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There are many types of heart disease. The major types of heart disease are atherosclerosis, coronary, rheumatic, congenital, myocarditis, angina and arrhythmia. Heart disease can arise from congenital defects, infection, narrowing of the coronary arteries, high blood pressure, or disturbances. |
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The first stages of heart disease are lesions and cracks forming in the blood vessel walls normally at the points of highest pressure or stress (near the heart). The second stage is the body trying to repair itself by depositing fatty substances (cholesterol, lipoproteins) inside the blood vessels to fill the cracks. Over time, without the proper body nutrient, vitamin C, to help keep the blood vessel walls from cracking and requiring constant repair, these fatty substances can begin to build up and clog the blood vessels causing stroke and heart attack. |
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Causes of Heart disease |
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Major Risk Factors |
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) |
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High Blood Cholesterol |
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Diabetes |
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Obesity and Overweight |
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Smoking |
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Physical Inactivity |
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Age – Gender - Heredity |
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Contributing Risk Factors |
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Stress |
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Sex hormones – menopause |
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Birth control pills |
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Alcohol |
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Symptoms of Heart disease |
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Symptoms of heart disease vary according to the type of heart disease. Unfortunately, some heart diseases cause no symptoms early in its course. Symptoms may include |
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chest pain, |
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shortness of breath, |
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weakness and fatigue, |
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palpitations (the sensation of the heart beating in the chest), |
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lightheadedness, and |
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fainting, or feeling about to faint. |
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