Heart disease is a broad term for a group of illnesses that impact how well the heart functions. It can affect the blood flow to the heart, disrupt the heart’s rhythm, or cause issues with the heart muscle and valves. One major form of heart disease is when the arteries that carry oxygen to the heart become clogged or narrowed, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

• Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a diet high in unhealthy fats, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use can contribute to heart problems.
• Genetics: A family history of heart disease can increase your risk.
• Other Health Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
• Age and Gender: As people age, the risk of developing heart disease rises. Men are generally at a higher risk, but women also face significant risk, especially after menopause.

• Age: The risk increases with age. People aged 65 and older are more likely to suffer from heart disease.
• Gender: While men tend to develop heart disease earlier, women catch up after menopause.
• Family History: If your parents or siblings had heart disease, you are more likely to develop it.
• Lifestyle: People who smoke, lead sedentary lifestyles, or have poor diets are at higher risk.
• Other Conditions: Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol are at greater risk.

• Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation in the chest, especially during physical activity or stress.
• Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless, especially after exertion or even while at rest, may indicate that the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively.
• Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or feeling drained, even when performing regular activities, could be a sign of heart disease.
• Pain in the Arms, Back, Neck, or Jaw: Some people may feel pain in these areas, which can spread from the chest.
• Swollen Ankles or Legs: Fluid buildup, leading to swelling in the lower extremities, might indicate the heart is not pumping efficiently.

• Severe or Prolonged Chest Pain: Chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes, especially if it radiates to the arms, back, or jaw.
• Difficulty Breathing: Sudden shortness of breath that feels intense and does not go away.
• Fainting or Dizziness: If you feel lightheaded or lose consciousness, it could be a sign of a serious heart condition.
• Rapid or Irregular Heartbeats: A racing or irregular heartbeat that occurs without cause or lasts for a while may need urgent evaluation.
• Sudden Cold Sweats or Nausea: These can also be signs of a heart attack, especially when combined with other symptoms like chest pain.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can detect irregular heart rhythms or previous heart attacks.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that shows how well the heart is pumping and whether there are any structural abnormalities, such as valve problems.
• Stress Test: This test monitors your heart’s performance during physical activity, usually on a treadmill, to check for signs of coronary artery disease.
• Blood Tests: Certain blood tests can detect markers of heart damage or increased risk factors, such as high cholesterol levels.
• Coronary Angiogram: A special X-ray where a dye is injected into the blood vessels, allowing doctors to see if there are blockages in the arteries.

• Medications: These may include drugs to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or help the heart function more efficiently. Common medications are aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial. This includes eating a balanced diet low in unhealthy fats, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
• Surgery or Procedures: In severe cases, procedures like angioplasty (where blocked arteries are widened), stent placement, or bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow to the heart.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: After a heart-related event like a heart attack, a supervised program of exercise, education, and support can help in recovery and prevent future issues.

• See a Doctor: Make an appointment with your general practitioner or a cardiologist (heart specialist). They can evaluate your symptoms and run the necessary tests.
• Go to the Emergency Room: If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, seek emergency care right away. Early intervention can save lives.
• Follow-Up Care: If diagnosed with heart disease, it’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely. Regular check-ups, managing medications, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent complications.

• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on foods that are rich in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish or poultry. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugar, and salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking) on most days of the week. Even small changes, like taking the stairs or walking instead of driving short distances, can help.
• Quit Smoking and Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your heart disease risk.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Stick to moderate drinking guidelines — no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
• Manage Stress: Long-term stress can contribute to heart disease. Incorporate relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, into your daily routine to manage stress effectively.
• Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels are essential. If they are elevated, work with your healthcare provider on strategies to manage them through lifestyle changes or medication.

• Adopt Healthy Habits Early: The earlier you begin practicing heart-healthy behaviors, the better your chances of preventing heart disease later in life. Encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and non-smoking habits from a young age.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight, especially carrying excess fat around the waist, increases your risk of heart disease. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
• Manage Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Keeping your blood sugar under control through medication, diet, and exercise can help prevent heart problems.
• Get Regular Health Screenings: Routine health checks can catch early signs of heart disease. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regularly, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.