). “Heart disease prevention: 5 strategies keep your heart healthy.” Heart Disease. Mayo Clinic. Available October 14, 2011 from “CDC: Heart Disease Prevalence Down” (October 13, 2011) CNN Health Available October 14, 2011 from Read More