Types of Heart Disease: All About
Heart disease is a general phrase that refers to a variety of ailments and disorders that in some way or another impair the structure and operation of the heart. As a result of people’s lack of attention to their health in today’s fast-paced society where everyone is constantly on the go, the likelihood of developing a heart condition is very significant. Heart disease comes in a variety of forms.
Some heart conditions are congenital (people are born with them), but most heart conditions develop over time and affect people later in life. Heart disease is typically considered one ailment. However, heart disease is actually a set of illnesses with a wide range of root causes. Read this full article to find out more about the types of heart disease.
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels throughout the body, resulting in a stroke, high blood pressure, renal disease, decreased blood supply to the legs, and other complications.
Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease has a variety of forms. Some types can be categorized based on how they impact the structure or function of your heart. Some of the common heart diseases are the following:
- Coronary Artery and Vascular Disease
When the arteries leading to your heart are constricted or clogged, you have coronary artery disease. It is the most prevalent form of heart disease and is responsible for the majority of heart attacks and angina (chest pain). Vascular illness refers to issues with different blood vessels that lower blood flow and impact the way your heart functions.
- Heart Rhythm Disorders
Heart rhythm disorders, often known as arrhythmias, result in the heart beating too slowly, too fast, or uncontrollably. There are several different forms of arrhythmias; some can occur suddenly and fatally while others have no symptoms or warning signals. Arrhythmia typically doesn’t show any symptoms till very late. However, patients occasionally report feeling dizzy and nauseous, having their heartbeat skip a beat, and having irregular pulses.
- Angina
The discomfort or pain known as angina is brought on when your heart is not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. Angina may be brought on by artery narrowing or coronary artery muscle spasms. Strong emotions, cold temperatures, cigarette smoke, and other factors might cause these spasms. Although it causes pain, angina is not a heart attack and typically doesn’t result in long-term cardiac damage.
- Heart Failure
Heart damage or heart weakness can lead to heart failure, a dangerous condition. Heart attacks and high blood pressure are the two most typical causes of heart failure. Although there is no cure, early detection, alterations in lifestyle, and medicine can help patients maintain active lives, avoid hospitals, and live longer.
- Heart Attack
Blood flow obstruction can cause damage or even death to a portion of the heart muscle. The damage is frequently repairable if the blockage is short-lived and the heart eventually obtains enough blood, oxygen, and nutrition. For this reason, it’s critical that the heart attack victim seeks medical attention as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Heart Diseases
Heart disorders are known as "silent killers" because their symptoms are difficult to identify. Here are a few common signs of cardiac disease:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes.
- Uncontrolled/ irregular heart palpitations.
- Shortness of breath.
Heart disease symptoms in women
Women may be diagnosed with heart disease less frequently than males since their symptoms differ from men’s. Without a major arterial blockage, women are more likely than men to get a heart attack (nonobstructive coronary artery disease). Not all women, though, may have heart disease symptoms or warning indications before an emergency situation, like a heart attack. There are various warning signs that may indicate heart disease in women for those who do have symptoms.
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders, upper back, or upper abdomen.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain in one or both arms.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Heartburn (indigestion).
Heart Disease and Hypertension
However, hypertension shouldn’t be disregarded because it can have a significant impact on the risk of heart disease. A harmful obstruction can be caused by plaque being able to accumulate more easily due to the vessel walls being damaged by increased pressure. Additionally, it makes your heart work harder to appropriately circulate your blood. This overwork could eventually result in a weaker heart. If you suffer any blood pressure-related symptoms, it implies that you have advanced from stage one to stage two of hypertension, when your risk of stroke and heart attack is higher.
Age and family history, as well as lifestyle choices and diligence in preventative healthcare practices like yearly exams and screenings, all play a significant influence in the development of heart disease. Significant risk factors for developing heart disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypertension. If you have signs of a heart attack or suspect you are experiencing one, contact the best cardiac hospital immediately.