How is Heart Disease Treated?

Treatment for heart disease is the same for both men and women. There are no differences. Most treatments for heart aren’t done by medicine. They involve changes to one’s own health. When treatment begins, it is best to set goals. Some of the common goals are:

·         Relieve symptoms

·         Reduce the risk of building up plaque by slowing it down, reversing it, or completely stopping it.

·         Lower the risk of getting blood clots

·         Try to widen a gap for arteries that are already clogged.

Smoking and Other Tobacco Products

The ways to accomplish these goals may be a bit of a challenge for some people, but they can be achieved. If you’re someone who uses tobacco, the first thing you need to do is QUIT. Also, for you that do not use tobacco products, but are around somebody who does, it is best to stay away from second hand smoke. Quitting is easier said than done, yes, but join a support group and be with friends and family who will encourage you to quit smoking.

 Healthy Diet

Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. The ideal portion of fruit and veggies is to have your plate half full with each. Don’t forget to include whole grains, fat free or low-dairy products, proteins, seafood, and soy products. When preparing foods, only use a small amount of sodium, using too much can increase your blood pressure. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Instead of drinking soda, drink water. If you plan on drinking alcohol, don’t overdo it. Drink alcohol in moderation.

Exercise

Being physically active will decrease the chances of getting heart disease by decreasing the factors that are contributed to the cause of heart disease. Also, an added benefit to exercising will decrease the LDL cholesterol and increase the HDL cholesterol. To achieve the optimum amount of exercise, you should work out for at least one hour. The more active you are the better results you will get.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

A BMI of twenty five or less is recommended. Waist size should also be thirty five inches or less. Keeping these in mind will prevent and treat heart disease.

Other Options

·         Surgery

·         Medicine

·         Cardiac rehabilitation

o   Exercise training

§  Strengthens muscles

§  Increases stamina

o    Education training

§  Helps you understand the heart condition that you have

§  Find ways to lower the risk for future heart problems

§  Help with stress and adjusting to a new lifestyle

Continue spreading the word about heart disease. Now you can include some forms of treatment. Share this blog on your social media site, or email it to your friends!  While you’re at it, make a DONATION today! The Heart Foundation needs to find more information on heart disease and the heart, and they can’t do that without your help! All money will help them with more research and raise more awareness. So remember, your DONATION will bring them one step closer to finding some new information and you are helping with awareness!

Know the Signs and Symptoms

So, you have a little background information into heart disease. Now, it is time to know the signs and symptoms! Since there are many different types of heart disease the symptoms will vary in each case. 

The following symptoms are for atherosclerosis disease, which is heart disease found in the blood vessels:

• Chest pain/angina
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms 
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back

The next symptoms can be experienced if someone has a heart arrhythmia, which is caused by abnormal heartbeats:

• Fluttering in the chest
• Racing Heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort in the chest
• Lightheaded
• Dizziness
• Fainting, or near fainting

The symptoms that are going to be listed are going to be for congenital heart defects found in children:

• Pale, gray, or blue skin
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, and around the eyes
• Infants will experience shortness of breath during feedings and will have poor weight gain

Symptoms that are found later on in adulthood, or sometimes found throughout childhood are:

• Shortness of breath during exercise or activities
• Easily tired during exercise or activities
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet

On the previous post, dilated cardiomyopathy wasn't mentioned. This happens because of a weakened heart muscle. They symptoms are as follows:

• Shortness of breath from exertion or at rest
• Swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
• Dizziness, lightheaded, and fainting

Someone who has heart infections such as pericarditis (affects the tissue around the heart), myocarditis (affects the muscular middle layer of the heart), and endocarditis (affects the inner membrane) will have the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Dry or persistent cough
• Skin rashes or unusual spots

See a doctor if you have CHEST PAIN, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, and FAINTING. If detected early, heart disease will be easier to treat. Talk to your doctor today to learn more about heart disease and ways to prevent it. 

Meanwhile, help spread the word about the signs and symptoms of heart disease by sharing this information on your social media pages or email this blog to a friend. You never know when you could be saving a life by just sharing this blog. Also help in the effort to find more information about heart disease, DONATE today! The proceeds will help research more about heart disease.