Many Americans are susceptible to lifestyle diseases. These diseases often include diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. However, the most common and dangerous lifestyle disease is known to be heart disease.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It is often caused by plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This buildup can cause blockages, restricting blood flow and potentially causing a heart attack.
It’s estimated that more than 800,000 Americans experience a heart attack annually. Some can even have strokes and heart failure. The cost of the disease itself is disastrous. A person who experiences heart loss spends over a million dollars on a heart transplant. Paying for that cannot be easy, especially when it’s not covered by insurance. With the cost and the lifestyle implications of heart disease explained, it begs to question, why is it so common in the country?
Why is Heart Disease so Common in the US?
There are various reasons why heart disease is so common in the United States. One of the leading causes is genetics.
Genetics
Sometimes, heart disease can run within a family. Studies have found that a person with a parent or sibling with heart disease is more likely to develop it themselves. There are three main reasons for this. First, the same genetic factors that lead to heart disease can often be passed on from generation to generation. Second, families may also share the same lifestyle habits and behaviors, such as smoking or a poor diet, which can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Third, families may also have similar health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Lifestyle Factors
In addition to genetics, heart disease is linked to certain lifestyle factors. This includes smoking tobacco, being inactive and not exercising regularly, excessive alcohol use, and having an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol. The country has some of the highest numbers when it comes to this. These lifestyle choices can increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries and ultimately lead to heart disease.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also contribute to heart disease. Air pollution, for example, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, pollutants in the air have been found to worsen conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Healthcare Costs
Lastly, the cost of healthcare in the US can also play a role. Many Americans may not be able to afford or have access to preventive care, such as regular check-ups and screenings for conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. As a result, these conditions can progress without proper treatment and management and lead to heart disease.
Preventing Heart Disease
While genetics and environmental factors cannot always be controlled, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Here are some ways to prevent the heavy consequences of this disease and its high costs.
Check-up and Scans
Regular check-ups and screening for conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol can help catch any potential problems early on. This can also allow for proper management and treatment of these conditions, reducing the risk of heart disease. Private echocardiogram scans can also help detect abnormalities or heart function issues. So if you’re experiencing problems with your heart, consider getting it scanned. It’s one of the best ways to know whether you have heart disease.
Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to one’s lifestyle can also significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are three lifestyle diseases you must make today:
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is one of the sure ways to increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. However, quitting smoking can significantly lower this risk.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check. In addition, limiting saturated fats and sodium intake is crucial to maintain a healthy heart.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity can improve heart health and help control weight and manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise for optimal benefits.
Overall, there are various reasons why heart disease is so common in the US. However, by staying aware of potential risk factors and making necessary lifestyle changes, preventing and lowering the likelihood of developing this disease is possible. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to keep your heart healthy.
