Heart disease is a serious health condition that affects millions of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s the leading cause of death for all genders and most racial and ethnic groups. It is the leading cause of death in the United States, and Black men are at the highest risk.

What It Is

Heart disease can refer to a variety of conditions that impact not just the heart but the blood vessels. It can also be labeled as cardiovascular disease. One of the most common variants is coronary artery disease which is when plaque builds up in the arteries, which can eventually contribute to heart attack and chest pain. Other forms can include heart failure, arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, and cardiomyopathy.

What’s Happening in Your Body

Having heart disease means that the body struggles to efficiently pump blood. As a result, people with the condition may have reduced oxygen saturation throughout the body which can present as a variety of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or even fatigue. Likewise, swelling is another common side effect is arrhythmia.

Clinical Pharmacist, Dr. Diana Rangaves, “Many people don’t realize pain can be associated with high blood pressure. Chronic pain may contribute to ongoing high blood pressure or hypertension. You must speak to your doctor and follow up with any care.”

Heart Disease pictured: lab technician — (National Cancer Institute/Unsplash)

Causes of Heart Disease

There are several common causes of heart disease, including:

High Blood Pressure: When blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on the heart and arteries.
High Cholesterol: Too much bad cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to heart disease.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and the heart.
Unhealthy Diet: Eating too much salt, fat and sugar can increase the risk.
Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart and increases the risk of obesity and high blood pressure.
Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and makes it more likely.

Heart Disease pictured: Black doctor — (National Cancer Institute/Unsplash)

Health Risks and Complications

Heart disease is a serious issue, but the good news is that many risk factors can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices and medical care. Understanding the symptoms, causes and treatment options can help prevent complications and improve heart health. Regular doctor visits, a heart-healthy diet, exercise and stress management can all make a difference in leading a healthier life.

This condition is the number one cause of death for Black men, and Black women also have a higher risk compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The American Heart Association (AHA) points out that there are several reasons for this increased risk, including:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Black adults are more likely to have high blood pressure, which increases risk.
Diabetes: Diabetes is more common in the Black community, and it can damage the blood vessels and heart over time.
Obesity: Higher obesity rates among Black men and women put extra strain on the heart.
Limited Access to Healthcare: Many people in Black communities do not have regular access to doctors or affordable healthcare, which makes it harder to catch and treat heart problems early.
Stress and Socioeconomic Factors: Chronic stress, lower income and limited access to healthy foods can contribute to heart disease.

The condition can lead to many other health problems, including:

Heart Failure: This condition happens when the heart is too weak to pump blood properly, leading to fatigue, swelling and breathing problems.

Heart Attack: A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, which can cause permanent damage.

Stroke: It increases the risk of stroke, which happens when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or blocked.

Kidney Disease: High blood pressure and heart disease can damage the kidneys over time.

What to Do About Heart Disease

People with heart disease need to focus on managing their condition to improve overall health. Some of the best ways to protect the heart and preserve health include:

Healthy Eating: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, like walking, swimming or biking, can keep the heart strong. The CDC recommends striving for 150 active minutes a week which can be as easy as 30 minutes of activity for five days a week.
Regular Doctor Visits: Seeing a doctor for check-ups can help catch problems early.
Taking Medication: If a doctor prescribes medicine for high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, taking it as directed is important.
Reducing Stress: Stress can raise blood pressure and make heart disease worse, so finding ways to relax is important.
Quitting Smoking: Smoking heightens the risk of developing it. So, focusing on quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do to reduce heart complications.

When to See a Doctor

While it can be managed, to achieve that goal people need to receive consistent medical care. for example, people experiencing warning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, or swelling in the hands or feet should seek immediate medical attention. Similarly, individuals with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes obesity, or a family history of heart disease should prioritize consistent medical care.

however, even people who don’t get enough regular activity or are active smokers may also be at risk. Likewise, a person who’s experienced stroke, heart valve disease, or has a history of heart failure should focus on ensuring their condition is well managed.

Can you live a full life with heart disease?

Yes, people can still live full, active lives. However, maintaining medical care and incorporating necessary lifestyle changes are critical factors.

How do I know if my heart is healthy?

A key sign of heart health are blood pressure readings. A normal blood pressure between 120/80 mm Hg is considered healthy. People with a reading of 130/90 or higher may have high blood pressure, which can contribute to heart disease.

Can walking reverse heart disease?

Regular walking is not a guarantee of heart disease reversal, but can help to control risks. Likewise, for people with specific conditions like atherosclerosis, research has shown a regression in the diagnosis, which can lead to better overall health outcomes.

Bottom Line

Make heart health a priority by adopting a healthier lifestyle, and also incorporating routine medical care. For people with a heart diagnosis, making lifestyle adjustments, adhering to medical recommendations, and being proactive about seeking care are all critical components to keeping the condition under control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four types of heart disease?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is the most common type and occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed.
Heart Failure: This happens when the heart is too weak to pump blood efficiently.
Arrhythmia: This refers to irregular heartbeats, which can cause dizziness, fainting or serious heart complications.
Heart Valve Disease: This occurs when the valves in the heart do not open and close properly, leading to blood flow problems.

Can a person live a normal life with heart disease?

Currently, there is no cure for heart disease but it can be managed. Lifestyle changes, stress reduction, medications and medical procedures can improve quality of life and prevent further damage. Early detection and treatment make a big difference in living a long and healthy life.

What are the five heart disease symptoms you should never ignore?

Chest Pain or Discomfort: This can be a sign of a heart attack or other serious heart problem.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during normal activities, can signal heart disease.
Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling lightheaded or fainting could mean the heart is not pumping blood properly.
Swelling in the Legs or Feet: Fluid buildup can be a sign of heart failure.
Irregular Heartbeat: A heart that beats too fast, too slow or skips beats should be checked by a doctor.

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