Heart Disease, Symptoms of a heart attack, Who Is At Risk of Heart Disease?

Due to narrowing or blocking of the coronary arteries is the main cause of heart disease.

Angina pectoris: Painful cramp in chest, arm, neck, or back due to brief blockage of oxygenated blood to the heart. More often during exercise, stress, cold temperature, digesting large fat meal are the reason, little or no permanent damage. 

Myocardium: Muscle tissue around the heart

Myocardium infarction (heart attack): Prolonged blockage of blood to an area of the heart resulting in muscle tissue damage is the reason of myocardium infarction (heart attack).

Symptoms of a heart attack

Pressure in chest, fullness, squeezing pain.

Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, or arms.

 Lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea.

Who Is At Risk of Heart Disease?

Prevalence increases with age, particularly after 45 years of age. Prior to 50s, 60s, men are at greater risk than women but increases in women after menopause. More women than men are likely to die from a heart attack. Blacks are at higher risk, Asians are at lower risk.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

High blood pressure

Family history

Cigarette smoking

High LDL and total cholesterol levels

Physical inactivity

Diabetes

Obesity

Stress

Why high blood pressure a risk factor?

Heart has to work harder. Since heart muscle is working harder, it can become enlarged. Wear and tear on the arterial wall can increase the likelihood of lipid and calcium deposits adhering to the arterial wall.  This leads to hardening of the arteries.