Spotlight on Fitness Archive

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February 2009

The Nation’s Number One Cause of Death

What if someone told you that the key to leading a happier, healthier life was right at your fingertips? It is hard to imagine that anyone would refuse the opportunity to unlock this secret, and yet everyday, millions of Americans do. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, exercising on a daily basis is fundamental key to living a longer, happier and healthier life (3). Not only does it add quality to your years, it can also reduce the risk of developing many lifestyle related illnesses, including heart disease. This is no small benefit, as heart disease is the number one cause of death for Americans. In fact, the number of Americans who die every year from this disease is more than the number of people who die from cancer, stroke, CLPD/COPD and accidents combined!

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to the failure of proper circulation to cardiac muscle and the surrounding tissue. This failure is caused when cholesterol, fatty material, and calcium build up in the arteries, a process known as arthrosclerosis. When this occurs, a plaque buildup develops and causes the arteries to narrow, which results in a reduction of oxygen throughout the body. This reduction can cause angina, or chest pain. If the blockage continues to increase, a blood clot could possibly form, which can result in a sudden heart attack (1).

What are some risk factors for Heart Disease?

A risk factor is a variable associated with an increased risk of disease. Some risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. There are also a number of lifestyle risk factors that may increase the chances of heart disease. These include a lack of exercise, high-fat diet, emotional stress, and having a “Type A” personality (aggressive, impatient, and competitive) (1).  

What are some common symptoms of heart disease?

Symptoms of the disease in most cases occur during physical activity or exercise. The main reason behind this is due to the increase in demand for oxygen and nutrients by working muscles. Some symptoms may include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, jaw pain, back pain (especially on the left side), dizziness, irregular heart beat, nausea, and abdominal pain (2).

How is heart disease tested?

Typically, doctors will use a range of tests to detect the disease. The two most common tests include an Electrocardiogram (EKG), and a stress test. An EKG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. A stress test is completed while the individual is active and being “stressed” under a doctor’s supervision. If the patient is healthy and eligible, the test is administered on a treadmill; if they are not able to be on a treadmill, they are given a pill which simulates the physiological changes that occur while exercising. If the individual is suffering from heart disease, the arteries fail to deliver an efficient amount of blood throughout the body (1).

How is Heart Disease treated?

Every individual is different in ways of treating the disease. Methods include changes in your diet, various lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking, etc.), amount of exercise, and prescribing medications (beta-blockers, nitroglycerin, ACE inhibitors etc.). If these changes are insufficient, individuals may need to turn to certain medical procedures. These include a Coronary Angioplasty, Stents, Atherectomy, and Brachytherapy. Always refer to your physician for proper diagnosis (1).

 

 

1. (2007). Heart Disease Guide. Retrieved January 8, 2009, from WebMD. Better Information. Better Health. Web site: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-support-resources.
2. (Kulick, Daniel (2008). Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) . Retrieved January 8, 2009, from medicineNet.com. We Bring Doctor's Knowledge To You Web site: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=92881
3. (2007). Pysical Activity and Public Health Guidelines. Retrieved January 7, 2009, from American College of Sports Medicine Web site: http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=7764