Heart disease

Heart disease or cardiovascular disease is a condition that can cause damage to the heart. It is a global problem that affects people of all ages and can turn fatal. About 17.9 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases that contributes to nearly 32% of deaths worldwide, as stated in a report by World Health Organization (WHO).

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases that involve the heart. These diseases can be caused by something as simple as a heart attack, stroke, or congenital heart disease. While there are many different types of cardiovascular disease, the most common is heart attack and the most common cause is cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol is a molecule that helps to build your body’s cells and tissues. High levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease, stroke, or other problems with the heart.

Contrary to the belief that heart attacks are common only among older adults, it has now come to light that younger generation is at a higher risk due to their extreme lifestyle and stress levels. Know more here - Heart Attacks at a young age. 

By doing things like regular exercising, practicing good health habits like eating a healthy diet, and avoiding factors that increase the risk to heart diseases such as smoking and alcohol abuse can reduce the chances of experiencing an attack or stroke in the future.

 

What are the different types of heart diseases?

Atherosclerosis: It is caused when fat molecules called plaque deposit in the walls of the arteries and narrows them, making it difficult for the blood to flow through. A constricted flow of blood can cause high pressure on heart, leading to heart attacks.

Heart attack: The blood flow when restricted by the narrowed down arteries causes a blood clot. If the blood clot completely blocks the passage of blood it may further increase the pressure on heart, leading to a heart attack.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Hypertension is the rise in blood pressure than normal. Not a heart disease but can cause heart diseases like heart attacks, coronary artery disease and strokes.

Heart failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently. The heart keeps on pumping blood but is not able to fulfil the blood and oxygen requirement of the body. It can get worse if not treated in time.

Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia refers to the abnormal heartbeats which are not in rhythm. These heart beats can be too slow or too fast or can be irregular. Without a uniform heartbeat, the heart won’t be able to pump blood efficiently as much as the body requires.

Heart valve problems: Heart valves might restrict the flow of blood to and from the heart leading to a condition called stenosis. It can cause mitral stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve, which is the opening through which blood flows from the left ventricle to the rest of the body and aortic stenosis a narrowing of the Aorta, which is a large artery in your chest.

 

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

The symptoms of cardiovascular disease vary depending on what stage you are in when it occurs.

Symptoms of heart disease can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a variety of other symptoms. Some people may also develop new feelings of anxiety or stress after having a heart attack.

For example, a person who has a heart attack may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, and confusion. Alternatively, someone who has a stroke may have memory loss, difficulty speaking or understanding language, Shortness of breath due to asthma or pneumonia, uncontrolled bleeding from an injury or surgery, changes in mood or eating habits.

 

What causes heart disease?

Heart disease can be caused by a number of things, including conditions like stroke, heart failure, and high blood pressure. However, the most common cause of heart disease is hypertension (high blood pressure).

The main cause of heart disease is a lack of oxygen to the body’s muscles. When this happens, the muscles have to work harder than they normally would to keep up with the demands of everyday life.

This can lead to damage to the muscle cells and make it difficult for the body to produce energy. In addition, constant inflammation – which is caused by factors such as stress, arthritis, or surgery – can also contribute to heart disease.

 

What are the risk factors of heart diseases?

There are many factors that can increase your risk for developing heart disease, including age, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Some common risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking cigarettes
• Eating high-fat foods
• Drinking alcohol excessively
• Not getting enough exercise

Other risks associated with cardiovascular disease include:

Developing coronary artery disease (a type of heart attack)

Having high blood pressure (another risk factor for cardiovascular disease)

Additionally, people who have cardiovascular disease are also at an increased risk for developing peripheral vascular sclerosis, a condition where fatty material builds up in parts of the arteries near your skin. This condition can lead to pooling of blood vessels near your skin and other problems with breathing and circulation.

 

What are the complications of a heart disease?

Complications of heart disease can include stroke (a serious condition in which the brain becomes injured), irregular heartbeat (a problem with blood circulation), and problems with breathing or swallowing.

 

How to prevent heart diseases?

A healthy diet is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. Make sure to eat healthy, aim to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. Stick to a regular exercise routine, which can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Finally, get treatment for hypertension – a condition that can lead to heart problems.

If you have cardiovascular disease, it’s important to consult with a doctor. A doctor can help you determine if you are at risk for developing the condition and recommend treatments that may help reduce your risk.

A pacemaker can be helpful in keeping your heart rate under control as you recover from a heart attack or other cardiovascular event.

And finally, take proper dietary supplements to help prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.

One such health supplement is AFD Shield.

AFD Pharma’s AFD Shield is the best antioxidant supplement consisting of strong antioxidant ingredients like CoQ10 that boosts immunity by reducing the inflammation caused by free radicals, viruses, and bacteria. CoQ10 plays role in promoting heart health, diabetic health, and managing hypertension.

AFD Shield also consists of a superfood, Spirulina that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.
Algal DHA present in AFD Shield is helpful in reducing the blood cholesterol levels, thus naturally maintaining a normal blood pressure.