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Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of different diseases affecting the heart. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone.
The blood vessels consist of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. All blood is carried in these vessels. The arteries, which are strong, flexible, and resilient, carry blood away from the heart and bear the highest blood pressures. Because arteries are elastic, they narrow (recoil) passively when the heart is relaxing between beats and thus help maintain blood pressure. The arteries branch into smaller and smaller vessels, eventually becoming very small vessels called arterioles. Arteries and arterioles have muscular walls that can adjust their diameter to increase or decrease blood flow to a particular part of the body.
2009-10-01

Heart Disease in Senior Citizens  

Heart disease is a general term that refers to different, specific heart diseases. As we age, increases risk for heart disease. It is important that older people get enough practice heart healthy behaviors such as exercise and diet is a balanced diet. It is equally important that seniors understand heart disease in order to prevent and detect when necessary, and treat their condition. Those seniors participating elderly should also know about heart disease.? Recognizing the symptoms and know how to react certain heart conditions can save lives.?

coronary heart disease (CHD)

Coronary artery disease can lead to heart attack or other serious complications and is the most common form of heart disease in the United States. When the coronary arteries (the vessels that carry blood to the heart), plaque build up, they will close. This makes it difficult for blood to reach the heart, which in CHD. The narrowing and "hardening" of the arteries by plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. This can cause decreased blood flow, thereby providing oxygen to the heart.?

can, in some cases of CHD, oxygen supply is completely cut off, a part of the heart, leading to a heart attack. Angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort may also occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen. Sometimes CHD outcomes in heart failure, a serious disease in which the heart can not effectively pump. Cardiac arrhythmias are known as cardiac arrhythmias may also occur.?

Angina pectoris is the most common symptom in patients with CHD. But some people have no symptoms and are not diagnosed until they have a heart attack. It is important that both people with symptoms and those where a high risk for coronary heart disease diagnostic tests.? Factors, the risk of high blood pressure) to include high level (LDL cholesterol, high blood sugar and a history of heart disease.?

treatment are the elimination of unhealthy lifestyle factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease and its complications. His product is too high (LDL) cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, decreased blood flow or other possible problems helpful. Additional medical treatment or surgery may also be necessary.?

Heart Attack

heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when the oxygen supply to a part of the heart significantly reduced. When the heart does not receive sufficient oxygen doses, the cells begin to die. The more time passes, has done more damage and can cause death. Heart attack is most commonly caused by coronary heart disease, but can also result from a severe spasm of the coronary arteries.?

A person experiencing a heart attack requires immediate emergency care. For a person with a heart attack, the faster emergency treatment is administered, the greater the chances of survival. For this reason it is important to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and call 9-1-1 quickly. Doctors perform, as well as emergency medical personnel, can the emergency treatment. A trained viewer can perform CPR or operate an automated external defibrillator if available.?

heart attack can lead to permanent damage to the heart muscle. This makes for a heart attack at greater risk of another heart attack and other serious complications. Myocardial infarction should undergo cardiac rehabilitation to improve their cardiovascular health. Some lifestyle changes are the increase in the rehabilitation of physical activity, dietary changes, stress management, smoking cessation and weight loss. Drugs may also be necessary. Before retuning should be with everyday activities such as driving, work, consult with physical activity, sex and air travel after myocardial infarction with their doctor.?

Other terms and conditions

angina: When the heart is not enough oxygen, chest pain, known as angina can result. It is as experienced a crushing pain or pressure in the chest. Pain in the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms or backs occur. Other times, a person thinks they experience angina with indigestion. Angina is classified as either stable or unstable. When angina occurs with physical, mental or emotional stress, it is described as stable. Unstable angina occurs when a person is at rest, and without apparent cause.?

aortic aneurysm and dissection: The aorta extends from the heart blood supply to all parts of the body. If the aorta expands or enlarges an aneurysm results. If the aorta ruptures as an emergency preparation results.

Acute coronary syndrome: This term describes people pectoris and acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina.?

arrhythmias: An arrhythmia is the irregular heartbeat. Electrical impulses controlling the heartbeat. When these impulses are interrupted, an arrhythmia results. Some are serious while others are less serious, but at first become more serious over time.?

cardiomyopathy: If the heart muscle is weak or there is a change in the structure of the heart muscle, cardiomyopathy occurs. It can be from previous heart attacks are caused infections, and other factors and can result in abnormal function of the heart.?

Congenital Heart Disease: Congenital heart disease is the result of birth defects that disrupt the flow of blood through the heart. Examples are changes in the chambers of the heart or heart valves.? Genes as well as negative risks during pregnancy can cause this type of heart disease.?

Heart Failure: This is sometimes referred to as chronic or congestive heart failure. This is a serious disease that occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood, so that supply organs, without enough oxygen.?

peripheral arterial disease (PAD): This disease is caused by the "hardening" of the arteries that supply oxygen to the limbs. It is usually caused by atherosclerosis, the plaque buildup that narrows the arteries. Insufficient oxygen supply to the legs can cause muscle pain, numbness, and swelling in the arms or legs.?

rheumatic heart disease: This disease refers to heart damage caused by inflammation and scarring that result from rheumatic fever.?

 

http://www.TheCaringSpace.com

David Crumrine at the Caring Space. We are an organization that connects caregivers and care seekers, providing an easy and affordable resource for families seeking care for friends/loved ones and caregivers seeking employment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Crumrine

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