There are a lot of things the average New York City resident worries about. The ever increasing price of taking public transit, skyrocketing rental costs, and safety in the city are all important, but there’s something even more pressing that more New Yorkers should be worrying about: their health. The consumer advocacy website NerdWallet recently did a survey on the health of 50 American cities, and NYC didn’t even make the top 15. New Yorkers aren’t exercising or eating as healthy as residents in other cities, and the amount of pollution in the city air doesn’t help.
Obesity and diabetes are some of the health problems that are getting the most attention now, but heart disease is far more prevalent for New Yorkers and others around the world. Heart disease is the number one killer of people in the industrialized world, and there are millions of New Yorkers that are afflicted with it. There are a variety of heart health problems people can have, but there are some that are more common than others.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD is the most common type of heart diseases in the country. Coronary artery disease occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits, and as this happens they narrow slowly over time. Most people that have CAD experience chest pain because the heart muscle can’t get enough blood, and also has to work harder to pump blood through narrowed veins. CAD can lead to far more serious problems like heart attacks; it’s such a common symptom that it isn’t unusual for people to have a heart attack before they find out that they have CAD.
Hypertension
Hypertension (more commonly known as high blood pressure) affects millions of people, and as obesity has gotten worse over the years it has become more and more common in children and teenagers. High blood pressure can occur for a variety of reasons. Obesity is a common cause, and so is drinking alcohol, smoking, and substance abuse. If high blood pressure isn’t managed and treated, it can lead to serious health problems like strokes and heart attacks.
Atrial Fibrillation
When atrial fibrillation occurs, the upper chambers of your heart (atria) experience chaotic electrical signals. As a result, they quiver and cause an irregular heartbeat. This can cause a stroke or a heart attack, and can seriously affect your quality of life. Some people who have this problem were born with heart defects, but high blood pressure can also cause the problem. Since high blood pressure has become more prevalent, more people have been developing this cardiovascular problem.
Handling Heart Health
Heart problems may be becoming more common for people in NYC and across the country, but there are things you can do to improve your cardiovascular health. Regular diet and exercise can do a lot to improve your cardiovascular health, and New York City has started a program to help its residents become healthier. You should also consider seeing cardiologist if you’re concerned about your health. You can easily find a cardiologist in Queens, Brooklyn, or any other section of the city that can help you improve your health.
About Author : Ashely is a New York City resident, has been for many years, and she likes to share New York tips and information. To see more, check out her Twitter @ashelymarie1985.
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