Heart Disease Leading Cause of Mortality in Scott County
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Heart Disease Leading Cause of Mortality in Scott County
By Chris Maney
In The United States, heart disease remains the nation’s top killer. In Scott County, Tennessee, the trend is the same according to CDC’s WONDER data.
Heart disease can be described simply as such: any pathology that affects the function of the heart causing illness. While “heart disease,” has many different pathologies from congenital defects (present at birth) to disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart, the forms that cause the most mortality all have one similarity: they are preventable.
Coronary Heart Disease is the leading pathology causing death in the United States. This disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, made up of substances like cholesterol, fats, blood cells, and other material, in the coronary arteries which over time, blocks blood flow to the heart. This process is known as “atherosclerosis” – athero: Greek for glue/paste and sclerosis: hardening of. Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease largely starts with diet – lowering the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats, which in excess contribute to the atherosclerosis. This can be paired with activities that increase physical fitness – such as aerobic exercise to strengthen the heart. The heart, like any muscle, is strengthened by allowing the muscle to work harder. This in turn allows the heart to pump more efficiently, reducing blood pressure. Walking at least 30 minutes a day is recommended.
Controlling blood pressure is also a factor in reducing the overall chance of developing heart disease, and this starts first and foremost by monitoring it. This of course can be done in a doctor’s office, but there are ways to assess your baseline without scheduling an appointment. The local Oneida Walmart has an automated machine which will take one’s blood pressure, no financial charge or questions – one just needs to be sure they follow basic guidelines to ensure an accurate reading. So, how do you get an accurate blood pressure reading? First, relax, and seat yourself with your feet flat on the floor. Wait for five minutes, and you should avoid substances like caffeine or nicotine for 30 minutes before the reading. Ensure the cuff is placed correctly, most devices should provide this information. If you are unsure how to get an accurate reading, it is best to contact your medical provider for assistance. Normal readings are generally between 90/60 and 120/80 according to the American Heart Association.
Once you know your blood pressure, whether through an appointment or self-check, you should evaluate your options if you have hypertension – a factor that can contribute to later development of heart disease. Many who have high blood pressure will not exhibit symptoms unless they are significantly elevated, and if this is the case, prompt medical treatment is recommended. Warning signs for severe hypertension include chest pain, headache, blurred vision, and indicate a significantly elevated risk of stroke or heart attack if driven by elevated blood pressure. Any reading over 180/120 is a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a professional. Medications exist to reduce blood pressure, but diet and exercise also remain significantly important tools. Reducing salt intake, limiting stimulant usage such as caffeine and nicotine, reducing use of alcohol, and increasing appropriate vitamins and minerals are all important factors to improving heart health and blood pressure respectively. Limiting and reducing stress is also beneficial.
For more information on the prevention of heart disease, locals may talk to their provider. The Centers for Disease Control also has information on heart disease prevention which can be gathered at: www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/prevention/index.html