Heart Disease
 Any of many types of disease of the heart, which can be caused by infection, aging or congenital defect. The most serious is coronary artery disease, the commonest cause of death in adults. Coronary artery disease is any abnormal condition of the arteries of the heart. The most commonest form is coronary artherosclerosis. The consequence of this is often a heart attack (coronary thrombosis, myocardial infarction) where a narrowed artery is blocked by a blood clot, and the blood flow to part of the heart is retsricted. Angina pectoris is commonly present, with symptoms of tightness or dull pain in the chest or severe, choking pain with breathlessness, dizziness and sweating. The cause of coronary artery disease is not known, but increasing age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension and high blood cholesterol levels are all risk factors. It is particularly related to high consumption of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates in the diet. Lack of exercise and high levels of blood triglycerides are additional risk factors. Women tend to develop heart disease after the menopause, and it is often more severe than in men of the same age. Women do not recover as well as men after a heart attack or bypass surgery. Treatment by drugs, bypass surgery to replace damaged arteries and possibly fitting a pacemaker to correct an irregular heartbeat. Damaged heart valves can also be treated and replaced by surgery. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, avoidance of stress, losing weight if obese and refraining from smoking can help prevent disease.
Factors Responsible For Heart Disease:
Scientific researches have shown that there are definite factors which predispose a person to cardiovascular diseases. The report of an Expert Committee convened by WHO indicate life-style and behavior are important catalysts in causing and preventing heart diseases. Eight main factors are considered responsible for heart diseases. These factors are:
********************************************* Prevention Of Heart Disease Index Of Medical Terms |
