When it comes to the causes of heart disease, a variety of factors can increase your risk. A combination of lifestyle choices and genetic factors typically causes this condition. It is important to know the risk factors for Deerfield Beach heart disease to make healthy lifestyle choices and reduce your risk.
There are various symptoms to watch out for as you age that can increase your risk of heart disease. Some symptoms include:
- Chest pain: This is caused by reduced blood flow to your heart and can be a sign of coronary artery disease.
- Numbness: Numbness in your lower extremities can indicate poor circulation. You can also experience numbness in your arms and hands.
- Shortness of breath: This can signify congestive heart failure because your heart cannot pump enough blood.
- Fatigue and weakness: These can be caused by a decrease in oxygen supply to your heart due to blockages or other issues.
It is important to talk with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms so that they can evaluate your risk of developing heart disease.
Types of heart diseases
These are the types you should know:
- Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. This occurs when your arteries become narrowed or blocked, which reduces blood flow to your heart.
- Congenital heart defects are conditions that you may be born with, such as an abnormal opening between the chambers of your heart.
- Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause your heart to beat too fast or too slow.
- Heart failure is when your heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs.
- Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Causes of heart disease
These are some of the causes that you should be aware of:
High blood pressure
This is a major risk factor for all types of heart disease, as it can cause your arteries to become narrowed or blocked over time. It can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing heart disease by damaging the walls of your arteries and making them more prone to clogging. It happens when the chemicals from the smoke damage your blood vessels and cause them to become inflamed.
High cholesterol
High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, reducing blood flow and making you more susceptible to heart disease.
Poor diet
Eating an unhealthy diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, as well as processed foods, can increase your risk of heart disease. These foods are generally high in calories and low in nutrition, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Diabetes
Having diabetes increases your risk of developing cardiovascular problems because it affects how your body processes sugar. When your blood sugar is not regulated, it can cause damage to your blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
Lack of physical activity
Physical inactivity increases your risk for heart disease because it causes you to gain weight, which can lead to high cholesterol and other conditions that can contribute to the development of heart disease.
Talk to your doctor at Life Imaging Fla if you are concerned about your risk of developing heart disease.