What is heart disease?

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Overview of heart disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a collection of disorders and abnormalities involving the heart and the blood vessels that primarily supply blood and nutrients to the heart. Heart disease includes many different types of diseases, but the two most common types are coronary artery disease and congenital heart disease.

1. Coronary artery disease: Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood vessels (coronary vessels) that supply blood to the heart are narrowed or clogged. This causes deterioration or cessation of blood vessels, leading to a lack of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Symptoms of coronary artery disease include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath and can lead to a heart attack (infarction) if the blood vessel is completely blocked.
2. Congenital heart disease: Congenital heart disease is abnormalities in the structure and function of the heart that are formed when the fetus develops in the womb. Congenital heart disease can include defects such as holes in the heart wall, heart valves that don’t work properly, or blood vessels that aren’t fully formed. Symptoms and effects of congenital heart disease can vary depending on the type of defect and severity.

Heart disease is a serious health problem and can cause serious complications, such as heart failure, heart attack, and death. It’s important to take care of your heart and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. high cholesterol. If you have any symptoms or suspicions of heart disease, consult your doctor for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Causes of heart disease

Heart disease has many different causes, and is often a combination of factors that affect cardiovascular health. Here are some of the main causes of heart disease:

1. Narrowed or clogged coronary blood vessels: A common cause of heart disease is narrowed or clogged coronary blood vessels. Restricted coronary blood vessels can be caused by the formation of fatty deposits and impurities on the blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). This causes deterioration or cessation of blood vessels and reduces blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.
2. Congenital heart disease : Congenital heart disease is another cause of heart disease, and it results from errors in heart development during fetal life. Holes in the heart wall, heart valves that don’t work properly, or blood vessels that aren’t fully formed are examples of congenital heart defects.
3. High blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) is an important risk factor for heart disease. Increased blood pressure can damage and stiffen blood vessels, putting strain on the heart and leading to cardiovascular problems.
4. Valvular heart disease: Valvular heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves do not function properly. It may be due to the heart valve shrinking (stenosis) or the heart valve not closing fully (insufficiency). This can reduce the heart’s performance and cause increased pressure in the heart.
5. Obesity: Obesity and being overweight also contribute to the risk of developing heart disease. Obesity increases pressure on blood vessels, raising blood pressure, increasing blood sugar levels and increasing blood vessel muscle, all of which can harm the heart.
6. Smoking : Cigarette smoking, both direct and environmental, is a risk factor for heart disease. Cigarettes contain many harmful substances and inflammatory substances, which damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

In addition, there are other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hyperthyroidism, stress, genetics and age that can also increase the risk of heart disease.

However, be aware that each person has their own risk factors, and some people can develop heart disease despite having no obvious risk factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors and treating conditions Heart disease has many different causes, and is often a combination of factors that affect cardiovascular health. Here are some main reasons:

1. Narrowed or blocked coronary blood vessels : Coronary artery disease is a common cause of heart disease. It occurs when the coronary blood vessels (blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle) become narrowed due to the formation of fatty deposits and fatty substances on the blood vessel walls. This causes a lack of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle and can lead to chest pain and a heart attack.
2. Valvular heart disease : Valvular heart disease occurs when the heart valves (valve blades in the heart) do not work properly. It can be caused by a heart valve that shrinks (stenosis) or does not close properly (insufficiency). This reduces the heart’s performance and puts stress on the heart muscle.
3. High blood pressure : High blood pressure (hypertension) is an important risk factor for heart disease. Increased blood pressure can damage and harden and contract blood vessels, placing strain on the heart.
4. Congenital heart disease: Congenital heart disease is problems with the structure and function of the heart that are formed when the fetus develops in the womb. Congenital heart defects can be holes in the heart wall, heart valves that don’t work properly, or blood vessels that aren’t fully formed.
5. Obesity: Obesity and being overweight increase the risk of heart disease. Obesity puts pressure on blood vessels, increases blood pressure, causes increased cholesterol and blood fat, and increases the risk of heart disease.
6. Smoking: Cigarette smoking, both direct smoking and environmental tobacco smoke, is a risk factor for heart disease. Cigarettes contain substances that cause inflammation and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
7. Diabetes: Diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease. Failure to control blood sugar levels well can damage blood vessels and cause cardiovascular problems.

In addition, there are other risk factors such as high cholesterol, hyperthyroidism, stress, genetics and age that can also play a role in developing heart disease.

Each person has their own risk factors, and some people can develop heart disease despite having no obvious risk factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors and taking measures

Signs of heart disease

Heart disease can have many different signs, depending on the type of heart disease and its severity. Here are some common signs of heart disease:

1. Chest pain: Chest pain is a common symptom of heart disease. Pain often appears in the front chest area and can spread to both arms, shoulders, jaw, neck or back. Pain usually lasts for a short time and can occur with movement or stress.
2. Difficulty breathing: Difficulty breathing is a common sign of heart disease. You may feel short of breath or breathe faster when doing daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. In some severe cases, you may feel short of breath even when resting.
3. Fatigue: Unusual fatigue and stress are more likely to occur when you have heart disease. Weak heart muscle does not provide enough blood and oxygen to the body, leading to feelings of fatigue and decreased energy.
4. Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when a coronary blood vessel becomes clogged or narrowed, reducing blood flow to part of the heart muscle. This can cause severe and prolonged heart attacks, often lasting from a few minutes to many hours.
5. Irregular heartbeat: Arrhythmia is another sign of heart disease. Irregular heart rhythms can be tachycardia (abnormal heart rate) or bradycardia (abnormal heart rate). You may feel an irregular heartbeat, a skipping heartbeat, or an irregular heartbeat.
6. Swelling and pain in the legs and limbs : Serious heart disease can cause swelling and pain in the legs and limbs. This occurs when the heart does not pump blood effectively and leads to a buildup of fluid in the body.
7. Dizziness and lightheadedness: Some people with heart disease may experience dizziness, lightheadedness or a feeling of loss of balance. This can happen due to lack of blood and oxygen reaching the brain.

In addition, there are other signs such as cough, difficulty sleeping, sudden weight loss, unexplained weight gain, and other symptoms depending on each specific case.

If you have any suspicious signs related to heart disease, consult your doctor for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Foods that are good for heart disease

There are certain foods that are beneficial for heart health and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some foods that are good for heart disease:

1. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids : Fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have the ability to reduce inflammation, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol levels. (HDL). Eat fish at least twice a week.
2. Leafy green vegetables: Leafy green vegetables such as mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, cilantro, and celery contain lots of antioxidants and fiber, which help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
3. Fresh fruit: Fruits like pomegranates, pineapples, berries, apples, oranges, tangerines, pineapples and black grapes are all rich in antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. They can help improve cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Seeds and nuts : Chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts and nuts such as peanuts, almonds and cashews all contain fiber, antioxidants and unsaturated fats. They can help improve blood circulation and reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
5. Whole grains: Grains such as oats, barley, wheat and flaxseed all contain fiber, antioxidants and unsaturated fats. They can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Beans and nuts : Beans, soybeans, peanuts, black beans and nuts such as peanuts and nutmeg are high in fiber, unsaturated fats and antioxidants. They can help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
7. Olive oil and flaxseed oil : Olive oil and flaxseed oil contain monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which have the ability to lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart.

Also, limit your consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats such as red meat, processed foods, butter, cream, and high-fat sauces. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, combined with regular exercise and limiting stress is also important to protect the heart.

Foods to avoid for heart disease

When you have heart disease, there are foods you should limit or avoid to reduce the risk of negative effects on your heart. Here are some foods to avoid:

1. Foods rich in cholesterol : Foods rich in cholesterol such as egg yolks, liver, and fatty seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, and scallops. Cholesterol clogs blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
2. Foods high in saturated fat: Foods high in saturated fat such as red meat, fried foods, animal fats, cream, butter, cheese and sauces contain fat. Saturated fat can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
3. Foods containing trans fat : Trans fat is a type of fat found in industrially processed foods such as bread, cookies, cakes, snacks, fried foods and many fast foods. Trans fats can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and decrease good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
4. Foods high in sodium: Foods high in sodium such as salt, canned foods, fast foods, and salt-containing spices. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure and put strain on the heart.
5. Alcoholic beverages : Drinking too much wine and alcoholic beverages can increase blood pressure, cause weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease.
6. Fast food and fried foods : Fast foods such as hamburgers, French fries, and deep-fried foods contain a lot of fat, starch, and preservatives, causing weight gain and increasing the risk of heart disease.
7. Foods containing sugar and foods high in sugar : Foods containing sugar such as sweets, soft drinks, white bread, quick bread and pastries can cause weight gain, increase blood sugar levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, limit your consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and consult your doctor for a diet suitable for your health condition.

Medicines to treat heart disease

There are many types of medications used to treat heart disease, depending on the specific condition and type of heart disease. Below are some common medications used to treat heart disease:

1. Antispasmodics and vasodilators : Include nitroglycerin, diltiazem, verapamil, and amlodipine. These medications help dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart, reducing symptoms such as angina and shortness of breath.
2. Anti-infarction and anticoagulant drugs : Include aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin. These medications help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of a blood vessel infarction in the heart.
3. Beta-blockers : Include carvedilol, metoprolol, and bisoprolol. These medications help slow heart rate, lower blood pressure and limit stress on the heart.
4. Antiarrhythmic drugs : Include digoxin, amiodarone, and flecainide. These medications are used to control irregular heartbeat and help maintain a steady heart rhythm.
5. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors): Includes enalapril, lisinopril, and captopril. These medications help lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of complications from heart disease.
6. Heart failure medications: Include carvedilol, metoprolol, and sacubitril/valsartan. These medications help improve the heart’s pumping function and reduce symptoms of heart failure.
7. Statins : Includes atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin. These medications help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Most importantly, discuss with your doctor to determine your health condition and receive the appropriate treatment regimen. Your doctor will make a decision about the appropriate type and dosage of medication based on your specific condition.

Oriental medicine and herbs to treat heart disease

In oriental and herbal medicine, there are a number of herbs used as adjuncts in the treatment of heart disease. Below are some common herbs used in oriental medicine:

1. Chia seeds: Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants. They can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and blood pressure, while also providing nutrients to the heart.
2. Ginger : Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
3. Cayenne : Cayenne is a type of chili pepper that contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps lower blood pressure. It can also help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
4. Garlic : Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Hawthorn : Hawthorn is an herb used to support heart and circulatory function. It can help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation and reduce heart disease symptoms.
6. Ginkgo Biloba : Ginkgo Biloba has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It can help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.

However, it is most important to discuss with your doctor or medical professional before using any herbal or oriental medicine. They can assess your health condition and give appropriate advice on how to use herbs in your particular case.