How to Report on Heart Disease, the Leading Cause of Death in the United States

Heart disease encompasses a range of conditions that impact the functioning of the heart, and it remains the leading cause of death in the United States.

While coronary artery disease (CAD) and its associated heart attacks are what usually come to mind, various aspects of the heart, including its muscle, valves, and electrical system, can also encounter challenges. Heart disease can occasionally remain undetected, manifesting as a silent condition until an individual exhibits signs or symptoms indicative of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. When the heart struggles to effectively pump blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body, it disrupts the essential fuel delivery system vital for the body's functions. This disruption can have widespread repercussions on overall bodily functions.

What to Know About Risk Factors

High blood pressure, often known as the "silent killer," is a significant risk factor for heart disease as it can adversely affect vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and brain when left untreated. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential as it often presents without symptoms. Lifestyle changes and medications can effectively lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. The act of smoking traditional cigarettes or using e-cigarettes increases blood pressure and ultimately poses risks to heart health. However, individuals who smoke may not immediately realize the detrimental effects of their habit on their cardiovascular system.

Unfavorable cholesterol levels contribute to heart disease by causing plaque buildup in artery walls, restricting blood flow to critical organs. LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" as it promotes arterial narrowing, while HDL cholesterol is "good" for its protective effects. Diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease mortality due to elevated blood glucose levels. Furthermore, obesity is linked to elevated "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, lower levels of "good" cholesterol, and increased risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

What Are the Different Types of Heart Disease?

With coronary artery disease, you may get blockages in your coronary arteries—the vessels that supply blood to your heart. That can lead to a decrease in the flow of blood to your heart muscle, keeping it from getting the oxygen it needs. The disease usually starts as a result of atherosclerosis, a condition sometimes called hardening of the arteries. Coronary heart disease can give you pain in your chest, called angina, or lead to a heart attack. CAD is the most common heart problem, but there are other lesser-known types of heart disease that are just as important to be educated in. 

Within the realm of heart valve disease, the heart’s intricate machinery is disrupted as one or more of its vital valves fail to execute their duties with precision. A way to grasp the disease is thinking of the heart like a conductor in an orchestra, with four valves orchestrating the flow of blood through its chambers, the intricate network of vessels, and the lungs. However, if any of these valves falter in their performance, it can lead to disruptions in the symphony.

Cardiomyopathy strikes at the very core of the heart's vitality, affecting the muscle tissue, or myocardium, that propels its rhythmic beat. This condition manifests in various forms, with the myocardium either becoming stretched, thickened, or rigid, compromising the heart's ability to efficiently pump blood throughout the body.

Congenital heart disease unfolds when the intricate process of heart formation in a developing fetus encounters a misstep. Anomalies arise as the delicate structures of the heart take shape within the womb, with some defects manifesting immediately after birth, while others remain dormant, lying in wait until adulthood to reveal their presence. Among the prevalent anomalies are septal defects, where the partitions dividing the heart's chambers fail to form properly, resulting in passages or holes between the left and right sides.

How Journalists Can Report on Heart Disease

Journalists reporting on heart disease should provide a comprehensive overview of its various facets, including its status as the leading cause of death in the United States.

They should emphasize that heart disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting various aspects of the heart, such as its muscle, valves, and electrical system, which can present challenges beyond coronary artery disease. It is vital for journalists to educate the public about different types of heart disease, explaining how each condition affects the heart's function and emphasizing how the potential symptoms and implications for overall health is important for raising awareness and promoting early detection and treatment.

Overall, journalists should strive to offer informative, accessible, and accurate reporting on heart disease to empower readers with the knowledge they need to prioritize heart health and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.