TUESDAY, DAY 2
DISEASES AND AILMENTS
The heart beats some 35 million times a year, making it one of the hardestworking parts of the human body. So, when this organ falters, serious problems can arise. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death, killing 700,000 Americans every year.
Heart disease, which is also known as cardiovascular disease, is actually an umbrella term for several specific heart conditions. Coronary artery disease (a hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, caused by atherosclerosis), high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, and angina are the most common forms of the condition. Heart disease tends to run in families and strike older people; more than 80 percent of people who die of cardiovascular disease are 65 years of age or older.
Still, the good news about heart disease is that much of it is preventable: Research shows that 82 percent of heart disease can be averted with lifestyle changes. Smokers, for instance, are up to four times more likely to develop the condition, since chemicals in the smoke can damage blood vessels and lead to fatty buildup within them. Since high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels are two main players in heart disease, keeping these two factors in check is crucial. A diet high in vegetables, fiber, low-fat dairy, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean protein, as well as low in sodium and saturated fat, is thought to safeguard the ticker. A regimen of exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight has also been proven to be beneficial. And because chronic exposure to stress can damage the heart, learning to cope, avoid stress when possible, and relax promotes well-being and reduces the risk of a heart attack.