Heart Disease

Missouri Heart Disease Data: DHSS Heart Disease Data Profile

Each year, heart disease accounts for more than 15,000 deaths in Missouri making heart disease the leading cause of death in the state.  Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions.  The most common heart disease in the U.S. is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.

What is HEART DISEASE?

Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become hardened and narrowed due to buildup of plaque, called atherosclerosis.  Plaque may also rupture and cause blood clots that block arteries.  Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack.

The most common sign of coronary heart disease is chest pain.  Discomfort occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood.  Over time, coronary heart disease can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure, a serious problem where the heart cannot pump blood the way that it should.  Also, irregular heartbeats can develop.

In some people the first sign of coronary heart disease is a heart attack.  Doctors can assess a person’s risk by checking blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, history of heart disease, tobacco use, and other factors.  Doctors can perform several tests to assess coronary heart disease in persons who are at high risk.

It is important to get to the hospital fast if you suspect a heart attack. The most common signs ofheart attack are:

• Chest discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.  It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain,
• Discomfort in other areas of the body, possibly in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, shoulder, or stomach,
• Shortness of breath may come along with or before chest discomfort,
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, weakness, or lightheadedness.

If the blood supply to the heart is reduced or blocked, heart muscle cells may not receive enough oxygen and begin to die.  The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart.  This damage can cause irregular heart rhythms or sudden stopping of the heartbeat.  Death can result. 

Know the Warning Signs of Heart Attack:  Time Saved is a Life Saved

What can you do about your risk factors for HEART DISEASE?

It’s important to point out that risk factors are not absolutes, in that, if you have one or a combination of risk factors, it does not automatically mean you’ll have a heart attack.   It does mean that you are more likely to have a heart attack than if you didn’t have those risk factors. 

• Work with your health care provider to get and keep your blood pressure or high cholesterol under control.
• Don’t smoke.
• Be physically active (30 minutes or more) most, or all, days of the week. 
• Eat healthy.  Reduce fat intake and include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
• Maintain your recommended healthy weight.
• If you have diabetes, follow your health care provider’s treatment recommendations.

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is funded by a federal grant from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   Visit the DHSS Stroke webpage at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Stroke/.