This article explains the basics about Chronic Heart Disease and how it affects adults and children. 

It also outlines how an active lifestyle can help to prevent, or even reverse, this common condition.

What is Chronic Heart Disease?
Chronic Heart Disease (CHD) is a general term for many different diseases of the heart.  "Chronic" simply means a condition lasting more than three months.  "Heart Disease" includes many types of diseases of the heart, such as a disease of your blood vessels, heart rhythm problems or congenital heart defects (defects present at birth).  Sometimes CHD is also called cardiovascular disease.

CHD is the leading cause of death in Canada. In 2005, CHD accounted for 31% of all deaths in Canada. Of these, 54% were due to ischemic heart disease (reduced blood supply to the heart), 20% were due to stroke and 24% were the result of a heart attack. 

The causes of CHD depend on the type of disease.  For example, the most common type of CHD is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This is caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight and smoking. 

Diseases that affect heart rhythm are caused by heart defects, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, among others.

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CHD and Adults
For adults, the risk factors associated with CHD include:

• a family history of heart disease
• increasing age
• gender (males are at a greater risk)
• poor diet
• smoking
• high stress

The symptoms of heart disease depend on the type of disease.  The symptoms of heart and vessel disease include:

• chest pain (yes, for both men and women!)
• shortness of breath
• numbness or weakness in arms or legs

The symptoms for abnormal heart rhythms include:

• light-headedness
• fainting
• slow or fast heartbeat
• fluttering in your chest

The Good News
It is definitely possible to lower your risk of CHD. It's also possible to reverse the effects of heart disease. 

Making one or more lifestyle changes can be vital.

For example, take action to increase your physical activity. Start by doing just a little and work your way towards a higher level of activity. You'll feel better for it! Other important steps are to:

• quit smoking,
• reduce your stress,
• maintain a healthy weight, and
• follow a "heart-friendly" diet, including lots of fruits and vegetables.

All of these steps will contribute to making your heart healthier. Remember, before you increase your level of physical activity, you should clear it with your doctor.

• Some or all of these lifestyle changes may provide other benefits, such as preventing diabetes, reducing some types of cancer, improving circulation and generally improving your mood.

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Myth or Fact?
In some cases, people may believe in common myths related to CHD. Talk to your doctor and get the facts.

For example, some people think that being more physically active adds stress to the heart and may cause "more harm than good.” This is not true.

In fact, in most cases, a doctor will advise CHD patients to start a simple, heart-friendly activity program. It might be as simple as walking one block or several blocks. Or, it could be more challenging. It's up to you and your doctor to find a simple way to get moving and build regular physical activity into your life.

Remember, these are only some of the many benefits of being more active.

Now to Get Moving!
Generally speaking, there are three types of physical activity:

• cardiovascular,
• strength training, and
• flexibility training.

The following guidelines will get you on your way to strengthening your heart and controlling your weight:

• Try to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, five days per week. For example, go for a brisk walk.
• If you want to ramp it up a little, try 20 minutes of vigorous activity, three (or more) days per week. For example, do an activity that will make you breathe hard, such as jogging or cycling.
• Alternatively, try doing three different activities for 10 minutes each, every day. For example, make walking, gardening and bicycling part of your daily routine. Indoor choices might include walking on a treadmill, doing household chores or mild exercises such as simple calisthenics. 
• Strengthen your muscles by doing at least two days per week of strength training. This should include a variety of exercises that use major muscle groups. Your local fitness centre can easily help you get started with an appropriate program. 
• To improve your flexibility, add stretching into your daily workout. Be sure to learn safe stretching techniques and try out a variety of stretching exercises. Consider taking a yoga or palates class.

Remember, you can have fun with all of these activities. Being active, stretching and moving will make you feel better. It may take time to feel the results, but every small step you take will help you achieve your goals – and reduce your health risks!

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CHD and Children
Of all babies born in Canada, approximately one out of 70 will have a congenital heart defect. Most children born with a heart defect will live a healthy, full life.  Typically, congenital heart defects involve problems with one or more of the following:

• the passageways in the heart or between the heart's vessels,
• the heart valves,
• the blood vessels near the heart, or
• the development of the heart.

Childhood heart defects usually develop in the womb about a month after conception.  Most often, the cause is unknown but may be linked to medical conditions, medications or genetics.  Siblings of a child born with a heart defect are more likely to be born with a heart defect. 

The symptoms of a heart defect in babies and children include:

• shortness of breath
• pale or blue skin tone
• easily tiring with moderate exertion

It's good for all kids to be active!
For any child, including kids who may have a congenital heart defect, it is important to recognize that regular physical activity is vital, because it strengthens the heart and helps maintain a healthy body weight. 

As children grow, regular physical activity lowers the risk of developing heart disease.

For children with a congenital heart defect, most can be fully active without restrictions. Consult with a physician or specialist about your child’s activities. For example, your child’s cardiologist may restrict some strenuous activity for specific heart defects.  In general, however, it is very important for children with a congenital heart defect to be physically active regularly.   

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For children, regular physical activity has many benefits:

• controls weight
• reduces blood pressure
• reduces risk of some cancers
• reduces risk of diabetes
• raises levels of good cholesterol, lowers levels of bad cholesterol
• improves well-being, decreases stress
• helps to build good lifestyle habits

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends that children be active from 60-90 minutes per day, on most days of the week.

This can be structured activities, such as soccer or hockey, or unstructured activities such as walking, pick-up sports and tag. All of these activities benefit kids by teaching them to be active on a daily basis.

Conclusion
Chronic Heart Disease, or CHD, is a general term that includes many diseases that affect the heart.  These diseases affect men, women and children.   A healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity can prevent, or even reverse, the effects of heart disease. 

After consulting with your doctor, set a goal of being physically active for 30 minutes on most (5 or more) days of the week.  If your child has a heart defect, get them moving to build a strong, healthy heart and good lifestyle habits.

Learn More
Heart and Stroke Foundation
A great source of information on physical activity and heart disease. Includes information for children, adults and seniors.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Kids and Teens Zone
This site has great information to help kids lead active, healthy lives.

Heart and Stroke Foundation Statistics
Information based on Statistics Canada report (2005)

Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living
This Guide is published by the Public Health Agency of Canada. It includes lots of ideas and suggestions about healthy living and becoming more physically active.

Canada’s Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth
An excellent resource for parents, children and youth.