Heart Disease Heart Disease-is any condition that reduces the strength of functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is also the most preventable.

Types of Heart Disease Arteries-blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the body. Coronary arteries-supply blood to the heart. Arterial diseases-conditions that affect the arteries. Arteriosclerosis-a group of disorders that cause a thickening and hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis-condition that occurs when fatty substances build up on the inner lining of arteries.

Types of Heart Disease Heart attack-a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to the heart slows or stops and the muscle is damaged. Symptoms include: Sudden pain or pressure in the chest that extends into one or both arms, the jaw, back or abdomen. Shortness of breath. Cold skin. Vomiting Loss of consciousness.

Related Disorders and Conditions Blood pressure-the force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels. Systolic (top number)-when the heart beats, it contracts and pushes blood through the arteries to the rest of the body Diastolic (bottom number)-indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Related Disorders and Conditions Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure stays at a level that is higher than normal. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Pre-hypertension is 120-139/80-89. Stage 1 high blood pressure is 140-159/90-99. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 160/100 or higher.

Related Disorders and Conditions Stroke-a serious condition that occurs when an artery of the brain breaks or becomes blocked. This prevents the nerve cells in that particular part of the brain from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. May have trouble speaking. May have trouble moving. Third leading cause of death in the United States.

Combating Heart Disease What doctors can do? Angioplasty-a surgical procedure in which an instrument with a tiny balloon attached is inserted into an artery to clear a blockage. Used to treat sever atherosclerosis. Balloon is inflated, crushing the fatty deposit that is blocking the artery.

Combating Heart Disease Medication Blockages often caused by blood clots, doctors may use aspirin to dissolve and prevent blood clots. Pacemaker-an electrical device surgically implanted in the chest. Sends electrical impulses to the heart helping beat regularly. Bypass surgery-creates new paths for blood to flow around the blockage. A healthy blood vessel from chest or leg is used

Combating Heart Disease Heart transplant-replacing a severely diseased heart with a health one that has been donated. Not often used for arterial disease.

What You Can Do Participate in regular physical activity. This strengthens the heart muscle. Maintain a healthy weight. Keep within the healthy range so your heart doesn’t have to work so hard. Manage stress. Will keep blood pressure down. Avoid tobacco. Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack.