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Heart Smart: Understanding Your Heart Health and Risk Factors
Heart Smart: Understanding Your Heart Health and Risk Factors
When you approach 40 years old, you might start to think about health issues you didn't worry about when you were younger. One important area to pay attention to is your heart. Looking at your lifestyle habits, understanding your risk factors, and making small changes can help improve your heart health over the long term. In short, what you do today matters. In fact, it matters a lot.
Understanding your heart health and risk factors now can help you avoid potential problems down the line. So, if you're 40 or younger, take a few minutes to brush up on heart health awareness.
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Heart Smart: Understanding Your Heart Health and Risk Factors
Heart Smart: Understanding Your Heart Health and Risk Factors
Heart Smart: Understanding Your Heart Health and Risk Factors
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When you approach 40 years old, you might start to think about health issues you didn't worry about when you were younger. One important area to pay attention to is your heart. Looking at your lifestyle habits, understanding your risk factors, and making small changes can help improve your heart health over the long term. In short, what you do today matters. In fact, it matters a lot.
Understanding your heart health and risk factors now can help you avoid potential problems down the line. So, if you're 40 or younger, take a few minutes to brush up on heart health awareness.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease can be caused by different factors, like high blood pressure, unhealthy eating, and not getting enough exercise. These risk factors can make it hard for the heart to work properly and lead to serious health issues. Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in the United States, a statistic that's remained unchanged for over 70 years. If you're 20 years or older, it's a good idea to schedule annual heart health checkups with your doctor.
But before we discuss heart health screenings and ways to prevent heart problems, let's first take a look at what we mean by heart disease.
CAD or CHD?
The two heart conditions that are commonly discussed are coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). The key difference is that coronary heart disease is the result of coronary artery disease. However, it's common for healthcare professionals to use the terms interchangeably since both diseases share many of the same symptoms.
CAD occurs when the coronary arteries (tiny tubes that deliver blood to the heart) start to get smaller due to a build-up of fatty substances and cholesterol. As the arteries become narrower, the heart muscle weakens. Over time, the arteries can become fully clogged and blocked, leading to a heart attack. Similarly, clogging or blocking of arteries that supply the brain with blood can lead to a stroke.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is restricted or blocked in the arteries for a long enough period to cause damage to part of the heart muscle. CAD is the most common cause of heart attacks.
Common warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Cold sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea and lightheadedness
- Pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Stroke
A stroke occurs when brain tissues don't get enough oxygen because blood flow to the brain is reduced. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die, which can lead to significant problems and even death.
The two main stroke types are ischemic (uh·skee·Muhk) and hemorrhagic (hem·uh·RA·jik). An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply the brain with blood, while a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain. A third condition called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is also possible. TIAs don't last long but could be a signal of a more serious problem or condition.
Warning signs of a stroke can come on suddenly and may include:
- Trouble walking
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Confusion and difficulty speaking or understanding others
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg
- Severe headache without a cause, typically described as 'the worst headache ever'
If you experience any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Understanding the risks of heart disease will help you make necessary lifestyle changes to help your long-term heart health. Some risk factors for heart disease are out of your control, including:
- Age: As you get older, your risk of heart disease naturally increases.
- Gender: Men are at a higher risk of developing heart disease earlier in life than women, while in older men and women the risk is similar.
- Family history: If your family has a history of heart disease, your risk increases.
- Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and South Asians are at a slightly higher risk.
Other risk factors for heart disease include:
- High cholesterol: Since cholesterol creates plaque build-up, high levels increase the risk of heart disease. You can lower your cholesterol by eating heart-healthy foods.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension or high blood pressure can also damage your arteries and lead to heart disease.
- Smoking tobacco (or any other substance): Smoking dramatically increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
- Drinking alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can weaken the blood vessels and contribute to developing heart disease.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, your body may struggle to control blood sugar levels properly, increasing heart disease risk.
- Diet: a poor diet high in unhealthy fats and sugars can increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Obesity: it can raise the risk of heart disease because it puts extra strain on the heart and can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Lack of physical activity: Not getting enough regular exercise can lead to obesity, which can also create problems with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Stress: Going through stressful situations and dealing with chronic stress can also contribute to developing heart conditions and make other risk factors worse.
- Heat exposure: Extended exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can cause your body to work harder in an effort to cool down. This can result in dizziness and, in extreme cases, fainting.
Fortunately, many of the risk factors mentioned above can be managed with healthy lifestyle choices, like eating heart-healthy foods, not drinking or smoking, and exercising regularly. Visit your doctor for further advice, as prescription medications and other measures are sometimes required to prevent heart disease.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenFind Out Your Heart Health & Risk Factors
A great first step to understanding your heart health is to take a short quiz to identify your risk factors. The Bayer® Aspirin Heart Risk Assessment Online Educational Tool will give you a personalized summary highlighting your risk factors for developing heart disease within the next ten years. Created in partnership with Huma Therapeutics Limited, the tool can help you evaluate where you are on your health journey and talk with your doctor at your next check-up.
A NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
The Role of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines in Heart Health
If you have risk factors for heart disease, you need to be mindful when taking some OTC medicines. For example, in some people, pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen may make your body hold onto fluid. The extra fluid might raise your blood pressure and increase your heart’s workload.
If you have already had a cardiac event such as a heart attack or ischemic stroke, you should talk to a healthcare provider about taking aspirin. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots that might cause a stroke or heart attack. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
Understanding your heart's health and risk factors is essential for a long and healthy life. You can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease by making small lifestyle changes and scheduling regular heart health checkups. Take the time to assess your heart health awareness and make the necessary adjustments. Your heart will thank you for it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.