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Heart Disease and Our Community

Author: Activate Allen County

March 7, 2016

What is it?

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. It claims nearly 600,000 lives per year. Heart Disease is used to describe a number of different conditions that affect the heart. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease results from plaque building up on the inside of arteries. This buildup causes a reduction in blood flow to the heart which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart complications, such as arrhythmias, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, heart valve issues, heart infections and cardiovascular disease.

Who is most affected?

The amount of people who are affected by heart disease increases with age. Nearly four out of five people are 65 years old or older who die from coronary heart disease. As a person ages, so do their blood vessels. They become less flexible. This makes it more difficult for blood to flow through them easily. Fatty plaque deposits collect along artery walls and slow the blood flow from the heart. Age, along with poor nutrition and low levels of physical activity, can increase one’s risk of heart disease. Add other risk factors – such as family history, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes – and it is likely that a person will have a greater risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. It is important to have regular checkups with one’s doctor to watch for risk factors. Physicians can work with patients to help lower the risks for heart disease. Here in Allen County heart disease accounts for 18% of all deaths and is the leading cause of death for our county. 13% of Allen County residents over the age of 65 have survived a heart attack or myocardial infarction.