4 Reasons Heart Disease Is Dangerous

There are several reasons that heart disease is considered dangerous and one of the reasons is sudden death. Having an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Heart attacks, for example, can progress quickly because they usually result from a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. However, not all heart conditions are dangerous.

To combat the symptoms of heart disease and slow the progression, cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended. The program includes physical therapy, lifestyle alterations, and stress reduction counseling. Trained specialists also educate individuals on reducing risk factors and managing other conditions affecting their heart.

To avoid such complications, check out the following sections on why heart disease is so concerning.

Therapist helping senior man sitting on a wheel chair with exercise in order to stay healthy to prevent the dangers of heart disease.

Reasons Heart Disease Is Dangerous

The cardiovascular system features the heart and blood vessels. These work together to deliver blood rich in nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. When any area of this system fails, serious consequences occur, causing discomfort, pain, and other severe symptoms. If untreated, some types of heart disease may cause death, so should be avoided at all costs. Let’s see these 4 reasons for heart issues.

1. Sudden death

This is the main reason that heart disease is considered dangerous. Some of cardiac conditions may result in sudden death. Unfortunately, this may happen even to those who have had no history of heart issues.

Please note that not all forms of cardiac conditions are life-threatening.

2. Reduced blood flow

The most common heart disease type is coronary artery disease, which is the main cause of most life-threatening heart problems. The condition occurs when cholesterol is deposited on the artery walls. Over time, these deposits build up, reducing the blood’s ability to flow through those vessels.

When blood flow is restricted, the heart must pump harder to ensure the oxygen and nutrients reach all areas of the body. The extra work strains the heart muscle, increasing the risk of severe complications.

3. Heart attacks

One of the reasons heart diseases is dangerous is due to the risk of heart attacks. These occur when blockage in an artery restricts blood flow to the heart, causing the muscle to die. When a heart attack occurs, restoring blood flow is essential to prevent permanent damage or death.

The symptoms of heart attacks vary, including chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or anxiety. Men and women may experience different symptoms, so learning the ones likely to affect each individual is crucial.

4. Strokes

Strokes are similar to heart attacks since they occur when the blood supply is cut off. It could be due to artery blockage or a rupture. The difference is that the flow of blood isn’t reaching the brain. When the brain lacks blood, the cells quickly die, which is a dangerous complication of heart disease.

To prevent the loss of brain cells, immediate treatment for a stroke is required. The longer it takes to restore blood flow, the more cells the brain loses. The damage may cause temporary or permanent disabilities, and in some cases, results in death.

Other reasons

As well as the above complications, several others are possible with heart disease. Peripheral artery disease occurs when the extremities aren’t getting enough blood. Aneurysms are the result of bulges in artery walls and may burst, causing internal bleeding.

Cardiac arrest is another dangerous possibility with heart disease, causing the heart to suddenly lose function. Breathing also halts, and the individual loses consciousness. If medical attention isn’t promptly administered, cardiac death occurs.

Heart disease is a blanket term describing any medical condition affecting the heart and its functions. Some issues are due to family history, while others result from unhealthy lifestyle choices, including inactivity, poor nutrition, or stress. Though some types can be minor and easy to treat, others can be life-threatening.

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118#:~:text=Atherosclerosis%20reduces%20blood%20flow%20to,likely%20to%20have%20chest%20pain
https://medlineplus.gov/cardiacrehabilitation.html
https://www.hri.org.au/health/learn/cardiovascular-disease/cardiovascular-disease-impacts-and-risks
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16818-heart-attack-myocardial-infarction

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.