Heart disease is a global problem that affects millions of people worldwide. People of all ethnic backgrounds are affected by this disease, which ultimately causes death for many persons. Based on the statistics for 2017, over 30 million Americans were diagnosed with heart disease. This figure is shocking and must be everyone’s concern, as heart disease also affects young people on a large scale, so there is no room for complacency.
If you experience any of the following warning signs, you must move with alacrity to see your doctor. Warning signs of heart disease include (but are not limited to):

1. Chest pain and pressure
Chest pain and pressure may be severe or mild and affects the frontal area of your body. This common heart problems symptoms takes place because insufficient blood is being circulated to the heart. The type of pain could be sharp or burning. Chest pain is also called angina. Whether chest pain is mild or severe, it should not be ignored.

2. Shortness of breath
If the heart cannot pump blood as designated, blood will clog the veins that connect the lungs to the heart. The fluid will leak into the lungs resulting in Chest tightness angina Shortness of breath, which is a sign that the heart is failing.

4. Numbness and tingling sensations
When the blood vessels are blocked or narrowed, this restricts blood to and from the heart. This causes Numbness in the upper and lower limbs.

5. Coldness in your legs or arms
A reduced blood flow causes coldness in the arms and legs. The body is transporting all the available blood to the brain and other organs to make up the shortfall due to the heart’s malfunction.

If you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned; it’s time to consult your medical practitioner. If you are in the high-risk group (i.e., your family has a history of heart disease, you have diabetes, or you are a smoker, etc.), please take these signs seriously. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, remain optimistic as help is available. Your doctor will help you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. There are several types of heart disease. Some types are:

• Atrial fibrillation or AFib signs is a form of arrhythmia, which is a defective heart rhythm or irregular heartbeat.
• Atherosclerosis occurs when the arteries become hardened.
• Cardiomyopathy results in weakening or hardening of the heart muscles
• Congenital heart defects

Coronary artery or coronary heart disease is the most prevalent type. This is when the blood distribution to the heart is blocked by plaque, a build-up of cholesterol, fat, and calcium. As a result, the arteries become hardened and narrow. The blood supplied to the heart decreases, which leads to a reduction in nutrients and oxygen. Eventually, the heart muscles weaken and can cause heart failure. Risk factors include:
Increasing age. Persons who are sixty-five and older are at a greater risk.

• Males are more susceptible to heart disease
• Smokers are in the high-risk group
• High blood pressure
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Family history
• High cholesterol
• Unhealthy diet

Heart disease can be treated by natural means, prescription drugs, surgery, and medical devices. Natural means include a diet with reduced sodium, sugars, fat, structured exercise, and reduction in stress levels. One drug used to treat heart disease is diuretics, which eliminates excess sodium from the body and fluid from the lungs. Another is anticoagulant or blood thinners, which is often given to patients with atrial fibrillation. Surgical procedures are necessary in some cases. A pacemaker can be used to treat arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, while heart valves can be repaired or replaced.

A device that is used to help patients who experience cardiac arrest is the AED defibrillator. This user-friendly device measures the rhythmic beat of the heart and uses electric shock to stabilize the heartbeat. Learning that you have heart disease can be a terrifying ordeal. However, adhering to the guidelines given by your doctor and making a concerted effort to make changes in your lifestyle can add many more quality years to your life.