Entries from April 2008 ↓

Obesity is an increasingly common metabolic disorder that affects not only U.S. population but the developing world as well.  The third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III 1988-1991) estimates about thirty-three percent of U.S. population is obese as compared to previous (1976-1980) survey that only showed twenty five percent.

Studies have suggested that obesity and heart disease are two inseparable conditions.  Obesity has an aggravating effect on atherosclerosis, which is one form of heart disease.  This becomes especially true when the distribution of the body fat is located in the middle of the body, the gut, and the love handles.

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Arteriosclerotic heart disease or coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. For both women and men alike. Present are several factors which can rise this disease and some of the risks are based on family history and others are preventable. The main risk factors heart disease could include diabetes, physical inactivity, menopause in women, obesity, tobacco use, high blood pressure, infection that cause inflammation to the artery, high cholesterol level, and many more.

Coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease, is the narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This condition results from the accumulation of fatty substance and plaque. While the coronary arteries narrow, the flow of blood to your heart slows down or stops resulting in chest pain, or angina, shortness of breath, or heart attack.

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In reality, heart disease is counted throughout the world as the number one cause of death of women, different than the popular belief that breast cancer is the primary culprit. A lot of people, when they hear the term “heart disease”, easily think that it’s a man’s disease.  But, the reality of the subject is, heart disease impacts women the way it impacts men.  It’s not just a man’s thing.

Heart disease in women is but a common phenomenon.  It was reported that women are four to six times more likely to suffer and die from heart disease than of breast cancer.  Also, several statistics have shown that heart disease in women occurs specifically among those who are more than 65 years old.

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Knowing the risk factors for heart disease could cut down on the risks of a heart attack.  Heart disease has been known to be the number one cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  It is crucial to realize more serious what causes heart disease so common and how to cut down on the risks of having a heart disease.  Some heart disease in people may be silent with no symptoms at all and they may not be aware of the heart disease until they have a heart attack.

A risk factor is a factor that makes a person more likely to have a disease, illness, or medical problem. Risk factors for heart disease can be categorized into two: modifiable or those that can be made better; and the genetics or family history which cannot be changed.
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