Heart diseases impact how blood pumps and circulates within the body.
There are many different types of heart disease, covered in detail below.
The heart plays an important role in supplying blood and oxygen to the rest of the body.
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The most important job of the heart is ensuring blood gets to other organs in the body.
In many ways, heart failure impacts the entire body and not just the heart.
Talking with a healthcare provider may help you get a better understanding of what is happening.
Conditions that contribute to this include hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
Usually, coronary artery disease develops when cholesterol plaques build up and block blood flow into the heart.
Since the heart is always working, it needs a constant supply of blood flow.
It may produce a myocardial infarction, commonly known as aheart attack.
A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical care.
Coronary artery disease is often associated with pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, and back.
Often, the pain is worse with activities or exercise.
The symptoms of coronary artery disease may not develop until the disease has become significantly advanced.
Coronary artery disease is connected to the development of plaquesor blockagesin the walls of the arteries.
Most plaques develop from elevated cholesterol that can coat the inside lining of blood vessels.
Valve disease can feel similar to other heart diseases.
The most common symptoms people have are fatigue and shortness of breath.
Valvular disease can occur from several different causes.
The most common is called calcification, which happens when the valve becomes stiff and hard.
As we age, our valves become calcified and more rigid.
Risk factors for valve disease include smoking and high blood pressure.
Heart infections, covered in more detail below, can also cause valves to become diseased.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart diseasesare those that are present at birth.
Many congenital heart diseases occur due to changes in heart structure that occur during development.
Congenital heart diseases are usually diagnosed shortly after or within a few weeks of birth.
Most hospitals will screen babies for heart disease.
Babies born with congenital heart disease may have difficulty feeding and may tire easily.
Sometimes swelling in the hands and feet can develop if the heart defect is severe.
The exact causes of most congenital heart diseases are not fully understood.
We do know that many congenital heart diseases are the result of genetic mutations.
Some medications can also increase the likelihood of heart defects developing during pregnancy.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathyoccurs when the heart muscle becomes diseased.
Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure.
Healthcare providers will order tests likeechocardiogramsto identify structural changes in the heart and betterunderstand your cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy can lead to fatigue and tiredness with activities, as well as dizziness or lightheadedness.
Some people will have difficulty lying flat in bed or going up stairs.
Many people experience swelling in their feet and legs, especially when sitting for long periods of time.
Arrhythmia is another important complication of cardiomyopathy.
Most people with cardiomyopathy have genetic factors that put them at risk for the disease.
Unfortunately, we still dont know why some people develop cardiomyopathy.
There is a lot of research investigating who is most at risk for developing this heart disease.
In some cases, significant physical or emotional stress can cause cardiomyopathy.
This is termed broken heart syndrome, as it can happen after the loss of a loved one.
Heart infections can impact the ability of the heart to function properly.
However, prompt identification and treatment can help ensure these infections are under control.
The symptoms of a heart infection are similar to other infections.
Some infections can cause discoloration of your nails or skin.
People who undergo heart surgery or interventions to treat the heart are at the highest risk of infection.
If you have an artificial heart valve, you are also at increased risk of developing a heart infection.
In addition, drug-use with injected drugs is linked to higher risks of heart infections.
When Should You Call for Immediate Medical Help?
Heart disease is a serious and sometimes life-threatening issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of drugs are used for treating heart disease?
Numerous medications are used to support the heart and help it pump with heart disease.
Types of medications include:
Many times your healthcare provider will want you to take these medications in combination.
While this may seem like a lot of pills, they have the best effect when used together.
How many types of heart disease are there?
There are over 30 different distinct types of heart disease.
Many of these diseases have their own subtypes, which can make these disorders even more complex.
What are the signs of an unhealthy heart?
Healthcare professionals can evaluate your heart and other organs if you feel that you may have an unhealthy heart.
That said, many of the recommendations provided in this list can apply to other heart diseases.
A healthy lifestyle can make a significant impact on heart disease.
American Heart Association.What is heart failure.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart failure: causes and risk factors.
American Heart Association.Problem: heart valve stenosis.
Centers for Disease Control.Screening for critical congenital heart defects.
Cleveland Clinic.Broken heart syndrome.
Harvard Health.When an infection invades the heart.
