We often hear people talking about getting to the heart of the matter and for good reason. The heart is the reason all the other organs in the human body function. The less efficient this organ is the less efficient they all are. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and a large contributor to disability as well. To understand this let's first understand how the heart works.

The heart has four chambers. There are two Ventricles (right and left) which propel blood out of the heart and two Atria (right and left) which receive the blood returning to the heart. The blood from the Atria goes to the Pulmonary artery which carries it to the lungs for oxygenation. From the lungs the blood returns to the Ventricle chambers for pumping back to the body. Between these chambers are valves that transfer blood. Loss of efficiency equals heart disease. Without a doubt the number one heart disease is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD is a narrowing or clogging of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to chest pain (Angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death brought on by abnormal or ineffective beating of the heart. If you do have a heart attack and survive, you may then have Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) which is defined as permanent damage to the heart muscle. The clogging in the arteries is usually due to a buildup of fat and or cholesterol on a damaged area of the interior wall. This damage to the interior wall of the vessel can be brought on by high blood pressure, diabetes or other causes.

The following lists of symptoms for possible CAD come from the American Heart Association: Common warning signs include:

·         Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back

·         Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms

·         Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath

Less common warning signs include:

·         Any chest pain unlike the pain described above

·         Stomach or abdominal pain

·         Nausea or dizziness (without chest pain)

·         Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing (without chest pain)

·         Unexplained anxiety, weakness, or fatigue

·         Palpitations, cold sweat, or paleness

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have CAD. Check with your Doctor.

Other Diseases of the heart are less common but no less important. However, it is important to note that CAD can be at the root of these other diseases as well. Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart muscle to pump all of the blood out of its chambers. This is caused either by injury to the heart muscle or a stiffness of the muscle walls. This disease has a higher incidence rate among men and the elderly.
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiomyopathy are close cousins in that they can both be attributed to abnormal heart rhythms. Diseases that occur even less frequently are Valvular disease and Aneurysms (a widening of an artery).

There are a number of tests that can be done to determine if you are at risk. Symptoms can vary widely so your Doctor may recommend any or all of the following tests for CAD.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This simple test can be done in the Doctor's office and can detect heart muscle damage, inadequate blood flow and abnormal rhythms among other things.

Stress Test (also known as a treadmill test): this allows the Doctor to watch your heart in real time under active conditions. An EKG is done before, during and after as well as a possible echocardiography.

Nuclear Scan: A small amount of radioactive material is given in the form of an injection usually via IV. Then computer images are taken of the heart muscle to pinpoint small areas of blood flow. This is a very efficient method.

Cardiac Catheterization (Coronary Angiography): A long thin tube is inserted through a major artery all the way into the coronary arteries and then a dye is injected that allows the Doctor to see the heart in action and define any areas of damage.

The best and latest in treatment advice is preventative in nature. If you smoke you need to quit. Smoking constricts the blood vessels making the heart work harder and less efficient. Exercise is another chart topper. Not only can you lose weight but it lowers blood pressure and increases the "Good" cholesterol levels in your blood. However, if you already have CAD, be sure to check with your Doctor before beginning any exercise program.

A diet low in cholesterol and fat can actually help reverse the effects of CAD in some cases. This can also help you lose weight and losing weight means lower blood pressure. Also, some oils have been found to be beneficial such as fish and olive.

Different medications are available for varying aspects of CAD such as blood pressure and cholesterol control. Also, there are medications that control Angina. An aspirin a day is considered beneficial. Aspirin can control the tendency to produce blood clots. This information will help you care for your heart.

 It is the essential you.