Heart disease (Cardio-vascular disease) is the number 1 killer in term of disease in Malaysia. It is the general term for heart problems which may include conditions such as coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, cerebral vascular disease, stroke, carotid artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Heart disease is generally caused by a lack of blood flow to the arteries supplying either the heart, carotid arteries, brain or legs. This can result from a condition known as atherosclerosis or a build up of plaque which leads to a lack of oxygen supplying the vascular tissue.
Symptoms
- Chest pain
- Skipped or irregular heart beats
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Pain in the jaw or legs
Causes
- Poor diet
- Genetic predisposition
- Atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Stress
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
- Being overweight/ obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High fat, trans-fats and saturated fat diet
- High levels of inflammatory markers
- Bacteria
Action plans
- Increase the intake of fiber which helps to lower the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
- Keep the blood pressure under controlled which the optimal blood pressure is below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight which being overweight will increase the risk of heart disease.
- Manage stress by learning muscle relaxation and deep breathing technique.
- Practice good hygiene habits by washing hands regularly and avoid staying close to sick people for preventing the viral and bacterial infection that can put stress on heart.
- Avoid the intake of fatty food, alcohol, cigarettes, refined foods and processed food.
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