The term "heart disease" is often used interchangeably with the term "cardiovascular disease." Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your heart 's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices. Cardiovascular disease in our arteries can begin as early as our teenage years.
Often a body 's resistance to insulin, which is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas, leads to Type 2 diabetes and disease in your blood vessels. …show more content…
(An ischemic stroke happens when an artery in your brain is blocked.)
Clot formation is just the end of a long process of disease which begins as inflammation in the arteries incited by cholesterol. In response to the inflammation, plaque pushes its way under the artery lining, causing the arteries to thicken. A weakened artery will fight to hold in the unstable plaque, but the plaque can rupture without warning, breaking through the vessel wall. The body senses danger and rushes repair cells to the …show more content…
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight puts significant strain on your heart, and can make other cardiovascular disease risk factors worse, such as diabetes. Eating right and exercising regularly can help shed extra pounds.
Manage Stress
Life is often stressful—sometimes we just can’t avoid it. But consistent stress and anger can have damaging effects that could lead to heart attack and stroke. Manage stress by learning relaxation techniques or asking for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
As always, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk. Together, you’ll determine the best strategy for preventing or managing cardiovascular disease.
References:
1. http://www.thedacare.org/Symptoms-and-Conditions/Cardiology/Taking-Charge-of-Your-Health/Cardiovascular-Disease-Prevention-and-Management.aspx
2.