Heart Disease According to the Thesis

For example, some prescription drugs have been shown to increase risk for heart disease (Fries, nd). In particular, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly prescribed for relieving the pain associated with arthritis, have been shown to cause heart-related side effects (Fries, nd). Unfortunately, patients who suffer from chronic pain sometimes need to choose between increasing their risk for heart disease and coping with severe chronic pain. Interestingly, though, regular doses of aspirin (between 80 and 160 mg once a day) may help prevent heart disease ("Heart Disease: Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene and Cardiovascular Disease," nd).

Quitting smoking, eating right, and exercising are among the most important steps for reducing risk of heart disease. Second-hand smoke can unfortunately increase the risk for heart disease. Dietary changes such as eliminating trans fats (partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated oils) and other heavily processed foods will reduce risk for developing heart disease. Stress reduction is also important. Heart disease is best tackled preventatively, via simple lifestyle changes. Screening for heart disease can also alert patients to risk factors and encourage them to adopt lifestyle changes that reduce their risk.

Heart disease is deadly. Heart disease can also cause disability and reduce quality of life. After experiencing a heart attack, the patient's heart health has been compromised. Rehabilitation and recovery programs focus on helping the patient achieve lifestyle changes that reduce risk of future complications or death. Pharmaceutical interventions may also help prevent complications in patients who have already demonstrated a risk for developing heart disease. Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets are sometimes recommended to patients with heart disease or at risk for developing it. Anticoagulents prevent blood clotting in arteries and the heart, which create blockages to blood flow and inhibit healthy heart functioning ("What Are Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents?").Aspirin is an antiplatelet, which also prevents blood clots from forming in some patients. However, anticoagulants and antiplatelets are not universally recommended and would not eliminate the risk for heart disease entirely. Lifestyle is the most important factor in reducing heart disease prevalence.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Heart Disease." Retrieved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/

Fries, W.C. (nd). Are Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relievers Safe for You? WebMD. Retrieved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/are-anti-inflammatory-pain-relievers-safe-for-you

Heart Disease: Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene and Cardiovascular Disease." (nd). WebMD. Retrieved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/antioxidants-vitamin-e

The Heart Truth for African-American Women." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health. Retrieved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.webmd.com/click?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nhlbi.nih.gov%2fhealth%2fhearttruth%2fmaterial%2ffactsheet_aa.pdf

The Heart Truth for Latinas." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health. Retrieved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.webmd.com/click?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nhlbi.nih.gov%2fhealth%2fhearttruth%2fmaterial%2ffactsheet_latina.pdf

National Institutes of Health. "Heart Diseases." Retireved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseases.html#cat1

What Are Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents?" American Heart Associaiton. Retrieved Feb 27, 2009 at http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1196965757160AnticoagandAntiplat.pdf.....