Lesson Description

This chapter explains heart disease, covering various types and focusing on the most common form in the United States, coronary artery disease (CAD). It describes key risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, with nearly half of the U.S. population having at least one of these. Other contributing factors include diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to various types of heart conditions, with the most common in the United States being coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD impacts blood flow to the heart, and reduced blood flow can lead to a heart attack.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease can sometimes be "silent" and undiagnosed until serious events occur, such as a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. Symptoms of these events include:

Heart Attack:

  - Chest pain or discomfort

  - Upper back or neck pain

  - Heartburn

  - Nausea or vomiting

  - Extreme fatigue

  - Dizziness

  - Shortness of breath

Arrhythmia:

  - Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations)

Heart Failure:

  - Shortness of breath

  - Fatigue

  - Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Several key risk factors increase the likelihood of developing heart disease:

- High blood pressure

- High blood cholesterol

- Smoking

Additional risk factors include:

- Diabetes

- Overweight and obesity

- Unhealthy diet

- Physical inactivity

According to the CDC, one out of every five deaths in the USA in 2021 was due to heart disease.

Treatment and Recovery

Cardiac rehabilitation is a crucial program for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or certain types of heart surgery. This supervised program includes several key components:

Physical Activity: Engaging in exercises tailored to improve cardiovascular health.

Healthy Eating Education: Learning about nutritious dietary choices.

Medication Management: Ensuring medications are taken as prescribed.

Smoking Cessation: Providing support and strategies to quit smoking.

Stress Relief and Mental Health:

Counseling to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being.

A multidisciplinary team supports patients through cardiac rehabilitation, including:

Healthcare Team: Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Exercise and Nutrition Specialists: Experts who create personalized fitness and diet plans.

Physical Therapists: Professionals who guide safe and effective physical activity.

Counselors or Mental Health Professionals:

Specialists who offer psychological support and stress management techniques.