Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is heart disease?
Heart disease describes a variety of disorders and conditions that can possibly affect the heart and blood vessels in the heart. The most common type of heart disease is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) or sometimes referred to as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of heart disease. When you have CHD, the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients, become hard and narrower than they used to be. This happens because of buildup of t cholesterol and other fat-like substances in the wall of the blood vessel which affects blood flow to the heart.
CHD can lead to:
Angina. Many people experience chest pain or discomfort when the heart does not get enough blood, and this is referred to as angina. Symptoms of angina include:
- A feeling of discomfort or pressure felt in the chest, ranging from a dull ache to a crushing sensation.
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back.
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Can feel like indigestion
Angina is not a heart attack, but if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of angina, you should be evaluated by a physician.
Heart Attack
If blood flow to the heart is severely or completely blocked, the cells in that area of the heart begin to die resulting in a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack can include:
- Pain or pressure in the chest, shoulders or arms (commonly on the left side), neck, or lower jaw.
- Lightheadedness or faintness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive sweating
Most people with heart problems suffer fro Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) but there are also other types of heart disease. These include:
- Heart Failure (HF) which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the body as it normally should. Organs in the body that usually get blood from the heart, fail to get enough blood. Symptoms of HF can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive fatigue
- Swelling in lower extremities
Heart Rhythm Disorders refers to any changes to the normal heart rate.
back to top
Can I prevent heart disease?
In general, everyone can take the following steps to reduce their risk of heart disease:
- No smoking or tobacco use
- Know your numbers
- blood pressure
- cholesterol (HDL & LDL)
- triglycerides
- Get regular physical activity
- Eat healthy and maintain a healthy body weight
- Prevent and control diabetes
back to top
What is high blood pressure and what does it have to do with coronary heart disease (CHD)?
Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood with each beat. If the pressure rises above normal and remains high for a period of time, this can lead to CHD, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure or other health problems.
- Blood Pressure Numbers: Blood pressure is read as “the higher numbers over the lower number. The higher number, or systolic pressure, is the pressure against the walls of the arteries when the heart beats and is pumping blood. The lower number or diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. The units used to measure blood pressure are millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
- Blood pressure levels above 120/80 can raise your risk, and the risk grows as your blood pressure rises. Years of high blood pressure can lead to damage to the artery walls, resulting in stiff and narrow arteries. This can lead to a heart that doesn’t work well and potentially a heart attack.
back to top
What can I do to lower my blood pressure?
Blood pressure usually rises with age. For those following a healthy lifestyle, one might be able to delay or prevent this rise in blood pressure.
A healthy lifestyle may include:
- Loosing and maintaining a healthy weight
- Being physically active
- Quitting smoking or tobacco use
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Reducing stress
- Eating healthy foods and cutting down on sodium and salt
back to top
Will I know if I have heart disease?
Often times, heart disease will have no signs or symptoms. However, there are certain things you need to be aware of. Chest or arm pain or pressure can be a sign of heart disease and potential warning sign of a heart attack. Other signs or symptoms may include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal heart beats or heart rate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
You need to see a physician if you’re having any of these signs or symptoms. Seeing your doctor for regular physical examinations may allow your doctor to detect signs of heart disease before you have any symptoms.
back to top
What are the signs of a heart attack?
The most common sign for both men and women is pain or pressure in the center of the chest. Sometimes it can be mild, sometimes extremely strong. It might last for a long time, yet it may go away and then come back.
Other signs or symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or even stomach
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
Women can present with these signs or symptoms, but are more likely to have less common signs of a heart attack such as:
- Heart flutter or racing
- Heartburn
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Coughing
The more of these signs and symptoms you have, it is more likely you are having a heart attack. Even if there is any doubt you might be having a heart attack, you should have your heart checked by a physician. Do not hesitate whatsoever if you think you, or someone else is having a heart attack – CALL 911.
back to top
What is cholesterol and what role does it play in heart disease?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in cells in all parts of the body. It plays an important role in the health of your body by forming cell membranes and some hormones, and is also required for other bodily functions. However, when there is too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, referred to as hypercholesterolemia, it can build up on the walls of arteries and form plaque which can block blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack. If plaque blocks blood flow to the brain, it can result in a stroke.
Cholesterol and other fats can’t dissolve in the bloodstream. They are dependent on special carriers in the blood, called lipoproteins, to be transported to and from cells. The two lipoproteins of importance with regard to heart disease are:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because these lipoproteins can form plaque and clog the arteries that carry blood to the heart. Lower levels of LDL reflect a lower risk of heart attack.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) which is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol because it tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is excreted from the body. A higher HDL level seems to provide protection from having a heart attack.
back to top
What can I do to lower my “bad” cholesterol and raise my good cholesterol?
The following are simple and effective dietary changes to lower you LDL (bad) cholesterol levels:
- Reduce your intake of foods rich in saturated fat, trans fat and dietary cholesterol (animal protein)
- Moderate the amount of calories consumed and increase the amount of physical activity to lose weight
- Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables and soluble fiber.
In addition, you may consider talking to your doctor about drug therapy to lower your LDL levels.
The following can increase your HDL:
- Exercise. It is best to see your doctor before initiating an exercise program
- Weight loss if overweight
- Smoking cessation
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Drug therapy. Again, talk to your doctor about the best course of action
back to top
I have a history of heart disease in my family. Will I have heart disease as well?
Family history is often an underestimated and under-reported risk factor for heart disease and heart attack. First – degree relatives, such as parents and siblings, who die of a heart attack at a young age, are of greater concern than grandparents, uncles and aunts. If a sibling has heart disease or has had a heart attack, there is an even greater risk than if one of your parents has had heart-related problems. Siblings not only have similar genes, but they have usually grown up in a similar environment.
At the same time, having a family history of heart disease is not a guarantee of heart disease or a heart attack. The important message is that the earlier high-risk individuals are evaluated by their doctor for heart disease, the easier it is to prevent heart disease and a potential heart attack.
back to top
Should I be taking a daily aspirin?
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends taking aspirin for patients who have had a heart attack, unstable angina, or ischemic stroke, or a “little stroke” (transient ischemic attack), as long as aspirin is not contra indicated for the individual patient.
Before beginning any aspirin therapy, the AHA recommends that you first consult your physician. There are risks and benefits of aspirin therapy and it varies for each individual. Aspirin can have serious side effects for individuals who take aspirin regularly.
back to top
For more information on heart disease, click on one of the resource links below:
