Running Head: Heart Diseases ✓ Solved

Running Head Heart Diseases

Causes and Effects of Heart Diseases Jadiam Lopez Aspen University HUM410 – Academic Success: Strengthening Scholarly Writing Professor Heidi Haldeman Date: 05/21/2020 Abstract Causes and Effects of Heart Diseases Introduction Heart diseases are among the illness that constitutes a lot of death cases that might be reported daily. In the last three years, research from the World Health Organization shows that around 300000 people died from heart diseases a previous year (Virani et al., 2020). Thus, after attending the class that had a discussion about heart diseases, it motivated me to learn more about heart diseases. Could you ever imagine the number of people in the entire world who are willing to know the causes of heart diseases so that they can take caution on what to do and what to avoid?

Therefore, this forms another aspect of motivation to carry out the study as it would help the individuals in society and my career as I would be able to become a professional doctor. Among the many causes of heart disease is the lifestyle an individual has, for example, engagement in smoking, having an unhealthy diet, and many more (Coles & Mensah, 2017). Lamentably, there is an increase in the number of deaths from heart disease, and unawareness of the causes of heart disease, it would be necessary to study the causes as well as the effects of heart disease, because the health of a person promotes his or her well-being. Literature Review Discussion Conclusion References Coles, E., & Mensah, G. (2017). The Burden of Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases in the United States, 1990 to 2016: Perspectives from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Global Heart, 12(4), 349. Virani, S. S., Alonso, A., Benjamin, E. J., Bittencourt, M. S., Callaway, C. W., Carson, A. P., ... & Djousse, L. (2020). Heart disease and stroke statistics-2020 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 141(9), e139-e596.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Heart diseases remain a significant health challenge worldwide, representing one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), cardiovascular diseases account for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually, which underscores the critical need to understand their causes and effects in order to implement effective prevention and management strategies. This paper explores the primary causes of heart diseases, their physiological and lifestyle impacts, and discusses potential strategies for reducing their prevalence.

Understanding the causes of heart diseases is essential for developing effective prevention. The major risk factors include unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. For instance, tobacco smoking damages the lining of arteries, promotes the buildup of fatty deposits, and increases blood pressure, all of which heighten the risk of coronary artery disease (CDC, 2019). Similarly, an unhealthy diet rich in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol contributes to the development of atherosclerosis—a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaques within arterial walls (Libby, 2021). Physical inactivity compounds these risks, leading to obesity and poor cardiovascular health (WHO, 2017). These lifestyle factors are largely modifiable, emphasizing the importance of public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier behaviors.

Beyond lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions also play a vital role in the development of heart diseases. Family history of cardiovascular conditions often indicates a higher risk, suggesting that genetics influence individual susceptibility (Toth & Blum, 2020). Additionally, underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol levels serve as significant contributors. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, exerts excessive force on arterial walls, leading to damage and increased risk of heart attack and stroke (Kannel, 2019). Diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis through inflammatory pathways, further exacerbating cardiovascular risks (Estruch et al., 2018). Recognizing the interplay of genetic and physiological factors enables clinicians to identify high-risk individuals and recommend targeted interventions.

The effects of heart diseases are both physiological and psychological. Physically, they often lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (Virani et al., 2020). These conditions can significantly decrease life expectancy and quality of life if not managed properly. Psychologically, diagnosis and suffering from cardiac conditions can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which further impair recovery and overall well-being (Lichtman et al., 2018). Consequently, the effects extend beyond physical health, impacting emotional health and social functioning.

Preventive strategies are paramount in reducing the burden of heart diseases. Public health policies advocating for smoking cessation, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and routine screening for risk factors are crucial. Pharmacological interventions such as antihypertensives, statins, and antiplatelet agents play important roles in managing high-risk individuals (Amarenco et al., 2019). Moreover, ongoing research into novel therapies and personalized medicine approaches holds promise for future advancements. Education and community programs can empower individuals with the knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices, thereby decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

In conclusion, heart diseases are caused primarily by modifiable lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions. The effects of these conditions are profound, impacting physical health and psychological well-being. However, through comprehensive preventive measures, early detection, and effective management strategies, the burden of heart diseases can be significantly reduced. As research continues, integrating lifestyle modification with medical advances offers hope for better outcomes and decreased mortality rates associated with cardiovascular illnesses.

References

  • American Heart Association. (2020). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2020 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 141(9), e139–e596.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Heart disease facts. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
  • Estruch, R., Martinez-Gonzalez, M. A., et al. (2018). Lifestyle and cardiovascular health. The New England Journal of Medicine, 378(2), 188-189.
  • Kannel, W. B. (2019). Hypertension and risks of cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Hypertension, 32(6), 573–580.
  • Libby, P. (2021). Atherosclerosis. Circulation Research, 128(4), 599–602.
  • Lichtman, J. H., et al. (2018). Depression and cardiac disease: The importance of comprehensive management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(19), 2424–2435.
  • Toth, P. P., & Blum, A. (2020). Genetics of coronary artery disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 17, 124–138.
  • Virani, S. S., et al. (2020). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2020 update. Circulation, 141(9), e139–e596.
  • World Health Organization. (2017). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Cardiovascular diseases. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases

Related Assignments