#heart #health #women #men #symptoms
“There is the notion that heart problems is an old people’s disease, but when you are young is the best time to find out if you are predisposed to any risk factors.”– Paul Ebeling
Millennials have been hailed as forward thinkers with an optimistic vision for the future. But, perhaps due to the relative health that comes with youth, studies show they just are not thinking much about how healthy they will be when the future is here, addressing only day-to-day health issues as they arise. Now is the time to pay attention to Heart Health.
The symptoms of a heart attack can appear suddenly and often with Strong warnings, but experts say that spotting heart failure is more subtle.
Fact: More than 5-M Americans are living with CFH (congestive heart failure).
CHF more often occurs when there is a weakened heart muscle due to a previous heart attack. But, there are other causes such as alcohol, drug use, or infections that can result in a weakened heart. And some people have a genetic disposition to CHF and others may have normal heart function.
In addition, other symptoms include having trouble lying flat, waking up gasping for air, and swelling of the belly, ankles, or legs due to excess fluid.
Cartologists say that it is important to evaluate those symptoms promptly, as they may represent a heart problem or they may be signs of other conditions.
Fatigue is common symptom of heart failure, because the major organs and brain are not getting enough blood. While we all feel tired from time to time.
The Mayo Clinic describes fatigue as “unrelenting exhaustion” that is not alleviated by rest.
Low blood pressure can signal CHF too, so make sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly, say the experts.
Impaired kidney function is another sign that your heart is failing. So, here again, regular checkups can help diagnosis these symptoms.
Sudden upper back pain without a history of injury could indicate a problem with your heart. Your doctor may prescribe a stress test to see if your heart is pumping correctly. If you are having trouble breathing while walking uphill, that is another sign that could be evaluated by a stress test to see if the difficulty is due to heart failure.
Rapid weight gain not associated with excess calories can mean that your body is retaining excess fluid due to CHF.
People young and old, men and women must be diligent about monitoring their heart symptoms and make an appointment with their doctor if they experience any unusual indications that could be signal heart failure.
This is especially important for women, who tend to ignore their heart health, erroneously thinking that heart disease is a man dominated illness.
The data show that women with heart disease are under-treated and under-served.
More women than men die every year from heart disease, yet many think heart disease is only a disease of men.
The medical profession must do more to educate patients, families, physicians and women that they are at risk and must better understand the risks.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends anyone over 20 anni get tested to check their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to maintain heart health and prevent heart disease.
The most common of which and the most preventable is coronary artery disease, the reason behind most heart attacks.
The condition begins when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. Research suggests that early atherosclerosis, also described as “hardening of the arteries,” may occur in as many as 80% of young people ages 18 to 35.
Genetic factors linked to heart disease are remarkably common, and no age is too young to consider genetic testing. About 50% of people carry a gene called 9P21, which ups an individual’s risk by up to 60%.
The best approach is to make healthy choices a part of your daily life: Exercise, eat Real food, do not smoke, and do not drink ‘too much‘ alcohol.
Eat healthy, Be healthy, Live lively
