Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death of American females.
However, it is not just one disease and thus does not just have one set of causes.
The term refers to all of the diseases and problems that affect the heart and the blood vessels.
Thus, when researching what causes this malady, it is important to look at each of their risk factors for each condition.
Common heart diseases are: heart failure, heart arrhythmias (or changes in the beat of the heart), as well as Coronary artery disease, which can lead to Angina, a chest pain.
Heart disease is a scary reality, but it is not unavoidable.
Knowing risks empowers us to change our personal behavior (such as smoking or over-eating) and walk into a healthier tomorrow.
But what causes heart disease? High blood pressure: a leading cause.
Genetic disposition: African American and Hispanic American/Latina women are at a higher risk for than white women.
High Cholesterol: leads to clogged arteries, which can cause a attack.
Diabetes: can increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
Obesity: is a common precursor to coronary heart disease and attacks.
While it's certainly a grave issue, most risk factors can be combated by a healthy, active lifestyle and good food choices.
How to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle: Stay physically active: walk, run, do sports, bike with your kids.
Whatever is fun to you, keep it up and keep active.
Age and busyness are no excuse when your health is on the line.
Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Be your own advocate.
Make healthy food choices: The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-grain and high-fiber products, such as oatmeal and quinoa.
Your diet should also include fish (twice a week), preferably omega-3 containing fish like salmon, trout, and herring.
Manage stress: Whatever stress management looks like for you, make it a part of your daily life starting today; do something that you like, so you can keep it up.
Practice yoga, meditate, play golf, make crafts, relax throughout your workday, if just moments here and there.
Since stress can lead us to make unhealthy choices (like grabbing a cigarette, an indulgent snack, or drinking excessively), staying active and peaceful can help us stay healthy.
Stop smoking: smoking is a major risk factor.
More than anything, the cause is unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Change them and you will lower your risk for heart disease and probably feel pretty good along the way.
However, it is not just one disease and thus does not just have one set of causes.
The term refers to all of the diseases and problems that affect the heart and the blood vessels.
Thus, when researching what causes this malady, it is important to look at each of their risk factors for each condition.
Common heart diseases are: heart failure, heart arrhythmias (or changes in the beat of the heart), as well as Coronary artery disease, which can lead to Angina, a chest pain.
Heart disease is a scary reality, but it is not unavoidable.
Knowing risks empowers us to change our personal behavior (such as smoking or over-eating) and walk into a healthier tomorrow.
But what causes heart disease? High blood pressure: a leading cause.
Genetic disposition: African American and Hispanic American/Latina women are at a higher risk for than white women.
High Cholesterol: leads to clogged arteries, which can cause a attack.
Diabetes: can increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
Obesity: is a common precursor to coronary heart disease and attacks.
While it's certainly a grave issue, most risk factors can be combated by a healthy, active lifestyle and good food choices.
How to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle: Stay physically active: walk, run, do sports, bike with your kids.
Whatever is fun to you, keep it up and keep active.
Age and busyness are no excuse when your health is on the line.
Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Be your own advocate.
Make healthy food choices: The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-grain and high-fiber products, such as oatmeal and quinoa.
Your diet should also include fish (twice a week), preferably omega-3 containing fish like salmon, trout, and herring.
Manage stress: Whatever stress management looks like for you, make it a part of your daily life starting today; do something that you like, so you can keep it up.
Practice yoga, meditate, play golf, make crafts, relax throughout your workday, if just moments here and there.
Since stress can lead us to make unhealthy choices (like grabbing a cigarette, an indulgent snack, or drinking excessively), staying active and peaceful can help us stay healthy.
Stop smoking: smoking is a major risk factor.
More than anything, the cause is unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Change them and you will lower your risk for heart disease and probably feel pretty good along the way.