Chronic Disease Series: Heart Disease & High Cholesterol
Our heart pumps a reliable 100,000 beats every single day. While we might not think about each beat, the health of this organ dictates the wellbeing of our entire body. If you’re living with chronic illnesses that can jeopardize your heart, it’s important to take action. Get the facts with Simplefill:
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is an umbrella term to describe conditions that affect the health of your heart. Blood vessel diseases, heart defects, and heart rhythm or valve issues all fit into this broad category.
What causes it?
Since heart disease is such a broad term, there is no single trigger. Some common types and causes of heart disease are:
- Cardiovascular disease: Caused by blocked blood vessels
- Arrhythmia: Caused by an abnormal heartbeat
- Cardiomyopathy: Caused by thickened or stiff heart muscle
- Valvular heart disease: Caused by leaking or narrowed valves
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience any of the following heart disease symptoms, you should seek emergency help immediately:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting
How does high cholesterol contribute to heart disease?
Cholesterol is found in the fat in your blood. Our body needs cholesterol to build cells, but too much of it increases the chance of getting heart disease. There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol but your doctor can perform a simple test to help you understand your level.
How can I treat heart disease?
A combination of medical treatment and lifestyle choices can lower your cholesterol and mitigate the effects of heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends:
- Regular exercise: At least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week
- Healthy diet: Low-sodium and low or fat-free foods, limited alcohol consumption, and no smoking
- Medication: Heart disease medication is tailored to your specific type of heart disease.
If you’re living healthfully and still have high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend medication to lower it. Common prescriptions include statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, band bile-acid-binding resins.
If finances are standing between you and a healthy heart, Simplefill is here to help. We provide medication assistance to help you take care of your most important organ, so you can rely on 100,000 healthy beats per day. Apply today and take control.
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