Heart Disease In The US: Facts, Causes, and Treatment

Author: Shubhankar Sen on Jun 16,2022
Cured Heart Disease In The US

 

Any condition in the heart is addressed as heart disease, and it can range from multiple kinds of heart conditions like infection, valve disease, blood vessel disease, or heart defects by birth. As per research, nearly half of the US population suffers from a heart condition, and it's the number one killer in the US. This makes it essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle and regular heart checkups to ensure good heart health. Also, the symptoms of heart-related diseases are not easily visible, making them more challenging to detect. 

In this blog, we will tell you about the role of breakfast for good heart health, the need for a healthy lifestyle, symptoms, precautions, and treatment for heart disease.  

 

What is the role of breakfast in preventing heart diseases? 

Breakfast is the first meal we eat in the morning, and research says that skipping breakfast can increase the risk of heart disease. It implies that breakfast is an important meal for good heart health. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and healthy eating can play a significant role in avoiding diseases. This first meal helps to improve the metabolism and gives the energy to keep going all day. 

Also, skipping breakfast has a significant role in increasing obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol, which can harm one's health. Whatever we eat and how we eat can substantially impact health, and ignoring it can be harmful to the heart. 

 

Is heart disease the leading cause of death?

It is an alarming fact that heart disease is the primary cause of death in the US. As per an estimate, every 36 seconds, a person dies in the US from heart-related disease. It has been the leading cause of death since 1921 and is considered the number one killer in the world. So, figures say that 659,000 people die in the US from heart-related disease, equating to 1 death in every four deaths. 

 

The role of a healthy lifestyle in ensuring good heart health:

In most cases, the existence of heart disease goes unnoticed. The major causes of heart-related diseases are high cholesterol and high blood pressure. With the staggering figures of heart-related conditions worldwide, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle by making simple changes in your daily life. Some changes include losing excess weight, eating a healthy and nutritious diet, staying active, following a disciplined sleep cycle, and doing regular exercise. Also, less intake of sugar, quitting smoking or drinking, and decreasing screen time can be helpful. 

Since it is difficult to detect heart diseases, a yearly heart checkup can help see them before they become severe. Moreover, as genetics can play a role in heart diseases, complementing it with a healthy life is the best option. According to a study, 55,000 people with favorable lifestyles have successfully decreased the risk of heart diseases by 50%. 

Along with these changes, stress can become a significant reason for hypertension that causes heart diseases. Some ways to manage stress can be physical activity, yoga, swimming, or taking help from a therapist for it. 

 

What are the heart valve disease symptoms?

A common kind of heart disease is a heart valve disease that occurs when one or more valves do not function properly. These valves are responsible for keeping the blood flowing in the heart, and when it does not open or close accurately, it can disrupt the functioning of the heart. The treatment depends on the kind of valve affected and its intensity that requires surgery or valve replacement. 

Some common symptoms to detect the presence of heart valve diseases are:

  • Chest pain
  • Heart murmur 
  • Fatigue and shortness of breath 
  • Swelling in the abdomen, ankles, and feet
  • Fainting, dizziness, and abnormal heartbeat. 

Heart disease can be present from birth or occur due to infections or other heart conditions. It can be caused when the valve flaps do not open or close properly, become thick or stiff, or have any blockage. Also, factors like old age, history of heart infections, high cholesterol, or other kinds of heart issues increase the chances of being exposed to heart disease.

 

What are congenital heart diseases? 

Apart from heart valve disease, congenital heart diseases are the other common heart-related conditions. It refers to one or more problems in the heart's structure from birth, where people are born with it. It can significantly impact how the blood flows through the heart. Some congenital heart diseases are mild, and it can be easy to live with them, while the other ones can be complicated and life-threatening at the same time. In both cases, people will need lifelong care, medical care, medicine, and surgical treatment. For example, an atrial septal defect is a congenital heart disability in which the heart's upper chambers are divided by a hole in the wall. The hole size might vary, and it may close on its own or require surgery. 

In many cases, the symptoms of congenital heart diseases go unnoticed and become visible only in adulthood. Even if it's treated, the symptoms can return in the future, becoming more threatening. Some common symptoms of congenital heart diseases are:

  • Arrhythmias
  • Blue skin and fingernails
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue, tiredness, and swelling of the body tissues or organs.

The risk factors for congenital heart diseases are smoking, alcohol consumption, taking certain medications while pregnant, genetics, or diabetes. It can turn complicated, like causing abnormal heartbeat, heart infection, stroke, or heart failure. 

 

Cured Prevent heart Disease

 

Essential precautions to prevent heart disease

Although it's impossible to prevent all the causes and risk factors, some of them can be stopped. So, let's tell you about the necessary precautions to prevent heart diseases:

  • Managing blood pressure- High blood pressure is a common risk factor that can cause heart disease. So, one must keep getting their blood pressure checked regularly. Some lifestyle changes can help to decrease high blood pressure.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight- Obesity is a common risk factor for multiple heart-related diseases. It is even linked to other heart conditions, and weight control can decrease the risk of heart-related disease. 
  • Managing diabetes- The presence of diabetes can further increase the chance of heart-related disease. So, it is essential to get diabetes checks and keep them under control.
  • Getting Adequate sleep- Improper sleep can increase the risk for high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. It can increase the chances of heart-related diseases; hence a person must get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. So, make sure to get good sleeping habits. 

 

What is the preferred treatment for heart disease? 

The precise treatment for heart diseases depends on the kind and severity of the disease. But, some common treatments for heart diseases are:

  1. Healthy lifestyle- As mentioned before, a healthy lifestyle can help manage heart diseases by exercising, eating healthy food, not smoking or alcohol, having a healthy weight, and having good hygiene. 
  2. Cardiac rehabilitation- People with heart diseases who do not need any surgical treatment can go for cardiac repair. It can enhance the ongoing treatment and speed up the recovery process. It includes nutritional counseling, monitoring exercise, and emotional support to decrease the risk of heart diseases. 
  3. Support groups- An excellent way to deal with the mental stress associated with heart-related diseases is by joining support groups. You can consult your doctors about it. It will help you meet like-minded people going through similar problems that give support and a new outlook on life. 
  4. Regular medical checkup- If you are dealing with a long-term heart-related disease, you must consult a medical practitioner about it and go for a scheduled regular medical checkup to prevent it from getting worse. 

 

Wrapping Up

The heart is an essential organ of the body, and it's vital to ensure good heart health. While the causes of heart diseases are increasing, it has become crucial to ensure good heart health. Firstly, one must not skip breakfast and ensure eating nutritious food, adequate sleep, and exercise. Also, it is essential to go for constant health checkups and manage their stress. Moreover, it is significant to identify the symptoms of various heart diseases and visit a doctor. Lastly, it is vital to avoid alcohol, smoking, or substance abuse which can be a prime risk factor for heart-related diseases. 

For more informative posts, advice, information, and suggestions on good health and wellness, go to cured.com and know more.

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Remember - your health is your greatest asset. Don't take it for granted.

Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin K Deficiency: Symptoms & Solutions

Introduction:Vitamin K is a crucial nutrient that plays a key role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and other important functions in the body. However, many people are not aware of the importance of this vitamin and the signs of deficiency. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about vitamin K deficiency, including its symptoms, causes, and solutions.Understanding Vitamin K Deficiency:Vitamin K deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including uncontrolled bleeding and weakened bones. This can be especially dangerous for individuals with certain medical conditions or those who are taking medications that interfere with vitamin K absorption. Acquired vitamin K deficiency is more common than inherited deficiency and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, certain medical conditions, and medications.Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms:One of the most common symptoms of vitamin K deficiency is easy bruising and bleeding. If you notice that you bruise easily or have trouble stopping bleeding from minor cuts or injuries, you may have a vitamin K deficiency. Other symptoms can include frequent nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool, and heavy menstrual bleeding in women.Causes of Vitamin K Deficiency:There are several factors that can contribute to vitamin K deficiency, including poor dietary intake of vitamin K-rich foods, certain medical conditions that affect the absorption of vitamin K, and medications that interfere with vitamin K metabolism. Some individuals may also have an increased need for vitamin K, such as pregnant women or people with certain chronic diseases. It is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have a vitamin K deficiency, as they can provide guidance on how to address the issue.Symptoms of Acquired Vitamin K Deficiency:Acquired vitamin K deficiency can result from factors such as a poor diet, certain medical conditions, or medications that interfere with vitamin K absorption. Symptoms of acquired vitamin K deficiency can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and may include easy bruising and bleeding, blood in the urine or stool, and heavy menstrual bleeding in women. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical advice if you suspect you may have a vitamin K deficiency.Solutions for Vitamin K Deficiency:If you are diagnosed with a vitamin K deficiency, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. Increasing your intake of vitamin K-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, can help boost your vitamin K levels. Your healthcare provider may also recommend vitamin K supplements to help improve your vitamin K status. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's advice and address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the deficiency.Prevention of Vitamin K Deficiency:Preventing vitamin K deficiency starts with maintaining a healthy diet that includes plenty of vitamin K-rich foods, such as broccoli, spinach, and kale. It is also important to be aware of any medical conditions or medications that may increase your risk of vitamin K deficiency and take steps to address these issues. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help ensure that your vitamin K levels are in a healthy range and prevent deficiencies from developing.Impact of Vitamin K Deficiency on Bone Health:Vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and is essential for the production of proteins that help maintain strong and healthy bones. A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, especially in older adults. It is important to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin K through diet or supplements to support bone health and prevent bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis.Conclusion:Vitamin K deficiency can have serious consequences for your health, but with awareness and proper management, it can be addressed effectively. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and solutions for vitamin K deficiency, you can take proactive steps to maintain optimal vitamin K levels and support your overall health. Remember to speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your vitamin K status and follow their guidance on how to address this important nutrient deficiency.