William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-08-01 / 8. szám
Our Health Corner with Debbie Wolfe, rn Matters of the heart Part One of our look at heart disease HEART DISEASE. This is a term we have all heard, but what does it mean? Mention heart disease and most people think of heart attack. However, there are many conditions that undermine the heart's ability to do its job. These include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Together, we will look at how these disorders affect the body and how to recognize their warning signs. Heart Attack - Every year more than one million Americans have a heart attack, a sudden interruption in the flow of the heart's own blood supply. This happens when there is a blockage in one of the heart's arteries. When blood flow is blocked, heart tissue can be damaged and die very quickly. Prompt emergency treatments have reduced the number of deaths from heart attacks in recent years. Heart attack symptoms include:- Pain or pressure in the chest- Discomfort spreading to the back, neck, arm, or throat- Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn- Weakness, anxiety, sweating, shortness of breath- Rapid or irregular heart beat Coronary Artery Disease - A precursor to heart attack, coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when sticky plaque builds up on the insides of the heart's arteries. This creates a narrow artery, making it more difficult for blood to flow through. Many people do not even know they have CAD until they have their first heart attack. But, there are warning signs, such as recurring chest pain caused by the restriction of blood flow, sometimes known as angina. This sticky plaque can break loose from the eatery wall. When it does, blood forms around this loose plaque creating a blood clot. If this newly formed clot completely blocks a coronary artery, it cuts off blood supply to that portion of the heart. Without immediate treatment, the heart muscle will be damaged or destroyed. Don't wait to be sure! As soon as you start experiencing any cardiac symptoms, call 911. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. By calling 911, emergency workers can begin treatment as soon as they get to you. Sudden Cardiac Death - This accounts for nearly half of all heart disease deaths in America but is not a heart attack. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) happens when the heart's own electrical system goes haywire, causing it to beat irregularly and beat very, very fast. The heart's pumping chambers are no longer able to push blood to other parts of the body. Immediate CPR must be preformed and the heart's normal rhythm restored or death will quickly follow. Arrhythmia - An erratic or irregular heartbeat. Regular electrical impulses cause your heart to beat, but sometimes those impulses can become erratic. The heart may race, slow down or even quiver. Arrhythmias are most often harmless variations in heart rhythms that pass quickly. However, some types can make your heart less effective in pumping blood, and that can take serious tolls on your body. Let your doctor know if you think you feel any changes in your normal heart rate or rhythm. Cardiomyopathy - This is a disease involving changes to the heart muscle itself. These changes affect the hearts ability to effectively pump blood. This can lead to a condition called heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is sometimes related to other chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart valve disease. Heart Failure - Heart failure does not mean the heart stops working; it means the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Over time, the heart gets bigger to hold more blood. It then needs to pump faster to move the increase in blood. If the vessels are narrowed, like semi-plugged hoses, the heart muscle may begin to strain and weaken, reducing the blood flow to the body even more. Most cases of heart failure are the result of coronary artery disease or previous heart attacks. So let's say you are having some chest discomfort. You go to the hospital, and the emergency department determines that there is nothing acute happening with your heart. They suggest you follow up with your doctor to determine the cause of the discomfort. Some of the tests to determine what may be causing your problem may seem as frightening as what could happen if you don't find out the cause. But, with knowledge, we can all be not as fearful. Come back next month when we will look at some common diagnostic tools and treatments used if you, or someone close to you, has a heart disease. Till next month.... Be Healthy! Be Happy! stay Fit! egészségére! Debbie 10 0 August 2012 0 William Penn Life Photo © Andreykuzmin/ Dreams time.Com
