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Everything you need to know about heart disease

Any ailment that affects the heart is referred to as heart disease. There are several sorts, some of which may be avoided.

Heart illness involves only the heart, unlike cardiovascular disease, which affects the whole circulatory system.

Heart disease is the main cause of mortality in India, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart disease kills one in every four people in India, and it affects people of all genders, races, and ethnicities.

Heart Disease Types

There are several different types of heart disease, and they affect the heart in different ways.

Coronary Artery Disease

The most prevalent kind of heart illness is coronary artery disease, often known as coronary heart disease.

It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that deliver blood to the heart. They stiffen and narrow as a result of this. Cholesterol and other chemicals are found in plaque.

As a result, the blood flow to the heart is reduced, and it receives less oxygen and nutrients. The heart muscle weakens over time, increasing the risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat is referred to as arrhythmia. It happens when the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat don’t function properly. As a result, the heart may beat excessively quickly, too slowly, or in an irregular pattern.

Arrhythmias come in a variety of forms, including:

A quick heartbeat is referred to as tachycardia.
Bradycardia is the medical term for a sluggish heartbeat.
An early heartbeat is referred to as premature contractions.
This is a form of abnormal heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.

A person may have a fluttering or racing heart sensation.

Although brief alterations in heart rhythm are not the reason for alarm, if they continue, therapy will be required since they can compromise the heart’s function.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction, sometimes known as a heart attack, is a condition in which blood supply to the heart is interrupted. Parts of the heart muscle may be damaged or destroyed as a result of this.

Plaque, a blood clot, or both in a coronary artery are the most prevalent causes of heart attack. It can also happen if an artery narrows or spasms unexpectedly.

Myocardial infarction

Also known as heart attack, myocardial infarction involves an interruption of the blood flow to the heart. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

The most common cause of heart attack is plaque, a blood clot, or both in a coronary artery. It can also occur if an artery suddenly narrows or spasms.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction, sometimes known as a heart attack, is a condition in which blood supply to the heart is interrupted. Parts of the heart muscle may be damaged or destroyed as a result of this.

Plaque, a blood clot, or both in a coronary artery are the most prevalent causes of heart attack. It can also happen if an artery narrows or spasms unexpectedly.

Heart Failure

When a person has heart failure, the heart is still working but not as well as it should. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure.

Heart failure can result from untreated coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and other conditions. These conditions can affect the heart’s ability to pump properly.

Heart failure can be life-threatening, but seeking early treatment for heart-related conditions can help prevent complications.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

When a hereditary issue affects the heart muscle, this ailment occurs. It’s usually a hereditary condition.

Muscle walls thicken, and contractions become more difficult. The capacity of the heart to take in and pump blood is impaired. An blockage may arise in various instances.

There may be no signs or symptoms, and many people go undiagnosed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, can deteriorate over time and lead to a variety of cardiac issues.

Anyone with a family history of this disease should get a screening since early treatment can help avoid consequences.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of cardiac mortality among athletes and those under the age of 35, according to the American Heart Association ( AHA).

Mitral valve prolapse

This occurs when the mitral valve’s valve flaps do not seal properly. Rather, they protrude into the left atrium. A cardiac murmur may occur as a result of this.

Although mitral valve prolapse is seldom fatal, some patients may require therapy.

This illness, which affects around 2% of the population, is caused by genetic factors and connective tissue issues.

Congenital Heart Defects

A person born with a congenital heart defect has a cardiac issue from birth. Congenital cardiac defects can in a variety of forms, including:

Valves in the heart that are abnormal may not open correctly or leak blood.
A hole in the wall between the lower and upper chambers of the heart is known as a septal defect.
Atresia is a condition in which one of the heart valves is absent.

Congenital heart illness can result in serious anatomical defects, such as the absence of a ventricle or complications with the heart’s main arteries.

Many congenital cardiac defects have no symptoms and are only discovered during a normal medical examination.

The American Heart Association (AHA) claims that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart chambers to widen, causing the heart muscle to stretch and thin. Prior heart attacks, arrhythmias, and toxins are the most prevalent causes of dilated cardiomyopathy.

As a result, the heart grows weaker and is unable to effectively pump blood. Arrhythmia, blood clots in the heart, and cardiac failure are all possible outcomes.

According to the AHA, it mainly affects adults between the ages of 20 and 60.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction, sometimes known as a heart attack, is a condition in which blood supply to the heart is interrupted. Parts of the heart muscle may be damaged or destroyed as a result of this.

Plaque, a blood clot, or both in a coronary artery are the most prevalent causes of heart attack. It can also happen if an artery narrows or spasms unexpectedly.

Heart failure

Heart failure means that the heart is still operating, but not as well as it should be. A kind of heart failure is congestive heart failure.

Untreated coronary artery disease, excessive blood pressure, arrhythmias, and other disorders can lead to heart failure. The capacity of the heart to pump blood correctly can be harmed by certain disorders.

Heart failure can be fatal, but getting treatment for heart problems as soon as possible might help you avoid complications.

Mitral valve regurgitation

When the mitral valve in the heart does not seal securely enough, blood can leak back into the heart, causing this condition.

As a result, blood cannot flow properly through the heart or the body, putting strain on the veins that connect the lungs to the heart. The heart can expand with time, resulting in heart failure.

Aortic stenosis

The pulmonary valve is bulky or fused in aortic stenosis and does not open correctly. The heart has a difficult time pumping blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery as a result of this.

The aortic valve opening is too narrow in aortic stenosis, reducing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It can also affect the left atrium’s pressure.

It might be present at birth or develop over time as a result of calcium deposits or scarring.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the kind. Some cardiac problems, on the other hand, have no symptoms at all.

The following signs and symptoms might point to a cardiac problem:-

Angina, or chest pain

Difficulty breathing

Fatigue and lightheadedness

Swelling due to fluid retention, or edema

In children, the symptoms of a congenital heart defect may include cyanosis, or a blue tinge to the skin, and an inability to exercise.

Some signs and symptoms that could indicate heart attack include:

chest pain

Breathlessness

Heart palpitations

Nausea

An irregular heartbeat

Stomach pain

Sweating

Arm, Jaw, Back, or Leg pain

A choking sensation

Swollen ankles

Fatigue

A heart attack can result in cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops beating and the body ceases to function. If a person exhibits any of the signs of a heart attack, they should seek medical help right once.

Causes

Heart disease develops when there is:

damage to all or part of the heart

a problem with the blood vessels leading to or from the heart

a low supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart