| Heart Disease |
| FACTS: |
• |
Is the most common killer of Indians |
• |
Stroke is the single biggest cause of severe disability and the most common cause of death in the country. |
• |
Over two million people die of coronary diseases in India annually |
• |
Currently India is home to over 60 million coronary heart patients |
|
| |
| 1. What is cardiovascular disease? |
 |
Cardiovascular disease refers to the class of disease that involves the heart and/or blood vessels (arteries & veins). Interestingly, although heart disease is the number one killer disease for the individuals in Indian Society, a majority of people are unconcerned and uninformed about their risk for development of this disease.
|
|
2. What are the different types of cardiovascular disease?
Some of the major types of cardiovascular diseases are: |
• |
Coronary Heart Disease: Heart attack and angina are the most common forms of coronary heart disease. Heart attacks occur when a blood clot blocks a coronary vessel and deprives heart muscle of oxygen. Angina is chest pain that signals a reduced blood supply to the heart. |
• |
Stroke: Stroke is usually the result of a blocked artery supplying the brain. It can also occur when an artery bleeds into the brain. Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability. |
• |
Heart Failure: Heart failure is common in men and women who have already had a heart attack and is the third largest cause of cardiovascular death. It occurs when the heart is not strong enough to pump blood to the rest of the body.
Apart from heart attack, other causes of heart failure are high blood pressure and damage to a heart valve. People with heart failure are likely to be short of breath, and to tire after slight exertion. The rates of death and disability from heart failure are predicted to increase markedly in the next decades. |
• |
Peripheral Vascular Disease: Peripheral vascular disease, which affects mainly older people, is largely due to decreased blood supply to the legs and can range in severity from no symptoms to the need for amputation of the leg. |
|
3. What are the most common symptoms of cardiovascular diseases?
The most common symptom is angina. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw or back. |
Other symptoms that can occur with coronary artery disease include: |
• |
Shortness of breath |
• |
Palpitations (irregular heartbeats, skipped beats or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest) |
• |
A faster heartbeat |
• |
Weakness or dizziness |
• |
Nausea |
• |
Sweating |
|
Symptoms are just an indication, but you must remember that: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out immediately. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. |
4. What are the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease?
There are many risk factors which associate with (but are not all causes of) various forms of cardiovascular disease. These include the following: |
• |
Risk Factors not in our control: |
|
- Age |
|
- Gender: men have higher chances than women, although the gender difference declines with age |
|
- Genetic factors/Family history of cardiovascular disease |
• |
Risk Factors within our control: |
| |
- Tobacco use & smoking |
| |
- Type II Diabetes |
| |
- High cholesterol |
| |
- High blood pressure |
| |
- Being overweight |
| |
- Elevated heart rate |
| |
- Physical inactivity/Sedentary lifestyle |
| |
- Exposure to high levels of environmental noise |
| |
- Stress |
| |
- Depression |
|
| 5. What are the ways to control and prevent heart disease? |
• |
Make healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk |
• |
Quit smoking on your own or with the support of a physician |
• |
Eat nutritious, low-fat foods |
• |
Regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. |
• |
Ask your doctor to screen you regularly to identify and control the risks associated with cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes and hypertension. |
• |
Prevention is better than waiting for the warning signs of heart disease. |
• |
Consult your doctor immediately for further treatment |
|
| KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER: |
• |
Interestingly, although cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in individuals, a majority of young people are unconcerned and unaware about the risks. |
• |
Population based studies in youth show that the precursors of heart disease start in adolescence. The process of hardening and narrowing of arteries evolves over decades, and begins as early as childhood. |
• |
In order to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease, education and awareness are the most important steps that must be taken to prevent the threat of cardiovascular disease. |
|
| |
| Resources: |
Baker Heart Research Institute
World Health Organisation
American Heart Association
Cardiovascular Health 360 |
| |
