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Most of us don’t think children have heart problems, but did you know that 2,000 children of all ages die each year from sudden cardiac arrest in the United States? It is responsible for up to 5% of all deaths in children from 5 to 19 years old. That is just one such heart problem and there are more. Read further to learn the most common signs of heart problems in children and teens.
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One of the first things checked after our weight when we visit the doctor’s office is usually our blood pressure. Of course we all know that it’s important, but do you know why? Blood pressure is a predictor of how our heart will continue to perform. Also known as hypertension, let’s investigate how high blood pressure affects your heart and what you can do about it.
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Heart failure is a serious medical condition where the heart is not able to circulate blood effectively for the body’s needs. It does not indicate that the heart has ceased functioning, but rather that it’s not pumping blood as sufficiently as it should. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, and may have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of heart failure, its risk factors, and the lifestyle influences that can contribute to or worsen the condition. By understanding these causes, you can better manage your health and make choices that support heart health.
Heart failure occurs when the heart’s ability to pump blood becomes compromised, leading to a reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues. It can happen when the heart is too weak, known as systolic heart failure, or too stiff, known as diastolic heart failure, to function properly. While heart failure can develop suddenly, it often occurs gradually over time, worsening if not properly managed.
Several conditions and diseases can lead to heart failure by damaging the heart or making it harder for it to work efficiently, including:
CAD is the most typical cause of heart failure. It happens when the arteries that deliver blood to the heart become constricted or obstructed due to a buildup of plaque. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage and weakening its ability to pump blood.
Consistently high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder than normal. Left untreated, this extra strain can lead to heart failure by causing the heart’s walls to thicken or stiffen, making it harder for the heart to circulate blood effectively.
The heart has four valves that ensure blood flows in the right direction. If these valves are damaged, due to conditions like valve regurgitation or stenosis, the heart has to work harder, which can lead to heart failure.
This term refers to diseases of the heart muscle that cause it to become enlarged, thickened, or stiff. This condition can weaken the heart over time and impair its ability to pump blood. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, genetics, and chronic conditions.
Inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, can damage the heart and lead to heart failure.
Some individuals are born with heart defects that can impact the heart’s function and increase the risk of heart failure later in life.
High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can harm the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, making heart failure more likely.
Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to heart failure by increasing pressure in the lungs and making it more difficult for the heart to pump effectively.
Chronic heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), leading to heart failure.
Some medications, particularly those used to treat conditions like cancer or infections, can have side effects that damage the heart over time, contributing to heart failure.
In addition to underlying health conditions, several lifestyle factors can increase the risk of developing heart failure:
Heart failure is a complex condition with many potential causes and risk factors. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to protect your heart, such as managing underlying conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking regular medical care.
If you’re at risk for heart failure, contact New Jersey Cardiology Associates to discuss preventive measures and strategies to support heart health. Early detection and management are key to living a healthier life with a lower risk of heart failure.
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In movies and television we are accustomed to seeing a perfectly healthy looking character suddenly cringe in pain, fall over, and suffer a heart attack. They typically do that for dramatic effect. In real life, there are numerous signs of an impending heart attack before you might reach that point. Pay special attention in your own life to recognizing the warning signs of heart disease.
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Understanding good vs bad cholesterol is important because it gives you an idea whether you have an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. That’s why your healthcare team checks your cholesterol numbers when you have your blood tested.
Do you notice that heart attacks seem to be more prevalent during the winter time and at the holidays? Is it really due mostly to stress? It certainly can play a part, but there are multiple factors that lead to heart attacks and strokes during the holidays. Preventing the holiday heart attack: what you should know.
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When many people hear someone has heart failure, they automatically think this is a death sentence. That is not the case. People can live with heart failure for many many years. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about managing heart failure, including tips to enhance life and longevity.
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We have all heard stories about a spouse that passed away shortly after their husband or wife died. Many people will say, they died of a broken heart. Most likely that’s not the case, but there is actually a medical condition that can look like a heart attack after a stressful event in someone’s life. Broken heart syndrome: can a person die from a broken heart?
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Both a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are medical emergencies, however a cardiac arrest needs immediate treatment to prevent death. It is true that most people believe cardiac arrest and a heart attack are basically the same, but they are not. Let’s take a deeper dive. Cardiac arrest vs. heart attack: knowing the difference could save a life. Continue reading “Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: Knowing The Difference Could Save A Life”
Unless you or someone you know has suffered from a stroke, you might not know about carotid artery disease. It can change your life in an instant, however, there are few warning signs or symptoms before this happens. Carotid artery disease is a disease everyone should know how to prevent.
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