Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the US, claiming one life every 34 seconds, with coronary heart disease being the most common type. While some risk factors are beyond our control, there are still lifestyle choices we can make to help prevent heart disease. To learn more about these choices, Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who shared their insights on preventing heart disease. Keep reading to discover their tips and advice. And don't forget to prioritize your health and that of others by taking precautions against COVID-19.
1) Understanding Heart Disease: Risk Factors and Prevention
According to medical experts, heart disease is the top cause of death for many ethnic and racial groups in the United States. The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease caused by atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This process can begin as early as the second or third decade of life due to several factors such as high cholesterol, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, an Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary's Hospital, notes that heart disease is responsible for the most deaths in America, with 696,962 deaths reported by the CDC. Unfortunately, not all types of heart disease have warning signs, which contributes to the high number of deaths each year. Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, so it's crucial to prioritize one's health and take steps to reduce the risk.
2) Lack of Awareness: Heart Disease Often Goes Unrecognized
According to Dr. Stahl, many people with heart disease don't realize they have it until they experience a heart attack. Atherosclerosis and hypertensive heart disease can develop over many years without any noticeable symptoms. As risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes become more common, more people are affected by heart disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 697,000 people in the United States will die from heart disease in 2020, accounting for about 1 in every 5 deaths. Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent type of heart disease and was responsible for roughly 383,000 deaths in 2020. Approximately 20.1 million Americans have coronary artery disease.
3) See Your Physician Regularly
Dr. Stahl and Dr. Curry-Winchell both emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups to detect potential heart disease. Dr. Stahl advises getting screened for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes at least every five years for those over the age of 20. Meanwhile, Dr. Curry-Winchell points out that not everyone with heart disease experiences symptoms and encourages people to seek medical attention, especially if they notice chest, neck, or shoulder pain. High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol are sometimes referred to as the "Silent Killer" as they may not present any symptoms.
4) Understanding Your Family's Health History: Why It's Important and How to Get Started
Knowing your family health history is crucial in identifying your risk for certain diseases, including heart disease. According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, having a family member with heart disease increases your likelihood of developing it. Therefore, it's important to share this information with your healthcare provider to identify any early signs of heart disease and take preventive measures. So, take the time to learn about your family's health history and share it with your doctor to ensure your heart health.
5) Quit Smoking
According to Dr. Stahl, "Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the US. Smokers, on average, die more than a decade earlier than nonsmokers. Smoking and inhaling harmful toxins raise cholesterol, promote atherosclerosis, increase blood pressure, and cause arteries to narrow."
Dr. Curry-Winchell also emphasizes, "Your body reacts to nicotine by elevating blood pressure. In simple terms, prolonged high blood pressure throughout the day increases the risk of developing heart disease."
6) Screen and Treat Hypertension
According to Dr. Stahl, it is crucial to undergo routine blood pressure screening to prevent hypertension, which is often referred to as the "silent killer." If left untreated, hypertension can cause significant effects on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, all adults should prioritize this screening to control and prevent high blood pressure.
7) Increase Physical Activity
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, "Keeping physically active is crucial! It doesn't matter whether you take a stroll around your neighborhood or engage in regular gym sessions, both can help reduce your chances of developing heart disease by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol."
Dr. Stahl emphasizes that "Staying active is a crucial component of a heart-healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes per week of high-intensity exercise."