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Heart disease is generally used to describe a range of conditions that impact our heart, and it continues to be the leading cause of death in America. While there is no universal cure for heart disease, research shows that lifestyle changes are critical for preventing and managing heart disease. 

Common heart diseases include coronary artery disease (CAD), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathies) and valvular heart disease.  CAD is the most prevalent heart condition that occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to obstruction in the blood flow. In some cases, this blockage can occur suddenly resulting in a heart attack, which requires emergency care. Other times, the blockage develops gradually and with time becomes significant enough to cause symptoms with exertion such as chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue.  

An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat occurring when electrical signals cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow or in an inconsistent pattern. There are various forms of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, etc. Symptoms include a fluttering or racing feeling in the chest, chest pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, lethargy or dizziness. 

Cardiomyopathies are conditions that affect the heart muscle and often lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the heart and manifest as congestive heart failure. Valvular heart disease occurs when a heart valve is leaky or narrowed for a variety of reasons. These also affect the heart’s efficiency. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease in adults may include shortness of breath during exertion, swelling in the abdomen or legs, palpitations and passing out. Lifelong medical care, including regular checkups, medication or surgery, may be required depending on severity. 

Key lifestyle factors influencing heart health include diet, exercise and smoking. A heart healthy diet is rich in berries, nuts, vegetables and fish and limits the intake of animal products, fatty foods and snacks high in sugar. This dietary approach also helps prevent inflammation commonly seen in heart disease patients. Additionally, all forms of smoking should be stopped immediately. Smoking cessation programs are a great resource to help those struggling to quit. 

Medical interventions such as medications are often used to mitigate the impact of heart disease in addition to healthy lifestyle changes. Understanding your personal medical history and family history could indicate if you have a predisposition to such conditions. It is important to have discussions with your health care provider if you believe you may require additional intervention and/or genetic testing.  

While genetic testing is believed to be a proactive step to intervention, it is usually recommended once disease has been established or sometimes when suspicion is high. These tests identify specific genes that may be or have been passed on and may be used to guide treatment strategies. If the genes are present, additional testing is recommended for immediate family members, allowing experts to formulate a prevention and treatment plan tailored to an individual family. Genetic testing should always be done in conjunction with genetic counseling.  

Although medical advancements have enhanced the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, prevention remains paramount. Start by incorporating lifestyle changes into your daily routine to reap both the physical and mental benefits. If you believe you may have a predisposition to heart disease, connect with your doctor to discuss how to best mitigate that risk. Proactive engagement in your heart health can make a significant difference in preventing and managing potential heart-related issues.  

Dr. Okusanya is a cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital and Vanderbilt Tullahoma Harton Hospital.