All About Heart Disease: Risk Factors, Intervention, and Prevention

In the United States, 1 out of every 5 deaths is attributed to heart disease 一 that’s almost 700,000 deaths each year. In fact, it is the leading cause of death. This February, in honor of American Heart Month,  Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, wants to highlight this chronic disease and its risk factors and prevention strategies. 

Here’s what you need to know about heart disease, courtesy of Dr. Bamba's Health and Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland. 

Learn more about heart disease

Heart disease 一 also referred to as cardiovascular disease 一 refers to conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. The most common type is coronary artery disease, where plaque buildup narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. The decreased blood flow to your heart increases your risk of heart attack.

Risk factors 

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Unfortunately, it’s often dubbed “the silent killer” because you may not notice symptoms until you experience a heart attack. That is why it’s so important to know your personal risk factors so you can implement the right prevention strategies.

Risk factors for heart disease include:

• Underlying health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and diabetes
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Eating an unbalanced diet

Keep in mind that some risk factors, such as age, gender, and family history, are beyond your control. While aging increases the risk, heart disease can affect individuals of all ages.

Intervention strategies

Depending on your health, Dr. Bamba may prescribe medications to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels or address underlying issues like diabetes. Antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants may also be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots. 

Lifestyle modifications, including dietary modification, weight loss, smoking cessation, and increased exercise, can also help you manage these conditions. Our team offers medical weight loss programs to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

In some cases, interventions such as angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to your heart. These procedures address blockages and improve your overall heart function.

Prevention strategies

Lifestyle changes can help manage underlying health conditions (like hypertension) that increase your risk of heart disease. But they can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

These  include the following:

• Eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean protein
• Exercising for at least 150 minutes each week
• Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, reading, or spending time on a favorite hobby
• Getting enough quality sleep each night

This February, take action against heart disease. Identify your risk factors, schedule your health screening, and choose a new heart-healthy habit.

Not sure if you’re due for a cholesterol screening? Give us a call at 443-493-7760 to speak with our friendly staff. You can also use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment in Glen Burnie, Maryland.