What are the major risk factors for heart disease?
Major risk factors for heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, diabetes, age, gender, heredity. A new risk factor has been determined and that is having an 'apple' shape. 'Apple-shaped' people carry their weight around their chest and stomach. This increases the fat around your heart and vital organs. Men with a waist measurement over 40 inches and women with a waist measurement over 35 inches are at increased risk of CAD.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is reduced or stopped due to one of the coronary (heart) arteries being blocked. This is usually caused by the build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the artery walls. This plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form and blocking the blood flow.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Heart attacks may happen slowly with mild pain, or suddenly with intense pain. * Chest discomfort-may be uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or sharp pain in the center of your chest. * May have discomfort in one or both arms, neck, back, shoulders or jaw. * Shortness of breath--may be with or without chest discomfort. * Other symptoms may be nausea, a cold sweat, lightheadedness, feelings of impending doom.
What is an arrhythmia?
An abnormal rhythm of the heart with respect to rate, regularity or site of impulse origin. Types or arrhythmias include tachycardias (fast heart rhythm) or bradycardias (slow heart rhythm ).
What is a pacemaker?
A small, lightweight electronic device that is placed inside your body to keep track of your heartbeat and, when necessary, generates electrical signals similar to the heart's natural signals. These signals keep your heart beating at the right pace.
What is an ICD or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
A small, lightweight electronic device that is placed inside your body to keep track of your heart rhythm. When you have an arrhythmia, the ICD helps your heart return to its normal rhythm. Many people receive a combination of pacemaker and ICD.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are fats that provide energy for your muscles. Eating foods with a lot of saturated fats or carbohydrates, will raise your triglyceride levels. Elevated levels appear to increase your risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) because high triglycerides cause lower HDL (the good cholesterol).
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure means your heart is not pumping as well as it should. Fluid backs up (congestion) into your lungs and other body tissues. CHF usually develops slowly and your heart tries to meet your needs by becoming larger and pumping harder.
What is an echocardiogram?
A test in which a special probe held over your chest bounces harmless sound waves off the heart, and the returning signals are converted into a moving image on a video screen to help the physician view the structural function of your heart.
What is angioplasty?
Angioplasty, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention or PCI, is a minimally invasive procedure where a balloon dilatation catheter is passed through to the blocked area of an artery. Once inflated, the catheter compresses the plaque against the blood vessel wall. A stent is often implanted during this procedure.
What is a stent?
A tiny, latticed metal tube that is implanted during an angioplasty providing necessary scaffolding or support to hold the artery open and ensuring blood flow to the heart.
What is restenosis?
A reoccurring blockage caused by excessive cell growth inside the artery or stent, following an interventional procedure such as angioplasty.
What is a nuclear stress test also known as a Myocardial Perfusion Stress Test?
A test that involves an injection of a small amount of radioactive material which circulates in the blood stream and shows if your heart muscle is receiving adequate blood supply under rest and stress conditions.
Can you explain hardening of the arteries?
Hardening of the arteries is another name for atherosclerosis. This is a condition where a waxy substance called plaque forms inside the arteries. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fatty compounds, calcium and a blood-clotting material called fibrin. The inner lining of the artery is affected by high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, fat, triglycerides, and smoking. Atherosclerosis may affect any artery in the body and may continue for years without causing symptoms.
|
