It has always been our vision that everybodysgood.com be a site where we not only share information with you, but where community members can share with one another, as well.  Sometimes this happens when we invite guest bloggers to share their experience and expertise.  Other times, it's when community members share an article with us on an issue that is important to them---such is the case with this posting.

A colleague of ours here at AIDS Rochester, named Richard, asked for the opportunity to contribute and address an issue that is very near and dear to his heart (pun intended!):  Heart Disease.  A big THANK  YOU goes out to Richard for sharing his expertise with our community……

Though heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States it is often the subject of jokes.  Whereas no one would joke about getting diagnosed with cancer or AIDS, heart attack jokes are prevalent.  Considering the reality of heart disease in America one would think it would be taken more seriously yet only 13 percent of women consider cardiovascular disease (CVD) their greatest health risk and the prevalence and mortality for women with heart disease exceeded that of men in 2002.

Heart disease is usually associated with older individuals but out of the 70,100,000 with CVD, 43,100,100 are under the age of 65.  CVD often has its beginnings in youth resulting from a variety of causes including genetics, lifestyle, and other illnesses.  CVD ranks as the No. 2 cause of death (behind certain accidents) for children under the age of 15.  In 2002 about 210,000 cardiovascular procedures were performed on individuals under the age of 15.

While lack of activity and obesity increase the risk of heart disease thin and active individuals can develop heart disease too.  Even marathon runners can develop heart disease.  James Fixx who wrote The Complete Book of Running died of a heart attack at the age 52.  Mr. Fixx had a family history of heart disease and his death illustrates how heart disease is very complicated, and there is still much to be learned.  Sometimes the first symptom of heart disease is sudden death.

There are some clear risk factors for heart disease. Cholesterol and blood pressure are the two most associated with risk.  The majority of cholesterol is made by our livers and the remainder comes from diet.  Low density Lipids (LDL) tend to stick to the artery walls, High Density Lipids (HDL) help carry cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver where it is passed out of the body.  Low HDL of 40 or below is now considered a risk factor for CVD.  LDL and HDL are both affected by diet but HDL is the most difficult to change.   Triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein (VDL) pose an additional risk.

High blood pressure damages the walls of the arteries making them more prone to fat deposits resulting in arterial plaque.  Arteries over time loose their elasticity and become hardened and narrow with plaque build up reducing blood flow to the heart and other organs.  Arterial plaque may rupture causing blood clots, heart attack and stroke.  The heart has to work harder and over time may become enlarged weakening the heart muscle.

Systemic inflammation has also been identified as a risk factor.  “Inflammation” is the process by which the body responds to injury.  Inflammation can affect the process in which fatty deposits build up in the lining of arteries. C-reactive protein increases during systemic inflammation and it’s been suggested that testing CRP levels in the blood may be a new way to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

Changes in lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease.  Even moderates amount of exercise and weight loss can decrease blood pressure and LDL while increasing HDL.  Eating foods low in cholesterol, trans and saturated fats, and increasing plant based foods and fiber are all beneficial.

Know your numbers and family history.  Total cholesterol should not exceed 200, LDL no greater than 100 and HDL 50 or above, triglycerides 150 or less.  Ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 and 140/90 is considered high.  Get tested, get monitored, and get treated. 

For more information check out the American Heart Association, from which many of the above statistics were taken, website where you can find detailed and comprehenseive information about heart health!