CARDIAC DISEASES AND THEIR PREVENTION

Abstract

This article considers the heart as a vital organ responsible for blood circulation and the maintenance of the body’s essential functions. The heart works continuously throughout a person’s lifetime, performing approximately 2.5–3 billion contractions on average. Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide. The article discusses the most common heart diseases as well as preventive measures that are especially important to begin in childhood, particularly in families with a hereditary predisposition to cardiovascular disorders.

In many countries, multifactorial prevention programs are implemented to raise public awareness of unhealthy habits, the importance of a balanced diet, regular blood pressure monitoring, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

The heart is located in the chest cavity and consists of two atria and two ventricles. It is surrounded externally by the pericardium. A small amount of fluid is present between the heart and the pericardium, reducing friction during cardiac contractions. Nowadays, heart transplantation has become a widely used treatment for severe heart diseases and can significantly prolong the lives of patients.