Types of heart diseases and information on the causes of heart disease.

• Arrhythmias: These are irregularities of the heart beat which can either be completely harmless or extremely dangerous, increasing your chances of other heart problems.
• Cardiomyopathy: Also known as disease of the heart muscle.
• Congenital heart disease: This refers to a number of heart conditions that are present at birth and may be diagnosed antenatally, shortly after birth or later in the life of an individual.
• Congestive heart failure: This is a condition that can result from any heart-related problem that causes the heart to struggle to pump sufficient blood through the body. The result is that many of the body’s organs are then deprived of essential blood supplies.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) otherwise known as coronary heart disease (CHD): This is the most common type of heart disease which causes the arteries to harden and narrow (usually as a result of plaque build up), thus restricting blood flow to the heart. CAD is also the leading cause of angina and heart attacks.
• Hypertensive heart disease: Caused by high blood pressure.
• Inflammatory heart disease: An inflammation of the heart muscle and/or the tissue surrounding it.
• Valvular heart disease: This term refers to any heart disease involving one or more of the heart valves.

Being aware of heart disease is important. While the statistics are high, developing heart disease can be drastically reduced by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Below are a few steps to help prevent heart disease:

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Prolonged high blood pressure can dramatically increase your chances of developing heart disease.
• Don’t smoke. If you do, consider quitting smoking naturally.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is dangerous for the heart, so try and maintain a stable, healthy weight. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a little help from a reputable weight-loss program can help you achieve your ideal goal weight.
• Learning to manage stress levels is essential. Stress puts unnecessary strain on the heart and the immune system, making it essential to take care of your emotional well-being. If stress is a problem, consider making necessary life changes or adopting stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, Pilates, or meditation.
• Regularly check cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and heart attacks. Cholesterol clogs the arteries and restricts blood flow to and from the heart.
• Get tested for diabetes. If you are diabetic, be sure to manage your condition efficiently. Having diabetes raises your chances of getting heart disease, not to mention other health concerns.
• Eat a heart-friendly diet low in fats, salt, calories, and red meat, and high in vegetables, fruits and fiber. Eating healthy does not have to be boring. Learn to use the numerous available resources that offer tips to preparing quick, tasty, and heart-healthy meals.
• Stay physically active. Try to find time in the day to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise. An exercise routine is one of the best ways to keep your heart and mind in top form. It is advisable that you consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
• It is recommended that alcohol consumption be limited to one drink a day, preferably with a meal. Studies have shown that red wine is an excellent source of antioxidants and may aid in preventing bad cholesterol (LDL) from forming. It is also believed that red wine may prevent blood clots and aid in reducing blood vessel damage that is sometimes caused by fat deposits.