Heart Disease
by William Lee, MD, PhD, FACC
The heart
is the life source for the human body. The downward pear-shaped, highly muscular
organ is set behind the chest bone and functions in two ways. After the blood has
picked up oxygen from the lungs the heart pumps it throughout the body, delivering
oxygen as the blood flows through the circulatory system. As the blood delivers
oxygen, it picks up carbon dioxide, the by-product of the blood oxidization process.
The heart receives the deoxygenated blood, sends the carbon-dioxide to the lungs
so it can be discharged from the body, and adds new oxygen to the blood. It repeats
this process in a matter of seconds.
Heart disease is the disruption of this process and results in serious health problems.
There are four chambers and six blood vessels in the heart. A problem can occur
in any of these chambers or blood vessels. Accordingly, there are different types
of heart disease. Regardless of the type of disease, it is always a serious problem
when the vital pumping function of the heart is affected.
By the time heart problems are detected, the underlying cause of heart disease,
atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries), is usually quite advanced,
having progressed for decades. Therefore increased emphasis is placed on prevention
and modifying risk factors. This is achieved by maintaining healthy eating and exercise
habits, and avoidance of smoking.
Next Steps:
While you may find this medical information useful, as the next step we strongly recommend that you make an appointment to see one of our physicians to ensure that your health issues are properly addressed.
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Date of Publication: 03/12/2010
Article Last Updated: 03/12/2010