HITTING AT THE HEART OF AMERICAS NUMBER ONE KILLER
Coronary heart disease is America’s number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. But, this killer isn’t always a silent disease. Many times, in people with coronary artery disease and subsequent heart attacks, the presence of “acute coronary syndromes” has been found.
Acute coronary syndromes are severe and sudden heart conditions that are precursors to heart attacks. A full blown heart attack occurs when blood flow is blocked and tissue death occurs from a loss of oxygen, severely damaging the heart.
“Initial diagnosis of coronary artery disease is based almost entirely on history and risk factors,” said Dr. Matthew Budoff, Medical Director of Scandirectory.com, a network of preventive imaging centers. “Therefore people need to know what those factors are, so they will know if they are at increased risk.”
According to Dr. Budoff, the chance of having acute coronary syndrome increases if the patient possesses the following:
• Obesity – People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 have an amplified risk because excess weight increases the strain on the heart.
• Smoking – According to the American Heart Association, a smokers' risk of heart attack is more than twice that of nonsmokers.
• High Cholesterol – Elevated cholesterol (over 200), combined with high blood pressure, can add to the danger of acute coronary syndrome.
• Hypertension – Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the heart’s workload. High blood pressure is 140 systolic or higher, over 90 diastolic or higher.
• Age - About four out of five people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older, reports the American Heart Association. But, for each individual the risk factor of age is different, depending on family history.
• Gender – Males tend to have a greater risk than women do of acute coronary syndrome.
Patients should identify risk factors they may have, look out for early symptoms and see a physician immediately if they find any indication of acute coronary syndrome. These warning signs include chest pressure at rest or exertion, unusual shortness of breath, excessive sweating and chest pains.
