Recently, there has been a significant increase in heart disease. This is because many people still smoke despite having underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Many also enjoy fatty meats and internal organs, placing the cardiovascular system in a very poor environment. Heart disease is extremely dangerous, ranking second only to cancer as a cause of death. Prevention is the most important, and early treatment is necessary when symptoms appear. Let's review heart disease again.

 

Second leading cause of death, a very dangerous disease... "Why are there so many?"

 

Cardiovascular diseases have a very high risk of death. They are the second leading cause of death in the country after cancer. Cerebrovascular diseases rank fifth (2023 mortality statistics). Cancer includes various types such as stomach and colon cancers, while heart disease is the leading single-organ disease. The problem is that the number of patients is increasing steadily.

 

In 2022, the number of people visiting hospitals due to heart disease was 1,833,320. This represents a 19.9% increase from 1,529,537 in 2018 (data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service). It is a disease that not only affects middle-aged and elderly individuals but also sees a 40.9% increase in patients in their 20s, indicating that even young people cannot be complacent.

"Heart and blood vessels are gradually narrowing"... What happens if blood doesn't flow properly?

 

As the coronary blood vessels become increasingly narrowed due to underlying conditions or poor lifestyle habits leading to the accumulation of fat (triglycerides), it results in angina pectoris (狹心症). The character ‘협’ (狹) also means ‘narrow’. When the blood vessels narrow, blood cannot flow properly.

 

It is a myocardial infarction that can cause sudden death if the blood vessels become completely blocked due to worsening. Therefore, treatment must be expedited to prevent the narrowed blood vessels from becoming blocked. Above all, preventing angina is the most important. Be careful to avoid hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, and if you already have them, manage them well.

 

The main symptom is chest pain... women may mistake it for indigestion.

 

When the heart blood vessels narrow, problems in blood flow can occur, causing not only chest pain but also pain in the jaw, shoulders, back, and arms. Symptoms include a heavy sensation, pressure, squeezing or tightening feeling in the front of the chest just below the sternum, and a feeling of breathlessness.

 

It usually starts gradually, worsens, lasts for 3 to 5 minutes, and then disappears. It is more likely to occur during exercise or when under severe stress. In women, indigestion and upper abdominal pain may also be present, which can be mistaken for indigestion after a meal, potentially delaying emergency treatment, so caution is needed.

 

How to prevent and manage heart disease?... What foods improve blood vessels?

 

Diet is very important for the prevention and management of heart disease. Salt-rich foods that raise blood pressure and sugary foods that increase triglycerides should be reduced. Foods associated with increased bad cholesterol, such as meat fat-internal organs, processed meats (sausages, ham, etc.), should be consumed in moderation.

 

It is good to frequently consume dietary fibers (vegetables, fruits, seaweed) and legumes that have the effect of reducing triglycerides and cholesterol. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the U.S. FDA announced that consuming an appropriate amount of soy protein can have a preventive effect against heart disease.

 

As you age, your blood vessels gradually become narrower. If your lifestyle habits are also poor, the rate accelerates, and they can become completely blocked.

 

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Is heart-related disease the second leading cause of death?

As the weather gets colder

They say it needs to be managed more.

Heart disease... You need to manage your eating habits to the best.