About 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year.
What is heart disease?
The term “heart disease” covers several conditions that effect on the heart. Most commonly, it refers to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In this condition, you have plaque buildup in both the: Coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart. Peripheral arteries deliver blood to the limbs and brain. This buildup can result in a heart assault or stroke. According to the CDC, Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In the US, 1 out of 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
Heart disease risk factors
About half the deaths from heart and vascular disease in the U.S. could be prevented. There are several medical conditions and lifestyle choices that can increase your chances of heart disease.
- Unhealthy diet
- Overweight and obesity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are other key risk factors for heart disease.
How to prevent heart disease
- Nutrition
Diets, such as a whole food plant-based or Mediterranean diet, may also lower your risk of heart attack or stroke and improving your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Physical activity
The heart is a muscle that needs exercise just like any other muscle in the human body. Regular physical activity can lead to lower blood pressure and weight stability.
- Smoking
Smoking is a first-rate reason of atherosclerosis. The longer you smoke, the higher your chances of a heart attack threat. If you were to quit, you can experience healthier gains in as little as a few months.
- Medication
Genetics can also tip the scales in (or out of) your favor. the inability to reverse risk factors such as genetics, family history and aging, at a certain point, you may need to take medications to prevent heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Though there are high risk factors that can contribute to your chances of getting heart disease, you can decrease those odds through healthy lifestyle practices and possible medications.