AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Chronic Diseases

Heart Disease

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a healthcare professional. In case of an emergency, immediately call 911.

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, the most common being Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Failure

ConditionPrimary IssueDescription and Impact
Heart AttackPlumbingA blocked artery prevents blood flow, causing heart muscle tissue to die if not treated immediately.
Cardiac ArrestElectricalThe heart suddenly stops beating due to an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) such as ventricular fibrillation. Without immediate CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), death can occur within minutes.
Heart FailurePumpingA chronic condition where the heart is too weak or stiff to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands.

Who Gets Heart Disease?

Individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes are at the highest risk. Lifestyle factors like smoking and physical inactivity also contribute. Nearly half of all Americans have at least one of these risk factors.

While the risk increases with age, heart disease does not only affect older adults. In 2023, approximately 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease occurred in individuals under the age of 65.

Causes of Heart Disease

Heart disease is often caused by Atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque (a buildup of fat and cholesterol) accumulates in the walls of the arteries. This narrows the vessels over time and restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Signs & Symptoms of Heart Disease

  • Chest pain (Angina): Pressure, squeezing, or discomfort.
  • Shortness of breath: Especially during physical activity or while lying down.
  • Referred Pain: Pain or numbness in areas outside the heart, such as the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. These atypical symptoms are especially common in women.
  • Extreme Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired for no clear reason.

Stages of Heart Disease

  1. Stage A (At Risk): No structural heart damage but presence of risk factors like hypertension or diabetes.
  2. Stage B (Pre-Heart Failure): Structural damage is present (like a low ejection fraction) but no outward symptoms.
  3. Stage C (Symptomatic): Structural damage with current or prior symptoms like fatigue or breathlessness.
  4. Stage D (Advanced): Severe symptoms that do not improve with standard treatment.

Diagnosis of Heart Disease

  • ECG/EKG: Records the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Echocardiogram: An ultrasound used to examine the structure of the heart (atria, ventricles, valves, etc.) and evaluate the pumping function of the ventricles (including ejection fraction, etc.).
  • Stress Testing: Monitoring the heart during physical exercise.
  • Cardiac Catheterization: A procedure to check for blockages using a catheter and special dye.

Treatment of Heart Disease

  • Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet (low sodium/trans fats) and regular exercise.
  • Medications: Beta-blockers, statins (for cholesterol), and ACE inhibitors to manage blood pressure.
  • Procedures: Angioplasty (using a balloon to open arteries), stents, or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Prevention of Heart Disease

  • Managing stress through healthy outlets.
  • Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
  • Maintaining blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels within target ranges through regular screenings.
  • Adopting a healthy diet (recommended: low-sodium, low-saturated fat, the DASH diet, etc.).
  • Engaging in regular physical activity.
  • Consuming alcohol in moderation.

Living with Heart Disease

Living with heart disease requires a proactive approach. This includes daily monitoring of vitals (blood pressure and weight), strictly adhering to medication schedules, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation—a medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular health after a heart event.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest - CPR/AED Instructions

Emergency Response Guidelines:

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Start CPR.
  • Use a nearby AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

*Rapid response saves lives.

Support Groups for Heart Disease

Resources

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Chronic Diseases