1. General risk factors
Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight—it develops over time due to risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and a sedentary lifestyle. While some risks, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, lifestyle modifications like healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management can significantly reduce your risk. Regular health screenings are essential for early detection and prevention.
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2. How Hypertension Affects Your Heart Health
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, forces the heart to work harder, gradually damaging arteries and increasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure. Since hypertension has no symptoms, regular monitoring is essential. Managing blood pressure through a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress reduction is key to long-term heart health.
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3. How high cholesterol contributes to blockages
Cholesterol is necessary for cell function, but too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In contrast, HDL (“good”) cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol. A balanced diet, exercise, and medication (if required) can help regulate cholesterol levels.
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4. Heart Failure: When the Heart Struggles to Pump
Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and body. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling in the legs, and breathlessness. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications, medications, and sometimes medical devices or surgery.
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5. Women and Heart Disease, how symptoms and risks differ from men
Heart disease presents differently in women than men, often with subtle symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and jaw pain rather than classic chest pain. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause also influence heart health. Early detection and lifestyle changes are essential in reducing the risk.
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6. How Smoking Damages Your Heart
Smoking damages arteries, raises blood pressure, and increases clot formation, significantly elevating heart attack and stroke risk. Quitting smoking can rapidly improve cardiovascular health and reduce heart disease risk.
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7. Family History and Heart Disease
If heart disease runs in your family, your risk may be higher, but lifestyle choices still play a major role in prevention. Regular check-ups, a heart-healthy diet, and physical activity can help counteract genetic risks.
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8. How obesity affects the heart
Carrying excess weight strains the heart and increases the likelihood of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can significantly lower heart disease risk.
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