Heart Disease Continues to be Leading Cause of Death in the US
According to recent data, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 695,000 deaths occurring each year. This alarming statistic underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat this deadly condition.
To shed light on the importance of heart health, Insider Wales Sport sat down with Dr. Martha Gulati, a renowned cardiologist and president of the American Society of Preventive Cardiology. Dr. Gulati addressed some frequently googled questions about heart health, aiming to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their cardiovascular well-being.
One common heart condition discussed by Dr. Gulati was heart arrhythmia, which occurs when there is an abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat. This condition can be triggered by genetics, stress, pre-existing heart conditions, or lifestyle habits. A particular type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (AFib) was highlighted as the most prevalent, significantly increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
Recognizing the symptoms of heart arrhythmias is crucial for early detection and treatment. Symptoms can vary, but commonly include chest pain, discomfort, fatigue, and dizziness. To aid in monitoring heart health, Dr. Gulati emphasized the use of medical-grade personal digital health tools that enable patients to track their heart health in real-time and provide accurate data to their physicians.
Heart palpitations, characterized by a rapid or pounding heartbeat, were also discussed. These can be triggered by stress, anxiety, hormonal changes, or stimulants like caffeine. While heart palpitations alone may not be cause for alarm, experiencing them with chest pain or severe dizziness warrants immediate medical attention.
Dr. Gulati stressed the impact of lifestyle habits on heart health. Factors such as physical activity level, diet, and smoking can significantly influence cardiovascular health. Making positive changes in these areas can play a vital role in preventing heart disease.
It was also noted that congenital heart conditions and age-related changes in the heart structure can contribute to the development of arrhythmias. Early detection and intervention are key in managing these conditions and improving long-term prognoses, ultimately reducing the risk of complications.
The interview with Dr. Gulati serves as a reminder of the importance of heart health. By taking proactive steps, such as monitoring our heart health with advanced digital tools and making positive lifestyle changes, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of heart disease and its devastating impact on our society.
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