How Does Heart Disease Kill You?

What Heart Disease Is

Heart disease can be classified as any disorder in the body where there are abnormalities in the blood vessels of the heart. Instead of pumping blood and oxygen to and from the heart to the rest of the body, certain abnormalities prevent one or more of the key heart functions from happening smoothly. This article will discuss the leading forms of heart disease in America: Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Attacks.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease exists when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrow from plaque build-up. The plaque build-up is usually caused by eating foods high in the "bad" cholesterol. Eventually the muscles weaken and then stop. Coronary Artery Disease is the number one killer in the United States.

Cardiovascular Disease an Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease happens when the veins and arteries that lead to and from the heart are damaged in any way. Atherosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries, is one cause of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis happens if there is too much pressure on the arteries. It can cause restricted blood flow to the organs. The hardening can be caused by plaque build in the arteries which, again come from eating foods high in bad cholesterol.

Heart Attack

Heart attack, more formerly known as myocardial infarction, happens when blood clots and is prevented from reaching the heart. The heart attack usually happens when the clot is in a coronary artery, a blood vessel that leads oxygen and nutrients to part of the heart muscle. When the muscle doesn't receive the blood, it becomes damaged or even destroyed. The clot can happen from plaque build up or sudden spasms that are caused by taking certain drugs or even smoking..