Heart Disease: All Your Questions Answered
Do you know the signs of a heart attack? Learn lifesaving facts about the causes and symptoms of heart disease and what you can do about it.
Aug 23, 2012
Jun 22, 2021
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Q. What is heart disease?
A. Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease, is a disease of the heart's blood vessels that, if untreated, can cause heart attacks. Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients that are carried to it by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, the result is coronary heart disease (CHD)
Q. What causes heart disease?
A. Coronary heart disease starts with atherosclerosis, a process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of blood vessels. Blood components also stick on the surface inside vessel walls making the vessels narrower and eventually "hardened" and less flexible. The buildup, or "plaque," may break apart, which can further limit blood flow. The buildup and narrowing proceed gradually and result in decreasing blood flow, followed by CHD symptoms.
Q. What are the symptoms?
A. When blood flows more slowly at the site of narrowing, it can become "sticky" and eventually form a clot. This blood clot can narrow the opening of the artery even further, which can reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain, or angina. If blood flow is nearly or completely blocked, a heart attack can occur.
Q. What are heart attack warning signs?
A. The warning signs are different in women than men. According to WomenHeart, The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, heart attack warning signs for women include:
Q. Am I at risk?
A. Over the last two decades, researchers have unearthed many risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases. These include:
Q. What can I do to lower my risk?
A. Here's what you can do to reduce your risks for developing heart disease: