Making lifestyle changes important to prevent heart disease

By: SONIA NAVARRO - Vista Community Clinic | Saturday, April 28, 2007 10:17 PM PDT ∞

Heart disease refers to any condition that can affect the heart. Examples include coronary heart disease, heart attack, pulmonary heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. The word "corona" means crown, and "coronary" is the name given to the arteries that circle the heart like a crown. These arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients.

Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries become hardened or narrowed because of plaque buildup. These plaques are made up of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium, and waste products. The plaque buildup and the narrowing and hardening of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis begins as early as childhood. Progressive plaque expansion can obstruct blood flow. This obstruction prevents sufficient blood and oxygen from reaching the heart, leading to ischemia or infarction. These plaques can also cause ruptures and blood clots. Heart attacks and strokes are the most common results of these conditions.

We can all lower risk for heart disease by making lifestyle changes. A healthful diet is important: This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lowering or cutting salt, and eating less saturated fat and cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor, and all adults should have theirs checked. Once every five years is sufficient if you do not have any risk factors or are under 40 years of age.

Exercise is also very important. Adults should engage in moderate levels of physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week to maintain a healthy weight. Greater risk of heart disease exists with people who smoke or who drink excessive alcohol.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it's a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart diseases each year in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, all heart diseases are projected to cost 403.1 billion in 2006. This includes health services, medications, and lost productivity.

It is not easy to tell whether you have heart disease, since it rarely causes symptoms in early phases. For this reason, it is important to see a physician regularly and evaluate your lifestyle and diet habits.

Sonia Navarro is a registered nurse at Vista Community Clinic. To make a medical appointment, call (760) 631-5000. Vista Community Clinic has locations throughout Oceanside and Vista.

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