Did you know? according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 17.9 million deaths each year, that's a staggering 31% of all global deaths.

There's no denying the severity of this issue! But fear not. With proper understanding and proactive measures, heart disease can be prevented, managed, and even reversed.

We have written this blog to address some of the frequently asked questions about heart disease and share prevention strategies to help you live a fulfilling life.

1. What Causes Heart Disease?
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, affects the heart and blood vessels.

The most common cause is the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis. Blood flow to the heart is restricted due to this narrowing, resulting in coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Other contributing factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

2. What are the types of heart disease?
Heart disease can take the form of heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing 375,476 people in 2021.

3. How Can Heart Disease Be Prevented?
Preventing heart disease involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors effectively. This includes:

1. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
2. Exercising regularly.
3. Avoiding tobacco smoke.
4. Managing stress.
5. Maintaining a healthy weight.
6. Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
7. Controlling diabetes. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are also essential for early detection and intervention.

4. What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
Several factors increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:

1. Age
2. Family history
3. Gender (men are at higher risk at a younger age, while women's risk increases after menopause)
4. High blood pressure
5. High cholesterol
6. Smoking
7. Obesity
8. Diabetes
9. Poor diet
10. Physical inactivity
11. Excessive alcohol consumption
12. Chronic stress

Addressing these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical interventions can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

5. What Is the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing damage or death to the affected area. In contrast, cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, typically due to an electrical disturbance in the heart that causes it to stop beating effectively. While heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest, they are not the same thing, and not all heart attacks result in cardiac arrest.

6. Is It Possible to Live a Normal Life With Heart Disease?
Absolutely! Living with heart disease is manageable with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Many people lead fulfilling lives by taking regular medication, making dietary changes, exercising, managing stress, and receiving ongoing medical care.

While knowledge can be a powerful tool, it goes hand-in-hand with regular checkups.

Scheduled doctor visits allow for crucial tests like blood pressure measurements and cholesterol tests (lipid panels). These tests help identify risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol, giving you and your doctor a chance to address them quickly.

Not sure where to start?
Talk to our Pharmacist: our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions and offer guidance tailored to your needs.
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