Fact Checked
Heart disease involves a variety of conditions that affect the heart. These conditions include blood vessel diseases such as heart rhythm issues, coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects.
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What are the risk factors?
The risk factors that puts an individual at higher risk for developing heart disease include the following:
- Age – as one starts to age, it heightens the risk for damaged and constricted arteries as well as weakened or thickened heart muscles
- Gender – men are at higher risk for heart disease but women are also at higher risk after menopause
- Family history – having a family history of heart disease heightens the risk particularly if a parent developed the condition at an early age
- Poor diet – diet rich in salt, fat, sugar and cholesterol
If the individual experiences difficulty breathing during regular activity or at rest, a doctor should be consulted. - Smoking – nicotine constricts the blood vessels while carbon monoxide impairs the interior lining which increases the risk for atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure – if not properly controlled, high blood pressure causes the hardening and thickening of the arteries as well as narrowing of the blood vessels
- High cholesterol level – high cholesterol in the blood increases the risk for the formation of plaques and atherosclerosis
- Obesity – being overweight can worsen the other risk factors
- Diabetes – this condition heightens the risk for heart disease
- Stress – continuous stress can impair the arteries and aggravate other risk factors
- Physical inactivity – lack of activity or exercise is linked with various forms of heart disease and some of the risk factors
- Poor hygiene – not observing proper handwashing and hygienic measures to prevent bacterial or viral infections increases the risk for heart infections particularly if there is an underlying heart condition
When to consult a doctor
When caring for an individual with heart disease, it is vital to carefully monitor the symptoms and learn when it is time to call a doctor. A doctor should be consulted if the following are present:
- Sensation of fullness in the stomach with nausea or appetite loss
- Evident fatigue or unable to complete daily activities
- New, erratic heart rate
- Respiratory infection or worsening cough
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing during regular activity or at rest
- Chest pain or discomfort during activity that subsides with rest
- Urinates less than usual
- Changes in the sleeping pattern such as difficulty sleeping or feeling that he/she has to sleep more than usual
- Restlessness or confusion
- Continuous dizziness or lightheadedness
- Appetite loss or nausea
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on heart disease is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage heart disease by taking a standard first aid course with Saskatoon First Aid.