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What are the risk factors for heart disease?
Risk factors are divided into those that you cannot change, such as age and family history and those you can change.
The risk factors you can change are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, being overweight and high stress levels.
It is up to you to make a difference by making heart healthy choices.
See also: Risk Factors for Heart Disease -
What is high blood pressure and how is it treated?
Blood pressure is the force created by the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It is necessary to carry blood to all parts of the body. People with high blood pressure are more likely to have a heart attack or a stroke.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure is a silent killer. Most people with high blood pressure don't have any symptoms
High blood pressure needs to be controlled with changes in lifestyle including: diet, weight control, medication and regular exercise.
Ideal target for blood pressure is < 135/85
See also: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) -
What is cholesterol and why is it so important?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver or found in meat, dairy products and eggs. Although cholesterol serves many important functions, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to a build-up of deposits and possibly block the vessels that supply your heart muscle with blood.
See also: High Cholesterol -
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of blood vessels. It is a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis may continue for years without causing symptoms -
What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass surgery improves blood flow to the heart muscle. It detours or "bypasses" blood around blockages or narrowing in the coronary artery.
Bypasses are made from either veins in your legs or an artery in your chest.
See also: Heart Surgery: Patient Information
See also: Before your Cardiac Surgery
See also: After your Cardiac Surgery -
What is Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart failure (CHF) does not mean that your heart has stopped beating. It means that your heart isn't pumping blood as it should. The body does not get enough blood that carries oxygen, which can make you feel tired. Also, when the heart does not pump strongly enough, blood moves slowly through every part of the body. It becomes backed-up. This causes swelling and it can make breathing difficult.
Congestive heart failure usually develops slowly. That's why it is important to start managing it as soon as it is diagnosed.
See also: Living with Congestive Heart Failure -
What is a coronary angiogram?
This test shows blockages in the coronary arteries.
To perform a coronary angiogram, your doctor inserts a flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and guides it to your heart. Once the catheter is in place x-rays and other tests are done to help your doctor evaluate how well your heart is working.
See also: What is a Coronary Angiogram? -
What is an Angioplasty?
Angioplasty opens blocked arteries that supply blood to your heart, the coronary arteries. Angioplasty relieves symptoms of coronary artery disease by improving blood flow to your heart. In angioplasty, a tiny balloon in inflated in the clogged artery to reopen the artery.
See also: What is Coronary Angioplasty or P.T.C.A? -
What is an exercise stress test?
An exercise stress test helps your doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more fuel and your heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if there's a lack of blood supply through the arteries that go to the heart. Taking a stress test also helps your doctor know the kind and level of exercise that is right for you.
See also: What is an Exercise Stress Test (Stress ECG)? -
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off. This happens when a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a blood clot.
Like heart attacks, strokes are caused by problems in blood circulation and the risk factors for stroke are similar to those of heart attack. In fact, strokes are often referred to as brain attacks.
# 1 Risk Factors you can't control include age, gender, race and family history of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Risk factors you can do something about include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, heart disease, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation), lack of physical activity, stress, excessive alcohol.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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