Q: How do heart diseases form?

Ans: Basically there are two types of heart disease: coronary heart disease and heart valve disease.

Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart problems. It is characterised by blockages in the coronary arteries that result in a reduction in blood flow to the heart muscles, depriving it of vital oxygen. Severe coronary heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure, a general weakness of the heart that results in ineffective pumping action. Coronary heart disease can also result in a heart attack or even sudden cardiac death. Although the exact cause of coronary heart disease is still being questioned, risk factors have been identified.

People with family history of heart disease has a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, especially if they are men. Age is also another important factor because the risk of coronary heart disease significantly increases in both men and women after the age of 65. People who are obese and have high blood pressure have a higher risk, especially those who smokes.

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The heart has four valves, each having an important role to play in the pumping of blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A defective valve muscle might fail to contract or relax, thus causing problems which often lead to heart attack or heart failure.

Heart valve disease is more likely to happen in women, especially those who are above the age of 45, smoking or obese.

The prevent heart diseases from happening to you, here is a checklist to help you:

  1. Do you smoke?
  2. Are you obese? (If unsure, click here)
  3. Do you exercise less than 3 times per week, each time about half an hour?
  4. Does your family have a history of heart disease?

    If your answers are "yes" to more than 2 of the questions above, we suggest you have a balanced diet and develope an exercise plan from now on. We also suggest that you see a personal physician as soon as possible to solve these problems before you develope heart disease.

 

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