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Cardiovascular Health: Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in America today. A heart attack is one of the more obvious signs of cardiovascular disease. You can have a heart attack if the blood supply to your heart is stopped or lessened due to a blocked artery. If you experience shortness of breath and pain in your chest, you should call emergency personnel right away.

Have you ever felt your heart beat very fast, or thought that maybe your heart was "skipping a beat?" These can be signs of a cardiovascular disease called cardiac arrhythmia. Arrhythmias are quite common and in most cases they are harmless. Some arrhythmias can be dangerous and require treatment. If you suspect you may have arrhythmia, be sure to see your doctor to give you peace of mind.

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a type of cardiovascular disease where the blood pressure is too high over a long period of time. Hypertension can put you at risk for strokes and heart attacks. Antihypertensives are medications that can treat hypertension.

We've all heard that there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Understanding the difference between the two can make a big difference in the care of your heart. To manage your cholesterol intake, be sure to eat foods low in saturated fat and exercise regularly.

The links on this page will take you to information on these and other cardiovascular diseases.

• High cholesterol causes: It goes beyond diet.
• Angina symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
• Women's heart attack symptoms different than in men.
• Coronary heart disease prevention and risks.
• Describes congestive heart failure symptoms, or CHF.