Everything You Need To Know About Heart Disease
30/03/2021
Heart disease refers to any conditions affecting the heart. There are several types, some of which are preventable.
Unlike a cardiovascular condition, which involves problems with the complete circulatory system, heart disease strikes only the heart.
In this article, you will get an in-depth understanding of the types, causes, and symptoms of heart diseases.
Types
There are various types of heart disease and they affect the heart in several ways. Some of the most common include the following:
โข Coronary artery disease
โข Congenital heart defects
โข Arrhythmia
โข Dilated cardiomyopathy
โข Myocardial infarction
โข Heart failure
โข Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
โข Mitral valve regurgitation
โข Mitral valve prolapse
โข Aortic stenosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart diseases vary based on the condition. However, some of the most common symptoms or initial warning signs include the following:
โข Angina (Chest Pain)
โข Difficulty breathing
โข Fatigue and lightheadedness
โข Swelling due to fluid retention, or oedema
โข Chest pain
โข Breathlessness
โข Heart palpitations
โข Nausea
โข Stomach pain
โข Sweating
โข Arm, jaw, back, or leg pain
โข Choking sensation
โข Swollen ankles
โข Fatigue
โข Irregular heartbeat
Causes
Some of the most common causes of heart disease include the following:
โข Damage to all or part of the heart
โข Problem with the blood vessels heading to or from the core
โข Low supply of oxygen and nutrients to the core
โข High blood pressure
โข High cholesterol
โข Smoking
โข High intake of alcohol
โข Being overweight and obesity
โข Diabetes
โข Family history of heart disease
โข Poor dietary choices
โข Age
โข History of preeclampsia during pregnancy
โข Low activity levels
โข High stress and anxiety levels
Treatments
The treatment choices will vary depending on the kind of heart disease a person has, but some simple procedures include making lifestyle changes, taking medicines, and undergoing surgery.
The following segments will look at some of these options in more detail:
1. Medications
Various medicines can help to treat heart diseases. A doctor will work with the patient to find a suitable alternative. Sometimes, the medications may cause side effects and complications, in cases of which it may be important to review the medicine regimen.
2. Surgery
Undergoing heart operation can help treat blockages and heart problems when medicines are not effective.
Some common types of operation include:
โข Coronary artery bypass surgery: This lets blood flow to reach a portion of the heart when an artery is obstructed. Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most basic surgery.
โข Valve replacement or repair: A surgeon can repair or restore a valve that is not working properly.
โข Repair surgery: A surgeon can repair congenital heart deformities, aneurysms, and other problems.
โข Device implantation: Pacemakers, balloon catheters, and other tools can assist regulate the heartbeat and support blood flow.
โข Laser treatment: Transmyocardial laser revascularization can assist treat angina.
โข Maze surgery: A doctor can create new pathways for electrical signals to pass through. This can help manage atrial fibrillation.
Heart transplants are a different option. However, it can be difficult to find a fit donor at the right point.
Prevention
Some lifestyle measures can reduce the chance of heart disease. These include:
โข Eating a balanced diet
โข Exercising regularly
โข Maintaining a moderate body weight
โข Quitting or avoiding smoking
โข Limiting alcohol intake
โข Managing underlying conditions
Taking these measures can help promote overall fitness and reduce the chance of heart disease and its complexities.
Dr Rajeev Garg
Sr. Consultant โ Interventional Cardiologist