Congestive Heart Disease

A Discussion of the Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Disease.

Congestive heart disease affects approximately five million Americans, and some medical professionals believe that within five years time approximately half of those people will unfortunately die from their condition. Congestive heart disease is marked by the heart's inability to pump efficiently enough to supply the body with freshly oxygenated blood. It is the leading cause of hospitalization among senior citizens and accounted for nearly 20% of the hospitalization of this age group in 2003.

Since congestive heart disease is a condition that warrants attention, a brief discussion of some of the risk factors might be in order. While some of these factors cannot be helped, there are many things a person can change about their lives to reduce the risk.

Risk Factors That Cannot be Helped

There are a number of risk factors for congestive heart disease that simply can't be helped. One such factor is a previous heart attack, and advanced age, specifically over the age of 65, is another common factor for this condition. Another, of course, is a history of diabetes. Both these factors, although treatable cannot be reversed, and if you have had one of these medical conditions, there is a distinct possibility that congestive heart disease might be a condition to watch out for.

Another risk factor that cannot be changed when dealing with congestive heart disease is having a genetic disposition to the disease. Genetic testing and knowledge of the complete family history can go a long way in indicating whether or not congestive heart disease is something that should be a concern for you.

Risk Factors the Can Be Changed

While some factors that indicate the potential for congestive heart disease cannot be helped, there are a number that can. These factors include such things as chronic high blood pressure, drug or alcohol abuse, thyroid disease, and even heart valve disease. All these risk factors, especially drug and alcohol abuse can be managed with help from your medical professional or friendly neighborhood physician. The best course of action is talk to your doctor to design a plan to attack congestive heart disease and hopefully stop it from affecting your life.

Unfortunately, congestive heart disease is difficult to diagnose because it often occurs as a result of or in conjunction with other forms of heart disease. Perhaps the best hope for patients with this disease is to catch it early and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Heart Disease Concerns

Heart Disease

Heart is the most important organ of a human's body. When heart stops, everything will come to the end. Some people call the heart "the powerhouse" of the body - the engine that drives blood to all the organs in your body. When the arteries become narrower or blocked due to various reasons - ageing, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, coronary heart disease occurs.

The following 8 questions are commonly posed by people to cardiologists on how to maintain a healthy heart. Typical answers to these questions were taken from one of the many cardiologists and are compiled below for your reference:

1. How can I know whether I have a healthy heart?

Apart from conditions such as hole in the heart, heart muscle disease, and heart rhythm abnormality, coronary heart disease will take years to develop and may be silent for a long time before its conditions surface. In the early phase, there are practically no symptoms or signs. But if you experience chest pain and/or breathlessness with exertion or at rest, perhaps it is time for you to seek help from doctors for tests to confirm the presence of coronary heart disease.

2. What should I do to ensure that my heart is healthy?

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking are the three important causes of damage to artery wall. You should make sure you are away from the three risk factors. Meanwhile, you should be more proactive and see your doctor and do blood tests, electrocardiogram and treadmill stress tests on a regular interval.

3. Are there any particular types of food I should eat?

Take steamed, grilled or boiled fish and lean meat, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid trans fats that are found in pies, cookies and fries.

4. Do I need supplements?

Recent studies showed that high dose of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid could not reduce the risk of heart attacks or heart related deaths.

5. What are the risks for heart disease?

Besides high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity are important risks, too.

6. If I am already predisposed to heart diseases, do I need to watch my cholesterol?

Certainly, especially LDL, or what is known as the bad cholesterol, must be lowered to below 100, and for some people, to as low as 70.

7. When does my heart start going downhill?

Plaque build-up starts from childhood, and it is important that fried foods, candies, fries, and soft (sweetened) drinks are discouraged among children.

8. How do I avoid triggers for sudden heart failure?

You should not stop your statin, blood pressure, or diabetic medicines if you are already on them. Sudden, strenuous, and unaccustomed exertion should be avoided.

Remember, well taking care of your heart is important and it is your duty. Having all the advices from the doctors and professionals is not good enough unless you do it immediately.


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