Heart disease refers to a collection of heart-related disorders affecting the performance of the heart muscle. For example, coronary artery disease is the most common medical condition affecting people worldwide. A high fat and cholesterol diet contributes to the development of coronary artery disease when the coronary arteries begin to narrow and restrict the flow of blood.

The following medical conditions can affect the heart’s functional capacity:

Hypertension

Hypertension that directly affects the heart is a term medical doctors refer to as “hypertensive heart disease”, which occurs when the patient suffers hypertension over a long time without seeking medical treatment. Failure to treat hypertension can lead to heart failure, a fatal condition.

Hypertension occurs when tiny blood vessels in the body start to restrict. As a result, blood pushes up against the walls of the blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise. Therefore, the heart is forced to work harder to keep up with the rise in blood pressure.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a chronic ailment that causes blood sugar to rise due to insufficient insulin secretion. High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels, leading to the heart. As a result, high blood pressure increases the flow of blood through the arteries, which can damage the walls of the arteries.

Obesity

Obesity is not only a general health concern but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure. This is because the heart has to work harder than usual to supply the body with sufficient oxygenated blood.

High cholesterol

High cholesterol can cause fat to clog the blood vessels. As fat deposits accumulate, less blood is able to flow through the arteries. Even more dangerous, these deposits can break up and cause clot formation, leading to a stroke or heart attack.

What does treatment involve?

Exercise and eating a wholesome, balanced diet are the first line of defence against high cholesterol and heart failure. Of course, managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension through prescription medication and healthy lifestyle choices can prevent life-threatening consequences linked to heart disease.