Every day, we are surrounded by messages about the importance of good health.
However, while we're all aware of the benefits of being healthy, it's often hard to understand where to start when it comes to big topics like heart disease.
This complex subject deserves special attention for several reasons: the growing number of people affected worldwide, and the vital need to educate them about effective preventive measures.
That's why this blog post will focus on accurate and realistic information to help you better understand this delicate subject - knowing already that a large proportion of cardiovascular problems can be avoided through better lifestyle management as well as regular testing offered by our Cardio Laval center also located in Mascouche and Vaudreuil-Dorion.
What are heart diseases?
The general term "heart disease" may seem obscure to many, but that's simply because it covers a wide range of different conditions - from the mildest to the most severe.
Definition of heart disease
Cardiovascular diseases are a group of conditions that affect the heart or obturate your brain. They include:
1️⃣. Coronary heart disease (the most common type): This type includes angina, tachycardia, etc.
2️⃣. Blocked arteries (peripheral arterial disease)
3️⃣. Blood vessel conditions, such as aortic aneurysms.
4️⃣. Congenital heart disease (birth defects)
What facilitates the development of a heart condition can often be attributed to a mixture of factors, which we'll discuss in more detail in this article.
From hypertension to heart failure, a broad spectrum
Hypertension is a serious issue, as it damages the tissue of the arteries - which in turn causes them to harden and create the well-known "plaques" - ultimately leading to blockage - this too is called atherosclerosis.
If one or more of these plaques break loose, they can cause an embolism - potentially leading to a stroke.
All this to say that understanding the varied threat posed by heart disease is crucial to adopting the best possible preventive approach.
The challenge of prevention
The damage produced by cardiovascular disease is real and has a certified negative impact on our overall health; but you don't have to be an unnecessary victim in all of this.
There are many things you can do to combat the chances of heart problems. Starting with learning to practice a healthy lifestyle, as well as adopting preventive and effective behaviors, are the key steps to preventing future problems.
Causes and symptoms of heart disease
Heart disease is attributable to a multitude of factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as age or genetics, but many of which are part of our daily lifestyle.
The main causes of heart disease
A high-calorie diet rich in saturated or trans fats can lead to high levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), contributing to the development of arteriosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries).
Smoking is also a notorious culprit, raising blood pressure while lowering good cholesterol.
Diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise also play a significant role.
Chronic stress is not to be overlooked either: it can raise your blood pressure and accelerate fat deposition on the inner walls of your blood vessels.
Common symptoms to watch out for
As for the symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease, they can be subtle and easily confused with other, less serious problems.
Chest pain or angina, shortness of breath on the slightest exertion, exaggerated palpitations or unusual fatigue are all warning signs that should attract your attention.
If you feel pain radiating to the jaw, neck, shoulders or arms, especially the left, you should contact a healthcare professional without delay.
The importance of early diagnosis
Early detection is the key to effective management of heart disease.
Not only will it enable you to be treated before the condition worsens and leads to potentially serious complications, it will also enable you to play an active role in improving your quality of life.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) test, for example, may reveal irregularities in the heart that need to be addressed promptly.
How Cardio Laval can help.
The Cardio Laval center is a key player in this context, with its comprehensive range of diagnostic tests.
Our cardiac testing services
We offer a range of services tailored to each patient's cardiovascular health.
From stress tests to cardiac ultrasound, we place great emphasis on personalized follow-up and accurate diagnosis.
Our modern equipment also enables us to fit holter devices for a complete check-up if necessary.
Palpitations and arrhythmias are just a few beats away thanks to the Holter ECG that our experts can install; this small, portable device provides continuous monitoring for 24 hours or more, depending on your specific needs.
Personalized support and follow-up
At Cardio Laval, we firmly believe that every patient is unique and deserves personalized care.
That's why our services don't stop at diagnosis; we offer ongoing support to our patients in managing their condition, including personalized advice on nutrition, exercise, stress management and other lifestyle modification factors.
At Centre Cardio Laval, we're here for you every step of the way - because your heart and your health are our priority.
Don't hesitate to make an appointment with us for a cardiovascular check-up as a first step towards better heart health.
Impact of lifestyle changes on heart disease prevention
The benefits of a healthy diet
The importance of good nutrition for optimal heart health cannot be underestimated.
It all starts with the food we put into our system.
A down-to-earth diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can do a lot for our cardiovascular vitality.
Certain eating habits can help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help maintain a healthy body weight - all factors that influence heart health.
There are a multitude of nutrients that contribute to cardiovascular well-being, such as the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish and nuts.
These "good" types of fat can help reduce inflammation in the body: a key factor in heart disease.
Regular physical activity
Staying active isn't just good for your morale; it's also essential for your heart health.
Exercise is one of the best tools you can use to keep your heart functioning properly.
In fact, regular physical activity helps control body weight while improving blood flow to the heart muscle itself (also known as "heart building").
No exercise is bad or ineffective.
Walking, running, swimming, cycling: it's all worth it! You just have to make sure you do it regularly to reap the benefits.
Reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
It causes damage to the walls of your blood vessels, facilitating their obstruction or narrowing.
Total abstinence from tobacco - not only cigarettes, but also other forms such as cigars or chicha - can be a particularly difficult challenge to achieve, but it's surely one of the most important decisions for your overall health.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also have several harmful effects on your body, including increased blood pressure and levels of certain fats in the circulation (cholesterol).
Moderate consumption is therefore recommended.
Stress and sleep management
The connection between our emotional state-mind-body-heart is indisputable.
When we don't deal properly with daily stress or certain major events in our lives, it has a direct effect on our whole body, including our cardiovascular system.
On the other hand, getting enough sleep every night could well be an essential defensive line against many heart diseases.
Often underestimated by many of us due to busy schedules, lack of sleep can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Act now for better heart health
It's time to act.
No one should be left in the dark when it comes to cardiovascular disease.
Our health is precious, and there's no better way to prevent these potential problems today.
The Cardio Laval center is there to help you every step of the way - from screening to regular monitoring of any illnesses you may have.
Our experts are available to answer all your questions and guide you towards a brighter future with a healthy heart.
In conclusion, we all have the individual power to make a big difference in our lives if we start now!
Don't hesitate to make an appointment with the professional team at Cardio Laval to start your journey to a healthier heart today!
And you can easily take your first step just by clicking on this link:
