What is heart disease? Heart disease is sometimes called coronary heart disease (CHD). It’s the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Learning about the causes and risk factors of the disease may help you avoid heart problems.

What are the causes of heart disease? Heart disease occurs when plaque develops in the arteries and blood vessels that lead to the heart. This blocks important nutrients and oxygen from reaching your heart. Plaque is a waxy substance made up of cholesterol, fatty molecules, and minerals. Plaque accumulates over time when the inner lining of an artery is damaged by high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, or elevated cholesterol or triglycerides.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices Though genetic factors can increase your risk of developing heart disease, unhealthy lifestyle choices play a big role. Some unhealthy lifestyle choices that can contribute to heart disease include: living a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough physical exercise

eating an unhealthy diet that’s high in fat proteins, trans fats, sugary foods, and sodium

smoking

excessive drinking

staying in a high-stress environment without proper stress management techniques

not managing your diabetes

Link between heart disease and type 2 diabetes The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that people with type 2 diabetes — and especially those who have reached middle age — are twice as likely to have heart disease or experience a stroke as people who don’t have diabetes. Adults with diabetes tend to have heart attacks at a younger age. They’re more likely to experience multiple heart attacks if they have insulin resistance or high blood glucose levels. The reason for this is the relationship between glucose and blood vessel health. High blood glucose levels that aren’t managed can increase the amount of plaque that forms within the walls of the blood vessels. This hinders or stops the flow of blood to the heart. If you have diabetes, you can reduce the risk of heart disease by managing your blood sugar carefully. Follow a diabetes-friendly diet that’s rich in fiber and low in sugar, fat, and simple carbohydrates. Managing your blood sugar levels can also help prevent lower your risk for eye disease and circulation problems. You should also maintain a healthy weight. And if you smoke, now’s a good time to consider quitting.

Depression and heart disease Some studies have shown that people with depression develop heart disease at higher rates than the general population. Depression can lead to a number of changes in your body that can increase your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Too much stress, consistently feeling sad, or both may can elevate your blood pressure. In addition, depression also raises your levels of a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a marker for inflammation in the body. Higher than normal levels of CRP have also been shown to predict heart disease. Depression may can also lead to a decreased interest in daily activities. This includes daily routines like exercise that are necessary to help prevent heart disease. Other unhealthy behaviors may follow, such as: skipping medications

not putting effort into eating a healthy diet

drinking too much alcohol

smoking cigarettes Talk with your doctor if you suspect you have depression. Professional help can get you back on the path to good health and may reduce the possibility of recurring problems.