All You Need to Know About Heart Disease

The heart is the largest organ in your cardiovascular system. It is composed of a network blood vessels that pump blood throughout your body. It controls your heart rate, blood pressure, and other body systems. Your heart health is affected by your family history, lifestyle, and personal health history.

About Heart Disease

Heart disease is today’s leading cause of death. Anyone can get heart disease, even children. Heart disease can affect both men and women. It also affects people of all races and ethnicities. Heart disease is a common condition that affects a large number of people. It’s important to make sure everyone has a basic understanding of the condition and the symptoms. The type and severity of your heart disease will determine the treatment you need.

Types of Heart Disease

There are many types of heart disease. Each type has its own causes. These can range from lifestyle choices to genetics, to heart attacks, to infection, and even other health issues. A person might be more likely to develop heart disease if they have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is a good idea that you are familiar with the symptoms and signs of various types of heart disease so that potential problems can be identified early and treated appropriately.

Below are the most common heart diseases:

Coronary Artery Disease

We all know coronary heart disease damages blood vessels. Like the pipes in our homes and offices, plaque can build up around the heart’s arteries, constricting the flow. A complete blockage can cause blood to stop flowing to certain parts of the heart, leading to a possible heart attack. Although coronary artery disease can be diagnosed after a heart attack or other serious medical conditions, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate heart disease.

The following are signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease:

• Angina is also known as pain, tightness, pressure or discomfort in the chest.
• Breathing problems
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, throat, back
• Nausea is a condition that affects women most often.
• Extreme exhaustion (typically only for women)

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias refer to abnormalities in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Arrhythmias can cause a heartbeat to be irregular, slow, or too fast. The heart may not be sending blood to other parts of the body if its rhythm is “off”.

Below are some symptoms of arrhythmias:

• Feeling “fluttering” in your chest
• Heart pounding (tachycardia)
• Bradycardia is a slow heartbeat
• The chest may feel tender or painful.
• Breathing problems
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Persisting in loss of awareness or passing away

Heart Valve, Structural Heart Disease

Four valves in the heart help to pump blood efficiently. Many structural heart diseases can be congenital. This means they are present at birth. Some structural heart conditions can also develop later in life. When the valves and cardiac tissues aren’t functioning properly, blood cannot flow through the heart to the rest of your body. For example, blood can get trapped in the chambers and clot which could lead to stroke.

You must immediately see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Breathing difficulties, especially when active or lying down
• Heartbeat irregularity
• Swollen feet or ankles
• Fainting
• A stethoscope can produce a strange sound called a heart murmur.

Heart Failure

When your heart stops pumping enough blood to supply your body with the necessary nutrients, this is known as heart failure. This happens when your heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood each beat. Heart failure is when your heart stops pumping blood efficiently between beats.

Although heart failure is more common in the elderly than it is in others, it can happen to anyone. This is a serious condition, but it’s very common. Many people who have heart failure live a full, active life long after being diagnosed.

Initial damage to the heart muscle can lead to heart failure in many cases. Your heart will beat faster, enlarge (stretch or thicken) to compensate. The heart muscle starts to wear down over time.

The symptoms of heart failure vary depending on what type you have. Here are some examples:

• Breathing problems
• Cough
• Feeling very tired and weak.
• Weight gain (from fluid buildup).
• Swollen ankles, feet, belly and lower back as well as fingers and fingers
• Puffy or swelling around the eyes
• Memory or concentration problems

Although the root cause of heart disease (damage to the heart muscle) can’t be treated, symptoms can be managed. Self-care and treatment can prevent you from experiencing more severe symptoms.

Congenital Heart Disorder

congenital cardiac disorder is a term for heart-related problems that occur while a baby is growing. Many cardiac problems go undiagnosed for many years. This is a type of cardiac disorder that occurs while a baby remains in the womb. Certain cardiac defects can be serious and should be treated immediately. Sometimes, people can live for years without ever being diagnosed.

As you age, your anatomy may change. A cardiac defect can occur, which could lead to serious consequences. Other symptoms may also be examined, such as:

• Blue-tinged skin
• The swelling of the extremities
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Low energy and fatigue
• Unusual heart rhythm

Keep in mind that if you feel you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as you feel it is possible.

Treatments for Heart Disease

The treatment for heart disease is different depending on the type. However, there are many options. These include lifestyle changes, medication, and even surgery. Heart care specialists work closely with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Reduce your intake of sugars, fats, and processed food by eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
• Regular exercise is a good way to keep your heart healthy by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Stop smoking: Smoking puts you at risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease. If you are not currently quitting smoking, stop.

Medications

Medication can be a very therapeutic and beneficial resource for any type of heart disease. You may be prescribed medication.

• Assist with the management of pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Prevent blood clots from forming

Surgery or Medical Procedure

Heart surgery can be used to improve the function of the heart or to repair damage. These procedures range from simple, minimally invasive procedures in a lab for heart catheterization to more complex Open-Heart Surgery and Heart Bypass Surgery .

Do you have a family history or have had heart disease in the past? If so, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions.

Prevention of Heart Disease

No matter what your medical history is, there are steps that you can take now to prevent heart disease. According to decades of scientific research, simple lifestyle changes are crucial. Here are some examples:

• A recent study found that eating a plant-based diet has significant health benefits.
• Regular exercising
• Stop smoking
• It is important to manage pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress and anxiety and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
• Meditation is hot right now. Meditation has been shown to have a positive impact on our overall health.