February is Heart Health Awareness Month

February is Heart Health Awareness Month

Besides being the month of love, February is also Heart Health Awareness Month. This annual observation is a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health and bring awareness to heart disease.

While the term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD) also referred to as coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischaemic heart disease.

This condition refers to heart weakening caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to narrowed arteries. This decrease in blood flow to the heart can subsequently lead to a heart attack.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death among women and the second leading cause of death among men in Belize.

With this in mind, let this month serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care of your heart health. So that together, we can help raise awareness and contribute to the ongoing fight against heart disease.


Types of Heart Diseases

As we delve into the intricate landscape of cardiovascular health, it becomes imperative to understand the diverse spectrum of heart diseases that affect millions worldwide. From coronary artery disease to arrhythmias, each condition presents unique challenges and considerations. Today, we unravel the complexities of various heart ailments, empowering ourselves with the knowledge to promote heart wellness and resilience for all.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common heart problem globally. According to Dr. James Beckerman, with CAD, you may get blockage in your coronary arteries which prevents the vessels from supplying the necessary blood to your heart. This can then lead to a decrease in the flow of blood to your heart muscle, keeping it from getting the oxygen it needs. This disease usually occurs due to atherosclerosis, this is a condition that is sometimes called “hardening of the arteries”.

Heart valve disease

Heart valve disease refers to any condition that affects one or more of the four valves of the heart: the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. These valves regulate blood flow through the heart by opening and closing with each heartbeat, allowing blood to flow in the correct direction. Heart valve disease can be caused by various factors, including congenital defects, age-related changes, rheumatic fever, infections (such as endocarditis), and other conditions that affect the heart valves. (WebMD, 2023)

Pericardial disease

Pericardial disease refers to any disorder that affects the pericardium, which is the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. The pericardium has two layers: the inner layer (visceral pericardium) which is closely attached to the heart muscle, and the outer layer (parietal pericardium) which is more fibrous and lines the inner surface of the chest cavity. (WebMD, 2023)

Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to a group of structural or functional abnormalities in the heart that are present at birth. These abnormalities can affect the heart chambers, valves, arteries, veins, or the electrical conduction system of the heart. Congenital heart defects can vary widely in their severity and complexity. Some defects may be minor and cause no significant problems, while others can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.


Risk Factors for Heart Diseases

Risk factors for heart disease can include several conditions that can be categorized as either non-modifiable or modifiable.

Non-modifiable risk factors are those that can not be changed, whereas modifiable risk factors can be reduced or controlled by making changes to one's condition or lifestyle.

Such non-modifiable risk factors include having a family history of heart disease, being of an older age, and being of South Asian, African, or Caribbean descent.

While it is important for us to be aware of all the risk factors for heart disease, for this Feature Friday, we want to highlight the conditions that can be changed or controlled to reduce a person’s risk.

Such factors include high blood pressure, unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and obesity.

While possessing one or more of these risk factors can increase a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, it does not necessarily mean that cardiovascular disease is inevitable.

However, by increasing our understanding and awareness of these risk factors, we can all make informed decisions and changes toward maintaining our heart health.


6 Ways to Protect Your Heart

As we end heart awareness month we want to share some ways you can help to maintain your heart health.

Firstly, one of the best things you can do for your heart is to stop smoking. This is because chemicals in tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels. So, even if you're not a smoker, be sure to stay away from secondhand smoke.

Daily physical activity has also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease by controlling weight and reducing the chances of developing conditions that could put a strain on the heart.

Likewise, following a healthy diet that is low in salt and sugar can help protect the heart, improve blood pressure and cholesterol, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. A heart-healthy eating plan includes a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meats, fish, low-fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado.

Since carrying extra weight can put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels, maintaining a healthy weight is another crucial step in decreasing the chances of developing heart disease.

Finally, since stress also plays a role in higher blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease, managing stress by engaging in physical activity, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, yoga, and/or meditation can help maintain your heart health.

Therefore, considering that a heart-healthy lifestyle is key to preventing heart disease, let us all make an active effort to follow these tips and prioritize our health to ensure that our hearts remain strong and healthy.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. "Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-healthy-diet/art-20047702

WebMD. "Heart Valve Disease." https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-valve-disease

WebMD. "Pericardial Disease." https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/diseases-cardiovascular

World Health Organization. "The Top 10 Causes of Death." https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death