The Heart's Role
The heart's main job is to pump the right amount of blood to all parts of the body.
The heart is a muscle which contracts and relaxes as the blood cycles and
recycles throughout the body.
The heart has four chambers. The upper chambers, atria, are divided into
left and right. The right atrium collects blood returning from the body to the
heart. The right atrium empties into the right ventricle, one of the lower
chambers of the heart. A valve in between the atria and the ventricles helps
move the blood through the heart and prevents blood flow in the wrong
direction. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs to pick up a supply of
oxygen. The oxygen rich blood is then pumped to left atrium, down through
another valve and into the left ventricle. The left ventricle then pumps the
blood through the aorta, a large blood vessel, that carries the oxygenated
blood to the entire body, including the blood supply to the heart. The
heart muscle needs its own supply of blood and oxygen in order to keep pumping.
The coronary arteries, which lie on the surface of the heart, are essential in
providing the nourishment and oxygen for the heart.
Heart Disease: Treatment & Diagnosis
It is important to have your heart status checked regularly. Initially, this
is part of your annual physical examination with your physician. During your
visit, you should tell the physician about any family members who had or have
heart disease.
Your physician will determine which tests are necessary for you to have to
determine the present status of your heart. The most common tests check the
function of your heart and the flow of blood in your body.
For example, you may be asked to have blood drawn and have an
electrocardiogram (EKG) done. Other tests may be ordered by your doctor.
Medical Treatment
Your physician may determine that your heart disease can be treated with a
combination of diet, exercise, and possibly medication.
Your diet will be changed so that you can lower your cholesterol, improve
your blood pressure, and lose weight. Eating less fat and salt, and eating more
fiber is essential. Your doctor may suggest that you see a dietician to assist
you with meal planning.
Your exercise routine can be as simple as walking regularly, for example 30
minutes daily. You should build up slowly and begin exercising at least 3 times
per week. Your final goal should be exercising four to five times per week for
20-40 minutes.
Should your physician prescribe medication, be sure to follow the
directions. Ask your physician about any possible effects.
Interventional Treatment
Procedures can be used to treat chest pain or angina, and coronary artery
disease. These include balloon angioplasty, atherectomy (rotoblation), and
stent placement.
Know the Risk Factors
Several of the most important risk factors for heart disease are within your
control.
Cigarette Smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, which can
greatly increase the chance of having a heart attack.
Diet. A diet high in fat and cholesterol can add pounds and contribute to
atherosclerosis. Increase fiber (fruits, vegetables, grains) and reduce fats to
improve your heart health.
High Blood Pressure. Hypertension can lead to blood vessel damage because
the heart has to work harder to pump blood through narrowed or hardened vessels
affected by atherosclerosis. This damage can lead to the formation of blood
clots inside the blood vessels, which can cause heart attacks.
Limited Physical Activity. Regular exercise will keep you young at heart.
Any kind of physical activity is beneficial.
Stress. Relieve stress through exercise, soothing music, relaxation
techniques or a warm bath. Stress is a part of life and learning to control it
could prolong your life.
Prevent Heart Disease
The best treatment for heart disease is prevention. There are identified
risk factors, which if avoided can prevent heart disease. In other words you
need to change unhealthy habits. Making changes to reduce risks can help your
heart improve function. In some cases, such changes can even improve the health
of your heart.
Lifestyle changes are focused on decreasing or eliminating risk factors.
- If you smoke, stop.
- If you have high blood pressure, eat heart healthy foods and exercise
- If you have high cholesterol, eat heart healthy food and exercise
- If you do not exercise, start
- If you are overweight, lose it, eat healthy and exercise
- If you are under stress, explore ways to decrease stress and exercise
- If you have diabetes, follow the treatment plan prescribed for you