Sunday, September 27, 2015

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Image Source:"Heart near" by BodyParts3D/Anatomography - Anatomography. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.1 jp via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heart_near.png#/media/File:Heart_near.png

Cardiovascular diseases include:
a. coronary heart disease (heart attacks),
b. cerebrovascular disease,
c. raised blood pressure (hypertension),
d. peripheral artery disease,
e. rheumatic heart disease,
f. congenital heart disease, and heart failure.


The existence of the heart was well known to the Greeks, who gave it the name Kardia, still surviving in modern words such as cardiac and tachycardia. Aristotle believed that the heart was the seat of the soul and the center of man. Romans modified Kardia to Cor, the latter word still surviving in "cordial greetings". The old Teutonic word herton was also derived from Cor and gives us heart via the medieval heorte.

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can cause heart attack. Other kinds of heart disease may involve the valves in the heart, or the heart may not pump well and cause heart failure. Some people are born with heart disease.

Anyone, including children, can develop heart disease. It occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in your arteries. When this happens, your arteries can narrow over time, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

Smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, and not getting enough exercise all increase your risk for having heart disease.

Having high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes also can increase your risk for heart disease. Ask your doctor about preventing or treating these medical conditions.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. For many people, chest discomfort or a heart attack is the first sign.

Someone having a heart attack may experience several symptoms, including:

Chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few minutes

Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day of the week will help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and limiting your salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day, also helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

To maintain an ideal body weight, take regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet.

Cessation of tobacco use reduces the chance of a heart attack or stroke.

Use simple charts to determine your risk of developing a heart attack or a stroke.

Check your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly.

If you have diabetes, control your blood pressure and blood sugar to minimize your risk.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for all this information. People having cardio vesicular diseases can also check out the benefits of Noni fruit juice. It helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and also helps in maintaining good health as it acts as an antioxidant. It enhances the immune system of human body. Women can use Women's choice noni juice as a part of their regular diet to make their life more healthier .

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