Introduction

Often, many people ignore those symptoms of mild heartburn or minor yet unusual discomfort of chest or shoulder pain, considering it an age-related normality. Sometimes, some might not even feel any symptoms of nerve damage, called neuropathy. This condition is commonly the result of poorly managed and controlled diabetes. Diabetes is a silent threat to the overall health of the patient since it often comes with no warning signs, taking people by surprise with its damage and severe consequences.

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, nearly 10.1 crores people have diabetes, and approximately 15.3 % of the population of India is pre-diabetic. These disturbing statistics indicate the dire need for awareness about the disease among the masses, effective prevention measures and strategies by agencies like the World Health Organization, and immediate treatment interventions by medical professionals to curb the onslaught of this silent killer.

Diabetes elevates cardiovascular diseases, and diabetic patients have higher risks of heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney failure, to name a few. To find out how, continue reading this blog.

About Diabetes, its Causes and Types

As a chronic health condition that is not only common in older people but prevalent in children and young adults also, diabetes is emerging as a health crisis, requiring strict and aggressive control and management. A disease that does not affect only one or two body parts but gradually and slowly affects one’s overall health if poorly managed and controlled. What starts as a sugar buildup damages various body parts like heart, kidney, eyes, nerves and blood vessels.

Diabetes is a condition when the sugar levels in the blood increase beyond the medically acceptable threshold limits. The pancreas releases a hormone, insulin, that enables the cells to convert food into energy by absorbing the sugar produced by the food. Often, when the pancreas stops producing or produces insufficient insulin, or the cells cannot utilize the insulin properly, the sugar levels in the bloodstream rise, leading to diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes could be genetic or acquired. The causes of diabetes depend on the type of diabetes. The various types of diabetes and their causes are –

• Type 1 Diabetes (type 1D)– Type 1D is an autoimmune disease where the immune system, by mistake, attacks and destroys the body’s own cells that make insulin. It is also known as insulin-dependent disease. The body cannot produce insulin, and the glucose is unabsorbed, resulting in its buildup in the bloodstream. This type of diabetes is caused genetically and is more common in children and young adults. Daily Insulin injections become a must for a patient’s survival.
• Type 2 Diabetes (type 2D)- Type 2D is an acquired disease caused by obesity, lifestyle, and other environmental factors. It is an insulin-resistant disease where the cells do not properly use the insulin the body produces. The disease is manageable through medications and a healthy lifestyle, including a controlled diet, exercise, and other alternate treatment modalities.
• Prediabetes- A condition where the sugar levels are above the normal limits but not as high as to be considered as type 2D. However, pre-diabetic patients are susceptible and liable to develop diabetes sooner or later if not managed and controlled timely.
• Maturity Onset Diabetes in Young Adults (MODY) – Mutation in a single gene, if inherited by the child, may cause the chances of him/her developing MODY. This disease can be caused irrespective of the person’s weight or lifestyle. Timely and proper diagnosis helps control and manage it effectively.
• Gestational Diabetes- Pregnant women may experience a rise in sugar levels that may attain normalcy after pregnancy. Weight gain and hormonal changes are considered responsible for gestational diabetes.

How Does Diabetes Elevate CVDs?

As an independent risk factor for CVDs, diabetes contributes massively to the poor prognosis of CVDs in people diagnosed with it. Diabetic patients are highly prone to complications of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, heart attack, and other vascular diseases.

• Link Between Diabetes and CAD There is a strong link between diabetes and CAD. Studies show that diabetic patients are two to four times more likely to develop CAD than non-diabetic patients. In people with diabetes, it is observed that atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis commence early and develop faster, resulting in one of the major reasons for high morbidity and mortality. High triglycerides (body fat) and high LDL (bad) cholesterol cause the arteries to harden, leading to atherosclerosis. The chances of plaque ruptures cannot be ruled out, causing thrombosis and, if unattended, may prove fatal.
• Link Between Diabetes and Heart Attack Diabetes is reported to be responsible for the severe damage to the nerves of the autonomic nervous system. Angina or chest pain is one of the first symptoms of a heart attack. Diabetic patients do not feel chest pain, and heart attack often turn out to be silent.
• Link Between Diabetes and Heart Failure Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood efficiently and adequately to meet the body’s blood requirement. It has been studied that diabetes and heart failure have many similar risk factors, and each is an independent risk factor for the other. Diabetes Mellitus has been shown to worsen heart failure due to a rise in serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin levels, and reduced glucose tolerance. Cardiomyopathy (left ventricular dysfunction) is reported to be associated with diabetes, even in the absence of any other valve disease, hypertension, or CAD in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients are at high risk of heart failure, even without any symptoms of heart failure or structural heart disease.
• Gestational Diabetes (GD) and its Associated Risks Women with GD have been reported to have a nearly seven-fold increased risk of developing type 2d in the long run. Diabetes is detrimental to the cardiovascular health of women. The risk of cardiovascular diseases due to diabetes is higher in women than men. This may be attributed to excess weight gain during pregnancy, the more extended period spent in the metabolic prediabetes stage that is unfavorable or placental hormonal effects, or an increase in inflammatory cytokines release during pregnancy causing insulin resistance. Incidence of GD may also affect the health of the baby, who may be born overweight, with chances of obesity or type 2D in the future or breathing problems.

Conclusion

Diabetes is not only chronic but life-challenging, with its devastating effect on the cardiovascular health of the patient. As a silent killer, it stealthily and gradually affects multiple organs and body parts adversely. To prevent any further damage and its aggravating impact on the person’s overall health, one must exercise stringent diabetes control and management measures.

References

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1944600#:~:text=As%20per%20Indian%20Council%20of,of%20diabetes%20is%2010.1%20crores.
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/silent-heart-attacks-diabetes
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes#:~:text=Over%20time%2C%20diabetes%20can%20damage,blood%20vessels%20in%20the%20eyes.

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a form of cardiovascular disease that is caused by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. If left untreated, ‍coronary artery disease (CAD) lead to chest pain, complete blockage of an artery, heart attack, and cause sudden death. Knowing the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for CAD can help you protect yourself and those around you from its potentially devastating effects. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about coronary artery disease and how to identify and manage this devastating condition and keep it at bay. However, there are also various preventative measures that you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. With the right information and knowledge, you can reduce your risk of developing this dangerous condition and improve your overall heart health.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a medical condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart.  The buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries is a common precursor to CAD, this build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries could be formed over a period of time, which can completely block the arteries and cause heart failure. This buildup causes the arteries to narrow, which increases your risk of a heart attack. The plaque that builds up in the arteries can be made of cholesterol, calcium, and pieces of fatty material. It usually starts in the walls of the arteries, and it can build up and grow bigger over time, which puts pressure on the artery walls. This can make it harder for your heart to get the blood it needs. In most cases, CAD is the result of a combination of risk factors that increase your chances of developing it. These risk factors include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. While these risk factors can be controlled with lifestyle changes, there are treatments that can help reduce your risk of developing CAD.

Symptoms of coronary artery disease

The first and most common symptom of CAD is chest pain. The pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, or an achy and heavy feeling in your chest. It can be mild or severe, and it can feel like something is pressing on your chest or that it’s hard to breathe. Other symptoms of CAD can include

• shortness of breath,
• weakness or fatigue,
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• palpitations,
• pain or pressure in your shoulders or arms,
• nausea or vomiting,
• sweating,
• fainting.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are of preventing a heart attack and reducing your risk of mortality.

Risk factors of coronary artery disease

As mentioned above, most cases of CAD are caused by a combination of risk factors. These factors may include aging, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Depending on your individual risk level, these risk factors can lead to CAD in two ways: They can cause the buildup of plaque in the arteries, or they can increase your risk of blood clots forming in the arteries.

Diagnosis of coronary artery disease

If your doctor suspects that you have CAD, they would advise on heart health evaluation tests to diagnose further. This includes a thorough history of your symptoms and a physical examination. They may start with a blood test to measure your cholesterol levels and assess the extent of your risk for CAD. If your cholesterol levels are high, you may need to take medication to lower them. Your doctor may also order a blood test to look for signs of diabetes. They may also recommend an electrocardiogram (also known as an EKG or ECG) to check for signs of a heart attack or an abnormal heart rhythm. If your doctor suspects that you have CAD, they may recommend a coronary artery calcium test. This test uses X-rays to scan your arteries and look for signs of plaque. If you have a high amount of plaque in your arteries, it could mean that you have CAD.

Treatment of coronary artery disease

If you have established CAD, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Depending on your specific case, they may recommend lifestyle changes, nutrition support, medication, or even surgery. In certain cases, doctors may even recommend a procedure called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This minimally invasive procedure can help you reduce your risk of heart attack by removing plaque from your coronary arteries. The treatment options include interventional procedures and treatments with stents, coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) or medications depending upon the case. Stents are small mesh tubes that are inserted into the arteries. Medications can help lower your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar. CABG is a surgical procedure that reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries.

Prevention of coronary artery disease

The best way to prevent CAD is to initiate self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy diet and an active exercise routine will help you in your journey to maintain a healthy weight and improve your heart health. A healthy diet should consist of various fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and salt-free table salt.

Make sure to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level and a moderate body mass index (BMI, a measurement of body fat based on height and weight). These will help prevent CAD and reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke. The best way to prevent CAD is by managing your risk factors. This means taking steps to reduce your risk of developing each of the risk factors for CAD. With the right lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce your risk of CAD and heart disease. Some of the most important lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing your stress levels. Your doctor would prescribe certain medications for controlling cholesterol, reducing chances of blood clots formation, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, if need be. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing CAD, it’s important to visit your doctor and have them perform a full checkup. During your appointment, they’ll ask you about your medical history, lifestyle, and family history. They’ll also perform a physical exam and order any necessary tests to help you get a better understanding of your current heart health. Based on the results of your tests, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or even surgery to reduce your risk of CAD.

Tips for improving coronary artery health

If you’re concerned about your risk of developing CAD, there are several things you can do to protect your heart. Make sure you’re getting enough exercise. The best exercise is one that you enjoy and that you can do regularly. It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep, managing your stress levels, and following a healthy diet. To help prevent CAD and improve your heart health, follow these tips:

• Stay away from tobacco products.
• Maintain a healthy weight, and eat a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly.
• Keep your diabetes under control with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
• Visit your doctor regularly and get your blood pressure checked.

Conclusion

Knowing the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for CAD can help you protect yourself and those around you from its potentially devastating effects. In this article, we’ve explored what you need to know about coronary artery disease and how to identify and manage it. We’ve also discussed aspects of treatment options and preventive measures. If you have any of the above-mentioned CAD risk factors, it is essential to be evaluated for CAD, even if you do not experience symptoms. Following a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential to maintain a healthy heart.

FAQs

At what age do your arteries start clogging?

Research has shown that on an average the from the age of 35 and upwards, most men and women start to have blocked arteries. 

What are the signs that your heart is weak?

Signs like shortness of breath on exertion, chest pain, fatigue, and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet indicate the heart is weak.

What does a blocked artery feel like?

A blocked artery will induce symptoms of chest pain and tightness, and shortness of breath.

Can an ECG detect a blocked artery?

An ECG can detect a blocked artery. Also, your cardiologist may recommend an ultrasound to check for blockages

Is coronary artery disease and heart disease same?

Cardiovascular disease or heart disease refers to a cluster of diseases related to the heart, including coronary heart disease.

Does coronary artery disease require surgery?

If the arteries are blocked in several areas, or if there is a blockage in one of the larger main arteries, then coronary bypass surgery will be recommended.

Can a blocked artery clear itself?

No, a blocked artery does not clear itself.

What is the test recommended for coronary artery disease?

Coronary Angiography, also called cardiac catheterization, is the recommended test for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

Heart disease today is one of the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. Cardiovascular health means the health of the heart and blood vessels. We have to lead a healthy lifestyle and take steps to lower the risk of developing Cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A healthy lifestyle, in addition to staying active and eating nutritious meals also includes taking care of your heart and arteries. By implementing the right and healthy habits into your daily life, you can prevent CVD and reduce your risk even further. This article will discuss the ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease. Keep reading to learn more!

Know your Risks

Since anyone can get heart disease, cardiovascular health goals start with identifying if you have the following risks:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor eating habits
• Smoking and Drinking
• Family history of heart disease

How To Achieve Cardiovascular Health for Everyone

Since cardiovascular health is a concern for almost everyone, we have to look into all factors like hereditary conditions, lifestyle habits like drinking and smoking, and socio-environmental contributors like air pollution, stress, and our sedentary lives. To live with a healthy heart and avoid the risk of cardiovascular problems, you must-

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:

Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of CVD. Heart-healthy foods are low in saturated fats and sodium and are high in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Healthy eating is not just about cutting calories but also about getting the right balance of nutrients. Heart-healthy eating is not only about what you eat but also how often you eat it. Eating too little or too often throughout the day is unhealthier and can lead to an unhealthy heart.

Exercise Regularly and Get Active:

A healthy diet is great, but exercise is even better for cardiovascular health. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It can also reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and increase your life expectancy by years. The best part about exercise is; you can do it at any time, place, and with almost any equipment. Whether walking on the treadmill or cycling with your stationary bike, activity can benefit your heart health in many ways and improve your quality of life.

Maintain the Right Weight:

By eating the right food and exercising well, we also have to pay attention to our weight. Being overweight and on the wrong side of the scale is not a good sign. Obesity is one of the risk factors for CVD.

Take a Daily Dose of Vitamin D:

While many people know that they need to eat vitamin-rich food to maintain a healthy body and heart, many are unaware that they also need to take a daily oral supplement to get the same benefit. The human body needs Vitamin D to function properly, and it also plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, improving bone health, and strengthening the immune system, which is all crucial for cardiovascular health. The best way to get vitamin D is to get outside and sun exposure every day. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible. That is why a daily supplement is also an option. However, it is advisable to not self-medicate and always consult your doctor and follow his advice and instructions before taking any Vitamin D supplements. Doctor-recommended dosage of Vitamin supplements helps make good the vitamin deficiency in your body in the right way. 

Don’t Smoke or Hold Onto Your Breath:

Smoking, exposure to second smoke, and holding your breath can damage your heart and arteries. Smoking is linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease. People who smoke are at a higher risk of CVD because of the damage done to the body by smoking. Holding your breath for too long is also harmful to your heart. Short-term moments of holding your breath, such as swimming underwater or blowing out birthday candles, are not harmful. However, holding your breath for an extended period, such as while performing complicated tasks or playing sports, can damage your heart and arteries.

Consult your doctor for timely and proper treatment if you have any signs of CVD, like chest pain, chest heaviness, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the legs or arms, fatigue, or dizziness. Seeking immediate medical attention and intervention can save you from significant heart complications.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a severe problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The good news is that it can be prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, take doctor-recommendeddaily vitamin D dose, and don’t smoke or hold onto your breath. These few lifestyle changes will significantly lower your risk of heart disease. Keep these tips in mind, and you will be on your way to a heart-healthy lifestyle!

FAQs :

1. What is cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular health means the health of the heart and the blood vessels. 

2. What are five ways to improve your cardiovascular health?

 Five ways to improve cardiovascular health are-

• Leading an active lifestyle with regular exercise and walking to keep the heart active and healthy
• Avoiding smoking and drinking, which can weaken and damage the heart
• Eating heart-healthy foods and not indulging in overeating
• Maintaining the right weight, which means avoiding being overweight
• Not to take any stress

3. What is good for cardiovascular health? Any moderate physical activity like walking, running, cycling, swimming, or a game of tennis or badminton and skipping for at least 150 minutes per week is good for the heart.

4. What are the five major cardiovascular health problems?

Five major cardiovascular health problems are,

• Heart attack aka coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Arrhythmia
• Heart valve complications

5. What triggers cardiovascular disease? Risk factors like poor and unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and physical activity, smoking and drinking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and overweight, and high cholesterol trigger cardiovascular disease.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death, disability, and human suffering globally. Once you are diagnosed with CAD you have to learn to live with it by adopting a lifestyle that fits you and your heart health. By lowering the risk factors, you can live your life despite having CAD.

There is a possibility that you may be living with CAD long before you realize it. It creates fear and anxiety due to the close association with heart attacks.

Coronary artery disease occurs when your heart’s primary blood arteries become damaged or diseased. Coronary artery disease is caused by cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) in your coronary arteries and inflammation. The coronary arteries supply your heart with blood, oxygen, and nourishment. Plaque development can restrict these arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Reduced blood flow may eventually result in chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease. A heart attack might be caused by a total blockage. Although Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is not completely curable, the doctor would suggest an option of a procedure known as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), which allows one to live a normal life. Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention, is a non-surgical procedure for treating obstructive coronary artery disease that involves inserting a stent through a catheter (a thin flexible tube) into the blocked arteries.

Why is it done?

Coronary Angioplasty restores blood flow to the heart muscle and can improve symptoms of blocked arteries, such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

Does stenting improve long-term survival?

Not guaranteed. It saves your coronary, but stents do not increase a cardiac patient’s long-term survival rate. However, they do give a considerable early and sustained reduction in the requirement for subsequent treatments to reopen the treated artery. While studies have indicated that placing stents in newly re-opened coronary arteries reduces the need for repeat angioplasty procedures, it has also shown that stents do not affect death overtime. The findings have significant economic and clinical consequences for doctors considering whether to perform coronary artery bypass surgery or less-invasive angioplasty with stent implantation on their heart patients.⁵ According to medical opinion, your stents can help you live longer if you manage your other risk factors as per your cardiologist’s recommendations. Diet and exercise, however, are the most important factors to consider. Your risk factors for a heart attack, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, can be controlled by the type and amount of food you eat. Along with these two critical components, follow your cardiologist’s advice and take your prescribed medicines on time to manage your blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. As a result, even after implanting stents in three major coronary arteries, if correctly controlled, you can live a long life.

If you have a heart attack in your late thirties and have stents, is it likely you will not have an average life expectancy?

Over the last few decades, aging has been identified as one of the leading causes of heart attacks, affecting men and women aged 50 and up. People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are now more likely to suffer from cardiovascular attacks.

The guidelines emphasize lifestyle changes and the proper use of medicines as first-line treatment in adults with stable CAD. However, for people suffering from Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction aka NSTEMI (substernal pain while resting or with minimal exertion) and unstable angina; clinical insight is required to assess if other procedures such as CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft) or OMT (Optimal medical therapy)  are more appropriate.

Whatsoever the application, PCI should not be viewed as a ‘fast cure’ but rather as a procedure that should be discussed with your doctor to balance the benefits, risks, and limitations.

Source:

1. https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/coronary-artery-disease-life-expectancy-and-prognosis/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613
3. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/heart-disease/treatments/surgery-and-other-procedures/percutaneous-coronary-intervention
4. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/stents_save_coronaries_not_lives 
5. https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-angioplasty-and-stents-prolong-life-4021221

World Heart Day is celebrated on 29^th September every year, to spread awareness on Cardiovascular Diseases and other heart conditions, while emphasizing the importance of heart health and how to maintain it.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, and claim about 17.9 million lives approximately every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). World Heart Day provides an ideal platform for those suffering from CVDs to fight against it and reduce the global burden of the disease.

Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day is a global campaign that informs people about the risk of cardiovascular diseases and highlights the actions one can take to keep heart diseases at bay.

World Heart Day 2021

This year, the theme of World Heart Day is Use Heart to Connect, which urges everyone to use their knowledge, influence, and the power of digital media to connect to the global community and ensure that everyone gets a chance to live a heart-healthy life. 

COVID-19 has brought about a drastic change in the world and has posed a serious threat to everyone, making us increasingly aware of the importance to protect our health as well as that of our loved ones. For those living with CVD, COVID-19 has put them in a compromising situation, as they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

The goal of World Heart Day 2021 is to harness the power of digital health to improve awareness of the prevention and management of CVD, on a global level, with the help of three key pillars – equity, prevention, and community

Equity:

Due to the lack of internet facilities among half the world’s population, awareness on CVD prevention, treatment, and control are unavailable. It is important to use technology and data to bridge this gap with the use of digital tools and enable better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart-related diseases.

Prevention:

Prevention is better than cure, To maintains a healthy heart, follow a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and tobacco abuse and follow a regular exercise regimen. If you are diagnosed with an underlying health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or more, ensure regular check-ups with your medical practitioner.

 Community:

According to the World Heart Federation, over 520 million people are living with CVD across the globe, and have been severely affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are highly prone to the infection, and have to be isolated. This has resulted in missing medical follow-ups and appointments, lack of contact with people, and reduced exercise. Through digital networks, those who are vulnerable can easily connect with their families, friends, and even doctors for support.

What are Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)?

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) refer to the set of conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and blood vessels such as:

Arrhythmia:

Arrhythmias refers to abnormal heart rhythms. In this condition, the heart either beats too slow or too fast. Bradycardia occurs when the heart rate is too slow (less than 60 beats per minute) and Tachycardia occurs when the heart rate is too fast (more than 60 beats per minute). When an arrhythmia occurs, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood required by the body.

Aortic Disease:

Aorta is the large artery through which oxygen-rich blood flows to the rest of the body. Sometimes, the aorta may widen or tear, which leads to a condition called Atherosclerosis. This condition develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, making blood flow difficult. This may even lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Heart Attack:

This occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot, leading to a lack of oxygen.

What are the risk factors of CVDs?

Some of the major risk factors of Cardiovascular Disease include:

• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Lack of physical activity
• Tobacco consumption
• COVID-19

How can you prevent Cardiovascular Diseases?

There are several risk factors associated with CVDs such as the family history of heart diseases, that cannot be prevented or helped. However, certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels can be treated on time, reducing the risk of CVDs. If you are a frequent consumer of tobacco and alcohol, reducing the consumption of these can also help prevent heart diseases. It is also important to make several lifestyle changes such as a regular physical activity routine and incorporating a healthy diet, which will also help keep heart diseases at bay.

Some tips to keep the heart healthy

Now that we know the importance of keeping the heart healthy and how CVDs can affect our health drastically, here are some tips one can follow to ensure that the heart remains in a good shape. They are:

Eat Healthy: Avoid foods that are extremely rich in fat content, and eat fiber-rich foods. Also, make sure that you eat in moderation.

Get Active: It is also important to have a regular exercise routine and stay physically active. Also incorporate regular movement if your job requires you to sit at a desk for long hours, and maintain a healthy weight.

Quit Smoking: It is a well-known fact that smoking is one of the main causes and risk factors of heart disease. If you are a regular smoker, quit smoking immediately and avoid the risk of CVD.

Overall, it is extremely necessary to maintain your health and go for regular follow-ups if you have underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Though there are several treatment methods for different types of heart diseases, making certain lifestyle changes will ensure that you don’t develop the risk of CVDs at all. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!