Heart disease and heart problems have been one of the most prominent health concerns in the United States for decades. In fact, heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined, killing nearly 787,000 people in 2011. Luckily, there is something you can do to prevent heart problems from escalating; but first, you need to know what some of those common problems are! Here of three of the most common heart problems that you can be wary of as signs of heart disease:
Hypertension
Hypertension elevates your blood pressure, causing your arteries to be less flexible and inhibiting blood flow. This condition can damage blood vessels, lead to blindness, kidney failure, and plaque formation which can trigger a heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension, commonly referred to as “high blood pressure”, is becoming so common that about half of women over 45 are diagnosed with it. We’re seeing hyper-tension in younger and younger generations as obesity rates climb throughout the nation. Hypertension isn’t just found in those that are overweight, however. Some individuals suffer from chronic hypertension due to leaky valves, genetic issues, and other issues caused at birth.
The scariest thing about hypertension, is that most often, you don’t feel its symptoms. That said, if you find yourself experiencing frequent headaches, dizziness, or blurry vision, see you doctor as soon as you can to get a proper diagnosis.
If you know you have high blood pressure, you may have to make lifestyle changes to combat the condition. Consuming less salt, exercising regularly, and eating a healthier diet can help lower blood pressure in just a few months. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure.
Palpitations
Palpitations are fluttering heartbeats, which are hard not to notice. As frightening as they are, palpitations are generally nothing to worry about as they are often correlated with increased stress, dehydration, or too much caffeine. If you find palpitations becoming more frequent, talk to your doctor to determine if it is becoming a more serious condition, such as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm which can lead to fainting and stroke-like symptoms.
Palpitations feel like skipped beats in the chest, or quickened beats that occur even while you’re resting. Try to reduce symptoms by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated beverages. If that doesn’t change anything, you need to talk to a professional to have a few tests run! Talk to your doctor, I can’t stress this enough.
Angina
Angina is made manifest by pain in the chest, resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart. Because blood is what carries oxygen to your heart, angina can have serious consequences. The pain associated with angina typically occurs in the left arm, shoulder, or jaw and is often relieved by rest. If you have angina, you may notice a shortness of breath and increased perspiration. Angina can quickly lead to a heart attack or sudden death, making it extremely urgent that you get to a doctor or hospital immediately if you experience such symptoms. Don’t wait!
If there are other symptoms or conditions you’re experiencing that you think might be heart-related, or, if you have other health related questions, call us at 801-724-9840.