Q: Who is Likely to Develop Heart Disease?
A: Everyone is at risk for developing heart disease. The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors for coronary heart disease. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled - and some cannot.
Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it. African Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk for developing heart disease.
Smokers and those exposed to tobacco smoke have a higher risk, as do individuals with high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure. Physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes also contribute.
According to the American Heart Association, most people with a strong family history of heart disease have one or more other risk factors. Yet a fair amount of people affected by cardiac problems have no risk factors or are not aware that they have risk factors. Everyone should talk to their doctor about ways to preserve cardiac health.
Q: Are Men at Higher Risk for Developing Cardiac Problems?
A: Heart disease claims more lives than any other disease. Although about one in five men will die from heart disease before age 75, there are many risk factors men can control:
Reduce high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol
- Lose weight (if overweight)
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Managing stress
Men must work with their physicians to address cardiac concerns and work toward good heart health.
Q: How are Women Affected by Cardiac Problems? Isn't Heart Disease a Problem that Mainly Affects Men?
A: It is a myth that heart disease is just a "man's disease." In fact, coronary heart disease, which causes heart attack, is the leading cause of death for American women. Cardiovascular diseases claim more female lives every year than the next 16 causes of death combined, and almost twice as many as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. More than 500,000 women die each year of cardiovascular diseases, compared to 42,000 deaths from breast cancer.
Unfortunately, women are generally not aware of this danger. About 80 percent of American women mistakenly believe that breast cancer is the number one cause of death in women. Many inadvertently dismiss symptoms - such as pain on exertion or tightness in the chest - that may indicate heart disease.
Even after menopause, when women's death rate from heart disease increases, it is not as great as men's. Still, women need to be aware that they are at high risk of developing problems. They must work with their physicians to address cardiac health, and to make lifestyle changes when possible. As with male patients, recommended heart health changes in women generally include reducing high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Q: How Can I Prevent Cardiac Problems?
A: Regular exercise, smoking cessation, weight management, and efforts to control high blood pressure and diabetes go a long way to help prevent heart problems. Additionally, being aware of your family history and your individual risk factors can help you make choices and receive proper treatment. Talk to your doctor about prevention approaches or click here.
Q: Can Patients Who Have Suffered Cardiovascular Complications Get Back to "Normal?"
A: Current cardiac diagnostic and treatment options offer more alternatives than ever before. Additionally, cardiac rehabilitation - which includes risk identification, exercise and nutrition support, amount other things - plays a large role in helping cardiac patients return to and maintain their health.