Your heart is a hardworking organ that keeps blood flowing throughout your body. But like any machine, it can break down. Various conditions can mess up its job. Here’s a quick look at some of them:
1. Blocked arteries, or what doctors call “Coronary Artery Disease”. This is when your arteries get clogged up with stuff called plaque.
2. “Congenital Heart Defects”, that’s when a person is born with a heart problem like wonky heart valves or holes where they shouldn’t be.
3. “Arrhythmia” is when the heart’s electrical system goes haywire. Types include Tachycardia (super fast heartbeat), Bradycardia (super slow heartbeat), and others.
4. “Dilated Cardiomyopathy” is when your heart muscles start to thin out.
5. “Myocardial Infarction,” but you probably know it better as a heart attack. This happens when blood can’t get to your heart.
6. “Heart Failure,” mostly happens because of blocked arteries.
Signs of these problems can include chest pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness, or swelling.
But hey, no need to be down. There are ways to avoid heart issues! And even if you already have them, you can go to a good cardiology hospital, and they can help. Most times changes in your life can make a big difference as well.
Exercise: Moving around each day can lower your risk of heart issues. Walking fast or even running for 150 or 75 minutes per week can be helpful. A little lifting of weights twice a week is beneficial. Also remember, any movement is better than none!
Healthy Weight: If you’re carrying a lot of extra weight, especially around your belly, your heart has to work harder. Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are hard on your heart.
Don’t Smoke and Limit Alcohol: The best thing you can do for your heart? Don’t smoke. Or if you do, quit. And try to stay away from other people smoking too. Tobacco and alcohol can do a number on your heart and blood vessels.
Get Enough Sleep: Not getting enough shut-eye isn’t just bad for your mood, it’s bad for your heart too. Try to get at least 7 hours a night.
Stress is Bad: Manage stress in healthy ways, like exercise or meditation, rather than bad habits like overeating or smoking.
Check-ups: Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. High numbers are not good for your heart.
People from 18 to 39 should check their blood pressure every couple of years. And if you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes, get tested for that too. Doctors suggest you start getting tested for diabetes from age 45 every couple of years if you’re not high risk.
Hopefully, you found this helpful, and of course, always talk to a medical professional if you have concerns about your health. Tags: Heart Disease, Lifestyle, Remedy, Steps.
