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Heart Disease

Causes

Heart disease is caused by damage to all or part of the heart, damage to the coronary arteries, or a poor supply of nutrients and oxygen to the organ.

Some types of heart disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, are genetic. These, alongside congenital heart defects, can occur before a person is born.

There are a number of lifestyle choices that can increase the risk of heart disease. These include:

  • high blood pressure and cholesterol

  • smoking

  • overweight and obesity

  • diabetes

  • family history

  • a diet of junk food

  • age

  • a history of preeclampsia during pregnancy

  • staying in a stationary position for extended periods of time, such as sitting at work

Having any of these risk factors greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Some, such as age, are unavoidable. For example, once a woman reaches 55 years of age, heart disease becomes more likely.

Prevention

Some types of heart disease, such as those that are present from birth, cannot be prevented.

Other types, however, can be prevented by taking the following measures:

  • Eat a balanced diet. Stick to low-fat, high-fiber foods and be sure to consume five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Increase your intake of whole grains and reduce the amount of salt and sugar in the diet. Make sure the fats in the diet are mostly unsaturated.

  • Exercise regularly. This will strengthen the heart and circulatory system, reduce cholesterol, and maintain blood pressure.

  • Maintain a healthy body weight for your height. Click here to calculate your current and target body mass index (BMI).

  • If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart and cardiovascular conditions.

  • Reduce the intake of alcohol. Do not drink more than 14 units per week.

  • Control conditions that affect heart health as a complication, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

While these steps do not completely eliminate the risk of heart disease, they can help improve overall health and greatly reduce the chances of heart complications.

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