There are many conditions that fall under the category of heart disease, and many can be debilitating or fatal. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world, as well as in the United States. Heart disease is also the cause of many major disabilities. In some cases, people are born with heart disease. However,heart disease usually develops in older individuals.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120
There are many forms of heart disease, the most common being coronary artery disease. Other types of heart disease include congenital heart defects and heart rhythm problems (also known as arrhythmias).http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-disease/DS01120
Risk Factors
There are a variety of factors that can lead to heart disease, including smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol use and obesity. In some cases heart disease can also be hereditary, or a result of aging. Men are more prone to heart disease than women.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/UnderstandYourRiskofHeartAttack/Understand-Your-Risk-of-Heart-Attack_UCM_002040_Article.jsp
While some factors that contribute to heart disease can not be changed (such as age or genetics), there are other factors that people have at least some degree of control over. Thus, while it is not always possible to completely remove the risk of heart disease, there are actions that one can take to maintain good heart health.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/UnderstandYourRiskofHeartAttack/Understand-Your-Risk-of-Heart-Attack_UCM_002040_Article.jsp
Prevention
Maintaining overall good physical health can reduce the chance of heart disease. Abstaining from cigarettes or excessive drinking can lower risks, as can eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats (to keep cholesterol levels down). It also helps to stay physically active, and shed some pounds if a weight problem exists. Doctors may also prescribe medications to help prevent or treat heart disease.http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/UnderstandYourRiskofHeartAttack/Understand-Your-Risk-of-Heart-Attack_UCM_002040_Article.jsp
Heart Disease Basics
This video clip was made to help people understand more about heart disease. According to the statistics shown here, 20 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease. Here you can watch an explanation of how the heart works, as well as what happens to the heart to cause disease.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Leading cause of death in the world
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Fact:
40 percent of deaths in the United States are due to heart disease
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Fact:
Heart disease can often be treated with diet and exercise
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Fact:
Medications can also help control heart disease
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Fact:
Heart disease is also referred to as cardiovascular disease
