Each February, love is undoubtedly in the air. It’s difficult to look in any given direction and not see red hearts creatively displayed to remind us of the season. In 1947, The American Heart Association created “Heart Week” in an effort to advocate for the public awareness of one of the nation’s leading health threats: heart disease.
Heart Week has grown exponentially since then. In 1964, the Johnson Administration expanded the week-long campaign to create National Heart Month. Today, the entire month of February serves to educate and screen the public on all facets of cardiovascular health.
National Heart Month now focuses on a wide array of syndromes and disorders that affect the heart, not just those that narrow or block the heart’s arteries. Here are 7 cardiovascular issues you should be aware of to keep your ticker in tip-top shape –
- Connective Tissue Disorders
Essentially, people who have connective tissue disorders have inflammation within the two proteins that make up their tissue: collagen and elastin. In patients that have connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome, this inflammation causes enlargement of the aorta resulting in aortic dilation or aneurysm.
- Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders can affect the heart in several ways. Those who have been diagnosed with lupus are at higher risk of both pericarditis (inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart) and myocarditis (inflammation of the tissue that makes up the heart.)
- Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that progressively gets worse over time. Fluid builds within the heart and causes the muscle to underperform in its ability to pump blood.
- Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is when the heart quivers resulting in an irregular heartbeat. AFib can cause blood clots, leading to a higher risk of stroke and heart failure. It is somewhat common with over 2.7 million American living with this diagnosis. AFib can be managed with proper monitoring and medication.
- Congenital Heart Defects
While congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect, they are rare in that fewer than 200,000 cases are reported annually in the US. These defects are specific to the anatomy of the heart structure itself or its surrounding vessels. Due to advances in technology over the past few decades, most of these defects are diagnosed well before the child’s birth allowing providers and parents adequate time to prepare a treatment plan that best suits their child’s specific needs. Fetal echocardiograms can give astonishingly accurate pictures and measurements of a fetus’ heart chambers at around only 26 weeks gestation.
- Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque within the heart’s arteries. Plaque consists of several substances but namely, cholesterol. As plaque builds within the arteries, it hardens and makes the passage of blood extremely difficult. If the blocked artery supplies blood to the heart or brain, it can result in a stroke or heart attack. If the artery supplies oxygen to the limbs (most often the legs) and becomes blocked, it can cause such complications as tissue death or gangrene.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)
Mitral valve prolapse happens when the mitral valve bulges into the upper left chamber of the heart as it contracts. Sometimes, this also causes the blood to flow backward back into the chamber – this is called mitral valve regurgitation. For decades, patients with MVP were advised to take a preventative course of antibiotics prior to any dental work as they are at higher risk for developing pericarditis. However, this protocol has changed in recent years and deemed unnecessary.
As this list indicates, “heart disease” is an umbrella term for a broad spectrum of issues. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider if you think you may be experiencing symptoms related to your heart’s function. Prevention of many of these heart issues starts with annual physicals, moderate exercise, and a healthy diet!
NurseCore is a national leader in medical staffing and home care services. We are committed to exceeding the expectations of both our clients and employees, we specialize in connecting healthcare professionals, nurses, and caregivers with the medical facilities and home care positions in need of their expertise. NurseCore strives to relevant healthcare news, resources, and industry topics. Explore our blog and “like” us on Facebook!
0 Comments