Description

Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart. Heart disease includes:

  • Disease of the blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease.
  • Irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias.
  • Conditions of the heart that is born with, called congenital heart defects.
  • Disease of the heart muscle.
  • Heart valve disease.

Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.

Symptoms

Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease.

The symptoms of heart disease in the blood vessels

Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that affects the major blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. A buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the walls of the arteries that generally cause the disease of the coronary artery. This buildup is called plaque. The buildup of plaque in the arteries is called atherosclerosis (ath-ur-o-skluh-ROE-sis). Atherosclerosis reduces the flow of blood to the heart and other parts of the body. This can lead to a heart attack, chest pain, or a stroke.

The symptoms of coronary artery disease may include:

  • Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort called angina.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.
  • Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of the body to tighten.

You can be diagnosed with the disease of the coronary artery, until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke, or heart failure. It is important to be aware of cardiac symptoms. Talk with your health care team about any concerns. Heart disease can sometimes be found early with regular check-ups.

Heart disease symptoms caused by irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias

The heart can beat too fast, too slow or irregular. Heart arrhythmia symptoms can include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • The dizziness.
  • Fainting or nearly fainting.
  • Fluttering in the chest.
  • The dizziness.
  • Beats of the heart.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Slow heartbeat.

Heart disease symptoms caused by congenital defects of the heart

A congenital heart defect is a heart condition present from birth. Serious congenital heart defects are usually noticed soon after birth. Congenital heart defect symptoms in children may include:

  • Blue or gray skin. Depending on the color of the skin, these changes may be easier or harder to see.
  • Swelling in the legs, the belly of the area or areas around the eyes.
  • In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain.

Some congenital heart defects can't be found until later in childhood or in adulthood. Symptoms may include:

  • Missing very little for breath during exercise or activity.
  • Easily tiring during exercise or activity.
  • Swelling of hands, ankles or feet.

Heart disease symptoms caused by the diseased heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy

In the beginning, the cardiomyopathy may not cause obvious symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sense of shortness of breath during activity or at rest.
  • Feeling of shortness of breath at night when trying to sleep or waking up short of breath.
  • Fast, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat.
  • Swelling of legs, ankles or feet.

Heart disease symptoms caused by heart valve disease

The heart has four valves. The valves open and close to move the blood through the heart. There are many things that can damage the heart valves. If a heart valve is close, is called stenosis. If a heart valve allows blood to flow back, it's called regurgitation.

The symptoms of heart valve disease depends on which valve is not working correctly. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • Fainting or nearly fainting.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irregular heart beats.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Swelling of the feet or ankles.

When to see a doctor

Get emergency medical help if you have these heart symptoms of the disease:

  • Pain in the chest.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fainting.

Always call 911 or the local emergency number if you think that you could be having a heart attack.

If you think you may have symptoms of heart disease, make an appointment for a health checkup.

Heart disease is easier to treat if it is detected early.

Causes

Heart disease causes depend on the specific type of heart disease. There are many different types of heart disease.

How the heart works

To understand the causes of diseases of the heart, can help you understand how the heart works.

  • The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria. The two lower chambers are called the ventricles.
  • The right side of the heart moves the blood to the lungs through blood vessels called pulmonary arteries.
  • In the lungs the blood receives oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood goes to the left side of the heart through the pulmonary veins.
  • The left side of the heart pumps blood through the body's main artery, called the aorta. Then, the blood goes to the rest of the body.

The valves of the heart

Four valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction. These valves are:

  • The aortic valve.
  • Of the Mitral valve.
  • The pulmonary valve.
  • Tricuspid valve.

Each valve has flaps called leaflets or cusps. The flaps open and close once during each heartbeat. If a valve flap does not open or close properly, unless it moves the blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Beats of the heart

The electrical system of the heart keeps the heart beating. The heart's electrical signals start in a group of cells in the upper part of the heart called the sinus node. Pass through a path between the top and bottom of the chambers of the heart called the atrioventricular (AV) node. The movement of the signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood.

Causes of coronary artery disease

A buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of coronary artery disease. Risk factors include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking. -A healthy life style choices can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Causes of irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias

The common causes of arrhythmias or conditions that can lead to them include:

  • Disease of the heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy.
  • Disease of the coronary artery.
  • Diabetes.
  • Illegal drugs such as cocaine.
  • The emotional stress.
  • Too much alcohol or caffeine.
  • Heart conditions present at birth, called congenital heart defects.
  • The high blood pressure.
  • The habit of smoking.
  • Heart valve disease.
  • Some medications, herbs and supplements.

Causes of congenital heart defects

A congenital heart defect that occurs while the baby is growing in the womb. Health care professionals are not sure exactly what the cause of the majority of congenital heart defects. But the changes in the genes, some medical conditions, some medications, and environmental or lifestyle factors may play a role.

Causes of the disease of the heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy

The cause of the cardiomyopathy depends on the type. There are three types:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy. This is the most common type of cardiomyopathy. The cause is often unknown. It can be passed down through the families, which means that it is inherited.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm). This type is usually transmitted through families.
  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy. This type of cardiomyopathy may occur without a known reason. Sometimes, a buildup of a protein called amyloid cause. Other causes include connective tissue disorders.

Causes of heart valve disease

Many things can cause a damaged or diseased heart valve. Some people are born with heart valve disease. If this occurs, it is called congenital disease of the heart valve.

Other causes of heart valve disease may include:

  • Rheumatic fever.
  • The infection of the lining of the valves of the heart, called infective endocarditis.
  • Connective tissue disorders.

Risk factors

The risk factors for heart disease include:

  • Age. Aging increases the risk of damage and narrowing of the arteries and weakened or thickened heart muscle.
  • The sex assigned at birth. Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. The risk in women increases after menopause.
  • The history of the family. A family history of heart disease, increases the risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a parent developed it at an early age. That means that before age 55 for a male relative, like a brother or father, and 65 for a female relative, such as his mother or sister.
  • The habit of smoking. If you smoke, stop smoking. Substances in tobacco smoke damages the arteries. Heart attacks are more common in people who smoke than in people who do not smoke. Talk with a health professional if you need help to quit smoking.
  • Unhealthy diet. Diets high in fat, salt, sugar, and cholesterol have been linked to heart disease.
  • The high blood pressure. The uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the arteries to become hard and thick. These changes alter the flow of blood to the heart and the body.
  • High cholesterol. Having high cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis has been linked to heart attack and stroke.
  • Diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Obesity and high blood pressure increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
  • Obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors of cardiovascular disease.
  • The lack of exercise. Being inactive is associated with many forms of heart disease and some of its risk factors.
  • Stress. Emotional stress can damage arteries and cause other risk factors for heart disease worse.
  • Poor dental health. Have unhealthy teeth and gums makes it easier for germs to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This can cause an infection called endocarditis. Brushing and flossing frequently. Also get regular dental check-ups.

Complications

The possible complications of heart disease are:

  • Heart failure. This is one of the most common complications of heart disease. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
  • Heart attack. A heart attack can occur if a piece of plaque in an artery or a blood clot moves to the heart.
  • Stroke. The risk factors that lead to heart disease can also lead to an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when the arteries to your brain are narrowed or blocked. Too little blood that reaches the brain.
  • Aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm bursts, you may have life-threatening internal bleeding.
  • The peripheral arterial disease. In this condition, the arms or the legs — usually your legs — don't receive enough blood. This causes symptoms, most notably pain, leg pain when walking, called claudication. Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral artery disease.
  • The sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It is usually due to a problem with the electrical system of the heart. Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, resulting in sudden cardiac death.

Prevention

The same lifestyle changes is used to manage heart disease may also help prevent this. Try these tips for a healthy heart:

  • Do not smoke.
  • Eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.
  • Control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
  • Sleep well. Adults should get 7 to 9 hours a day.

Diagnosis

To diagnose heart disease, a health care professional examines and listen to your heart. Normally you have questions about your symptoms and your personal and family medical history.

Tests

Many different tests are used to diagnose diseases of the heart.

  • Blood tests. Some proteins will slowly leak into the blood after heart damage from a heart attack. Blood tests may be done to check these proteins. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test checks for a protein linked to inflammation of the arteries. Other blood tests may be done to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  • X-ray of the chest. An x-ray of the chest shows the condition of the lungs. It can show whether the heart is enlarged.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG is a quick and painless test that records the electrical signals in the heart. You can determine if the heart is beating too fast or too slow.
  • The Holter monitoring. A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device that is used for a day or more, to record the heart's activity during daily activities. This test can detect irregular heartbeats that are not found during an ECG test.
  • The echocardiogram. This noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart in motion. It is shown how the blood moves through the heart and the heart valves. An echocardiogram can help to determine if a valve is narrowed or leaking.
  • Exercise tests or stress tests. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the heart is on. Exercise tests can help reveal how the heart responds to physical activity and your heart if the symptoms of the disease occur during the exercise. If you can't do the exercise, you can self-administer the medication that affects your heart as well as the exercise you do.
  • The cardiac catheterization. This test can show blockages in the arteries of the heart. A long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or the wrist, and guided to the heart. Contrast dye flows through the catheter into the arteries in the heart. The dye helps the arteries to show up more clearly on X-ray images taken during the test.
  • A ct scan of the heart, also called cardiac computed tomography. In a cardiac ct scan, you lie on a table inside of a ring-shaped machine. An X-ray tube inside the machine rotates around your body and collects images of your heart and chest.
  • Heart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A cardiac mri uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed pictures of the heart.

Treatment

Heart disease treatment depends on the cause and type of damage in the heart. The treatment for heart disease may include:

  • Lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat, exercising, and not smoking.
  • Drugs.
  • A heart operation.
  • Heart surgery.

Drugs

You may need medicines to control heart disease symptoms and prevent complications. The type of medication used depends on the type of heart disease.

Surgery or other procedures

Some people with heart disease may need a heart surgery or procedure. The type of treatment depends on the type of disease of the heart and the amount of damage that has happened with the heart.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Lifestyle changes are an important part of the heart disease treatment and prevention. The following changes are recommended to improve the health of the heart:

  • Do not smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you smoke and can't stop smoking, talk with your health care team about the programs or treatments that can help.
  • Eat healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit the amount of sugar, salt and saturated fat.
  • Control of blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of serious health conditions. Get your blood pressure checked at least every two years, if you are over 18 years old. If you have risk factors for heart disease, and has more than 40 years of age, you may need more frequent checks. Ask your healthcare professional what is the blood pressure reading is the best for you.
  • Get a cholesterol test. Get a cholesterol test, when you're in your 20s, and then at least every 4 to 6 years. You may need to start testing earlier if high levels of cholesterol in the history of his family. You may need to cholesterol checks more often if the results of the test are not in a desirable range or have risk factors for heart disease.
  • Control diabetes. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Exercise. Staying active keeps the heart healthy. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Talk with your health care team about the amount and type of exercise is best for you.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Ask your healthcare professional what is the ideal weight for you.
  • Manage stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. The following are some tips for doing more exercise, practice mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups.
  • Practice good hygiene. Regularly washing hands and brushing and flossing your teeth to stay healthy.
  • Sleep well. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease and other long-term health conditions. Adults should try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Children often need more. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. If you have trouble sleeping, talk with your health care professional about strategies that might help.

Coping and support

Here are some ways to help manage heart disease and improve quality of life:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation. This is a custom program of education and exercise. Includes exercise training, emotional support and education about a healthy heart lifestyle. The monitored program is often recommended after a heart attack or heart surgery.
  • The support groups. The connection with family and friends, or join a support group is a great way to reduce stress. You may find that talking about your concerns with other people in similar situations can help.
  • Get health checkups. See your healthcare provider regularly helps to ensure that they are properly managing your heart disease.

Preparing for your appointment

Some types of heart disease are found at birth or during an emergency, for example, when someone has a heart attack. You may not have time to prepare.

If you think that you have heart disease or who are at risk of heart disease due to the history of the family, see your healthcare professional. You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart disease. This type of doctor is called a cardiologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a couple of hours before a cholesterol test.
  • Write down the symptoms you are experiencing, including any that seem not to be related to heart disease.
  • Write important personal information . Note: if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes. Also make a note of any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of the medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Include the dose.
  • Bring someone along, if possible. Someone who goes with you can help you remember the information they give you.
  • Be prepared to talk about your diet and any tobacco use, and exercise habits. If you do not already follow a diet or exercise routine, ask your medical team about how to get started.
  • Write questions to ask their health professional.

For heart disease, some basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is the likely cause of my symptoms or condition?
  • What are other possible causes?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • What are the options for the treatment that you are suggesting?
  • What foods should I eat or avoid?
  • What is an appropriate level of physical activity?
  • How often should I be screened for heart disease? For example, how frequently do I need a cholesterol test?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I manage together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other materials that I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care team will probably ask a lot of questions, such as:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Do you always have symptoms, or the symptoms come and go?
  • On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, how bad are your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, in any case, it makes your symptoms worse?
  • Do you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or another serious illness?

What you can do in the meantime

It is never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking. A healthy lifestyle is the best protection against heart disease and its complications.

Symptoms and treatment of diseases of the Heart