Heart, the main muscular organ, a pear-shaped structure about the
size of a fist . that pumps blood to all parts of the body. The normal heart has a rate of 72 beats per minute, but in infants the rate may be as high as 120 beats, and in children about 90 beats, per minute.The rhythmic beating of the heart is a ceaseless activity lasting from before birth to the end of life.
There are many diseases which cause damage to the heart and cardio vascular system, these disease mainly effects the the valves, main arterists, and muscle of the heart which renders the effected people at risk.
Risk Factors of heart Disease
Risk factors are habits or traits that make a person more likely to
develop a disease or condition.
Some risk factors cannot be changed such us :
1- Age: risk of heart disease increase with age
2- Gender: contraty to what many women believe, women are not protected from ever experiencing heart disease. Awomans risk continues to increase as she ages. Compared to men more women die from heart attacks within the first year after their heart attack
3- Family history:
It is important to know if there are members of your family who are diagnosed with heart disease . family history becomes more of a risk factor if your mother , father, brothers or sister have a history of heart disease.
But many risk factors can be changed such us:
1- Overweight
2- Cigarette smoking & Drinking Alcohol.
3- chronic disease as:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High blood sugar
4- Lack of Physical Activity: Its beneficial if you make exercise a normal part of your lifestyle .It is highly recommended to participate in some form of exercise.
5- Stress: Stress has been linked to heart diseases under many circumstances.
Early detection and control of the risk factors can decrease the chances of heart disease.
Symptoms of heart Disease:
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Unexplained anxiety., weakness or extreme fatigue.
Heaviness and pain in the chest.
Chest pain or discomfort
Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck , and jaw.
Vomiting , nausea and dizziness.
Indigestion , stomach or abdominal pain.
Palpitations.
Sweating
If you or some one you know experiences one or more of these symptoms, don’t wait . and immediately get medical care.
Heart Disease Prevention
What can be done to reduce the risk of heart disease:
• Have a regular check up at least once a year since early detection decreases your chances of heart disease.
• Avoid bad habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
• Lower total cholesterol to the acceptable levels.
• Maintain tight control of blood pressure and blood sugar.
• Maintain healthy weight and avoid obesity
• Keep in balanced diet.
• Reduce sodium, starch , and sugar intake; eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, low-fat dairy products and low in saturated and total fat.
• Be physically active and include exercise in your daily lifestyle.
• Avoid and reduce stress in your lifestyle.