Cardiovascular Health

Types of Heart Diseases

When we hear someone say they have a heart problem, we rarely think there could be different types of heart diseases each with its own symptoms.

Let’s take a closer look:

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease is a heart condition where the coronary arteries are blocked because of plaque build-up. The coronary arteries pump oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Any type of blockage along the route reduces oxygen in the blood. This build-up of plaque has the potential to form a blood clot, and eventually, the blood supply to the heart is completely stopped. This leads to what is known as a heart attack. 

Coronary artery disease symptoms are neither specific nor noticeable. You might have CAD but do not notice any symptoms unless a heart attack occurs. For this reason, CAD is sometimes also called the silent killer. CAD has other names also – coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic heart disease.

Coronary Artery Disease Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort in the chest which can feel like indigestion.
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder
• Dizziness
• Breaking out into a cold sweat
• Weakness

In some cases, the first symptom of CAD is a heart attack.

2. Heart Arrhythmias

Heart arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. Although irregular heartbeat may be harmless, sometimes it may prove fatal. Problems with the rhythm of the heart occur when the electrical signals that cause the heart to beat do not work properly. This uneven signaling makes the heart beat more rapidly or slowly than usual. For instance, the heart may beat fast after an intense workout or a sports activity and beat slow during rest or sleep. It may feel like the heart is racing.

Some arrhythmia symptoms are as follows

• Fast heart rate or Tachycardia
• Slow heart rate or Bradycardia
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Fatigue

3. Heart Failure

Also sometimes known as congestive heart failure, it is a condition in which the heart does not pump blood as it should. Heart problems like coronary artery disease or high blood pressure make the heart too weak or tired which alters the rate of blood flow. Proper treatment can improve heart conditions, however severe symptoms could  be life-threatening.

Congestive heart failure symptoms include

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue and weakness

4. Heart Valve Disease

There are four valves within the heart which are responsible for the flow of blood in the correct direction. In heart valve disease, one or more of the valves stop functioning properly, or there could be a leaky valve in the heart. This disrupts the flow of blood from the heart. Some people who suffer from heart valve disease may not experience any of its symptoms which include:

• Whooshing sound 
• Chest pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in ankles and feet
• Dizziness

5. Pericardial Disease

Our heart is surrounded by a sac of fluid called the pericardium. If the pericardium gets infected or injured, it could lead to fluid build-up around the heart. This puts pressure on it and affects the way the heart functions. If left untreated, it could prove to be fatal.

Some of the pericardial disease symptoms are

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (behind the breastbone or left side of the chest)
• Feeling faint
• Swelling in the abdomen or the legs

6. Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease which affects  the heart muscle making it difficult to pump blood, and leads  to heart failure. The main types of cardiomyopathies are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy and can be a genetic issue, a reaction to a particular drug or an infection. Although symptoms do not appear in early stages, some symptoms include:

• Breathlessness
• Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Pounding orfluttering heartbeats
• Dizziness

Any symptoms that directly affect heart health should never be taken lightly. For those who suffer from any heart condition, may sure to visit your healthcare provider regularly and reportany discomfort or symptoms that you are experiencing even after taking proper medications.  Also,  never engage in any activity which could result in shortness of breath, dizziness, or cause chest pain. Even if you do not have  a heart condition, it is always wise to report any unusual discomfort or pain in your chest, shoulder, or arms to your doctor. Of course, always make sure to follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise to keep yourself, and your heart, healthy and happy!

 

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