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Atherosclerosis is the main cause of PAD. Plaque buildup in the arteries is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up on the inner lining of arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and calcium. In PAD, plaque may reduce or fully block the flow of oxygen-rich blood through arteries to the body’s vital organs and the limbs.

Controlling certain risk factors by staying physically active, following a heart-healthy eating plan, quitting smoking, and losing weight if you’re overweight or obese can help prevent or delay peripheral artery disease and its complications. By following these recommendations, you can also prevent and control other conditions associated with peripheral artery disease, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and stroke.

The exact cause of mitral valve prolapse is not known; however, most people are born with the condition. Mitral valve prolapse tends to run in families and is more common in people who are born with connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome.

To prevent heart valve disease caused by rheumatic fever, see your doctor if you have signs of a strep infection. Heart-healthy eating, physical activity, other heart-healthy lifestyle changes, and medicines aimed at preventing a heart attack, high blood pressure, or heart failure also may help prevent heart valve disease.

Lifestyle changes can help you control your risk factors for metabolic syndrome and reduce your risk for coronary heart disease and diabetes. If you already have heart disease or diabetes, lifestyle changes can help you prevent or delay complications. Seek regular medical care if you are living with metabolic syndrome.

The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your blood cells. Smoking can also damage the function of the heart and the structure and function of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and its complications (coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, and stroke).

Un ataque cardíaco ocurre cuando se obstruye de repente el flujo de sangre rica en oxígeno que llega a una parte del músculo cardíaco y el corazón no puede obtener oxígeno. Si usted piensa que usted u otra persona está teniendo síntomas de un ataque cardíaco o un ataque cardíaco, llame al 9-1-1 para recibir atención médica de urgencia.

Regular physical activity, at a moderate or vigorous aerobic intensity has many health benefits, which can include: strengthening your heart, improving lung function, reducing the risk for coronary heart disease and repeat heart attacks, lowering blood pressure and triglycerides in the blood, raising good HDL cholesterol levels, helping your body control blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation in the body, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Physical activity is one part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Early treatment for a heart attack can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Act fast by calling 9–1–1 at the first symptoms of a heart attack. Immediate treatments include aspirin, nitroglycerin, oxygen therapy, and treatment for chest pain. Your doctor may initiate treatment to restore blood flow through the blood vessels supplying the heart, such as clot-busting medicines and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Other treatments include medicines, medical procedures, heart-healthy lifestyle changes, and cardiac rehabilitation.