What are Heart Disease and Stroke?
Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. Heart disease is a general term that refers to any number of disorders that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, and congenital heart defects. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries leading to the heart, which can restrict blood flow. Heart rhythm problems, or arrhythmias, occur when the heart beats abnormally. Congenital heart defects are defects that are present at birth.
A stroke is a medical emergency caused when an artery to the brain is blocked or bursts. When this occurs, the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which can cause brain cells to die. This can lead to permanent disability, such as paralysis or difficulty speaking or understanding language.
Risk Factors of Heart Diseases & How to Lower Them
There are several risk factors for heart disease, and many of them are adaptable through lifestyle changes. Here are some of the most common risk factors for heart disease, along with strategies for lowering them:
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. You can lower your blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing your salt intake, limiting alcohol consumption, and taking medications if prescribed by your doctor.
- High cholesterol: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. You can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and taking medications if prescribed by your doctor.
- Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease. You can manage your diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease. You can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise can increase your risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars can increase your risk of heart disease. Aim for a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend medications to lower your risk of heart disease. It’s important to work with your healthcare team to develop a plan that’s right for you.
Identifying the Symptoms of a Heart Attack & Stroke
It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and stroke, as prompt medical attention can be lifesaving. Here are the symptoms to look out for:
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
- Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like a tightness, pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.
- Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body: This can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath: This may occur with or without chest pain.
- Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms may also occur with or without chest pain.
- Sweating: This may occur suddenly and without explanation.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness: This may occur suddenly and without explanation.
Symptoms of a Stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own. Time is critical in both heart attacks and strokes, and prompt medical attention can greatly increase the chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
The Different Types of Treatments For Heart Diseases & Strokes
The types of treatments for heart disease and stroke depend on the specific condition and its severity. Here are some of the common treatments for each:
Treatments for Heart Disease:
- Lifestyle changes: These may include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
- Surgery: Procedures such as angioplasty, bypass surgery, and valve replacement can help improve blood flow to the heart and reduce symptoms of heart disease.
- Medications: These may include drugs to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, reduce blood clots, or manage symptoms of heart failure.
- Other Therapies: Cardiac rehabilitation and other yoga, meditation, and stress-reduction techniques can also help manage heart disease.
Treatments for Stroke:
- Medications: A variety of medications are used to treat stroke, including clot-busting drugs, antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering medications, and anticoagulants.
- Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove a blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain (clot removal), or to repair a damaged artery (endovascular surgery).
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is used to help restore movement and strength after a stroke.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy helps stroke survivors relearn skills related to daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Speech and language therapy: Speech and language therapy helps stroke survivors regain the ability to communicate.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation helps stroke survivors regain their independence and return to their normal activities.
- Support groups: Support groups provide emotional and practical support for stroke survivors and their families.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. They can help you understand your condition and your treatment options and help you make informed decisions about your care.