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Heart Health and Heart Disease 101

February 10, 2023

The heart is arguably the most active organ in the body. It works nonstop to circulate blood, meanwhile maintaining a steady rhythm and controlling blood pressure. Unfortunately, the heart is also a common site for disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. This umbrella term refers to several conditions that can affect the heart. The good news is that many of them are preventable. Here’s what you should know about heart health and heart disease prevention.

What Is Heart Disease?

Conditions that affect the heart which fall under the term “heart disease” can include:

What Causes Heart Disease?

Since there are many types of heart disease, there are also varying causes behind each individual condition. For example, people are born with congenital heart defects, while coronary artery disease can be caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise. Factors such as diabetes, emotional stress, excessive caffeine consumption, and high blood pressure can also contribute to irregular heartbeats.

Certain infections can also lead to heart conditions, while underlying health issues such as connective tissue disorders may be another cause. Finally, inherent risk factors such as advanced age, being male, and having a close relative who had heart disease (especially at an early age) also increase the risk for heart disease.

How Can You Keep Your Heart Healthy?

Even though there are some risk factors that may be beyond your control, there’s much you can do to promote heart health at any age. Here are a few of the most effective ways to care for your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Whether you have a specific medical concern or you’re simply due for a regular checkup, turn to Morgan Medical Center. Our physicians offer compassionate care for patients of all needs. Learn more about our Cardiopulmonary services, and don’t forget you need a physician’s order requesting diagnostic testing from your primary care physician. Ask them to send your order to Morgan Medical Center via Fax at (706) 342-1718. If you do not have a primary care physician, we can help with that too! Schedule an appointment with Morgan Physician Services by calling (706) 438-1275.