Understanding Heart Disease: Exploring Cardiovascular Health

It’s February, so that means it is American Heart Month. This annual observance is when we encourage people to acknowledge and address the importance of heart health, which impacts millions worldwide. But why should heart health matter to everyone? Everyone with a heart should think about their heart health and not assume they are immune to the risks of heart disease because they don’t have a family history or are active and eat healthily.

Our heart is like the engine of our body – it pumps non-stop to get blood to our various organs and tissues, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the entire body. It never takes a day off – or even a minute off.

However, it's vulnerable to all sorts of diseases. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits clog the arteries, restricting blood flow. Picture a highway under construction – the arteries are like the highway, and the fatty deposit is the lane closure (but for no good reason). The same amount of blood (or traffic) still needs to get through there but is restricted. Then imagine if an accident happens – that’s a blood clot that can shut down blood flow altogether. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices such as eating foods high in fiber and unsaturated fats, staying active, and avoiding smoking can help keep our arteries clear (or clearer) and our hearts and those arteries healthy and minimize the fatty deposits.

High blood pressure, often silent or unknown until it reaches dangerous levels, poses another significant threat. It's like having too much pressure in a water hose, and the nozzle isn’t open. While some may have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure, it is expected to increase as we age. Even if you don’t have risk or high blood pressure now, you can take steps to minimize your risk for later. Start with ensuring you get plenty of fruits and vegetables, which naturally help reduce sodium intake and increase potassium intake. Then, make sure you stay physically active and practice stress-relief techniques.

When it comes to heart health, understanding the risk factors is crucial.

Then there's the prospect of heart attacks (also called MI or myocardial infarction), occurring when blood flow to the heart is blocked. There are arteries surrounding the heart with blood to nourish the heart muscle. The heart pumps the blood, but it also needs blood. So, like coronary artery disease, this blockage, often due to plaque buildup, can have devastating consequences and contribute to tissue death of the heart. While age and family history can increase the risk, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle—complete with a balanced diet high in plant foods and healthy fats, managing blood cholesterol, and regular exercise—can significantly lower the chances of experiencing a heart attack.

But heart health isn't just about major events like heart attacks. Other factors, such as irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias, can disrupt normal heart function. Imagine being out of sync with something, and things aren’t going quite right. This can happen in the heart, and the rhythm of the heartbeat gets out of sync. While some arrhythmias are present at birth, others can develop due to factors like infections or underlying health conditions. With medical intervention, including medication or specialized procedures, arrhythmias can often be managed effectively. This is often less “lifestyle” related and more medical management.

Additionally, conditions like heart valve disorders and congenital (present at birth) defects also fall under the umbrella of “heart disease.” These structural abnormalities can either be present from birth or develop over time due to various factors. Again, this is not usually lifestyle-related, and advancements in medical technology offer treatment options ranging from medication to surgical interventions, often helping those affected by these conditions.

When it comes to heart health, understanding the risk factors is crucial. While family history is important, age and sex are often more significant determinants of risk. The older we get, the higher the risk. Men are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age than women, but the risk for women increases after menopause. So, whether male or female, if you have a heart, you have risk. Additionally, certain medical conditions like diabetes and obesity, as well as lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet (high in added sugars, added sodium, and solid fats), can further elevate the risk of heart disease.

By recognizing that heart disease is a cluster of conditions, learning the risk factors, and taking proactive measures, we can protect our heart health and reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Through education, awareness, and advocacy, we can ensure another heartbeat.

As we observe American Heart Month, l commit to raising awareness about heart health and supporting others in adopting healthier lifestyles.

Understanding heart disease is multifaceted, encompassing medical knowledge, acknowledging personal risk factors, and acting on what we can change. Remember that our hearts are not just organs this February; they give us life. Treat it well.