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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).

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.

Many people who have peripheral artery disease do not have any signs or symptoms. When people do have signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease, they can include intermittent claudication, weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet, sore or wounds on the toes, feet, or legs that heal slowly, a pale or bluish color to the skin, a lower temperature in one leg compared to the other leg, poor nail growth, and erectile dysfunction.

Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which the flaps of the mitral valve are floppy, or prolapsed, which can prevent the seal from forming, which results in a backflow of blood in the left atrium as blood is pumped through the heart.

The most common cause of peripheral artery disease is atherosclerosis, which may develop when certain factors damage the inner layers of the arteries. The buildup of plaque can severely narrow or block arteries, which limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body.

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.

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.

Si usted tiene presión arterial alta, lo mejor que puede hacer es hablar con su proveedor de atención médica y tomar medidas para controlarla haciendo cambios saludables en su estilo de vida y tomando sus medicamentos, si se los han recetado.

Cualquier persona puede tener presión arterial alta. Sin embargo, la edad, la raza o el origen étnico, el exceso de peso, el sexo, los hábitos en el estilo de vida y los antecedentes familiares de presión arterial alta son todos factores que pueden aumentar su riesgo de tener esta enfermedad.