Heart disease is one of the significant causes of death in today’s world. It can affect almost anyone (including youngsters) because it doesn’t discriminate.
Since heart disease can affect both men and women alongside people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, everyone needs to understand the rudiments of the condition, together with the symptoms.
Proper treatment of heart disease depends highly on the type of heart issue and the extent to which the heart disease has developed.
Heart diseases are different heart problems and conditions that affect the heart’s ability to function effectively. The principal thing to do is to discuss it with a doctor or cardiologist who can counsel you on the proper diagnosis, the type of your condition, and the best treatment plan.
It can be disconcerting to be diagnosed with a heart condition; however, there’s a lot of support and information available at your fingertips. Sometimes, being aware of your situation can help you worry less about your condition.
Types of heart disease
Different types exist, each with unique causes ranging from genetics to health events to lifestyle decisions. Pre-existing medical issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure might increase an individual chance of having heart disease.
Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of the types of the disease can bring about an early diagnosis which can be treated efficiently to reduce further complications. Some of the most usual types of heart disease are;
1. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
This condition damages the heart’s blood vessels when plaques are built up around the arteries of the heart to constrict the path. The blood vessels become narrow or may even block to restrict blood flow to some heart regions, causing a heart attack. This makes CAD to be identified after a heart attack. Breathing problems, pain in the throat (also in the neck, jaw, and back region), nausea (usually occur in women), extreme exhaustion (often occurs in women as well), and angina (pain or discomfort in the chest) are the primary symptoms.
2. Arrhythmias
They are cardiac rhythm abnormalities that subject the heartbeat to be too slow (bradycardia), too rapid (tachycardia), or irregular. If the heart rhythm is interrupted or disturbed, it may be unfit to send blood to the rest of the body. Symptoms include:
- Pounding the heart.
- Feeling dizzy (or lightheaded).
- Breathing issues.
- Fluttering sensations in the chest.
- Passing out.
3. Heart failure
It occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. Heart failure is due to the heart’s inability to “squeeze out” sufficient blood with each beat. Heart failure can also occur when the heart becomes stiff and unable to fill up with blood efficiently between beats. Some heart failure symptoms include extreme tiredness, swelling around the eyes, cough, memory problems, and breathing problems.
4. Valve Disease
The heart contains four valves (open and close) that help regulate blood flow through the heart. Issues with the valves can increase the heart’s workload and strain the heart muscle, causing various problems like fatigue, chest pain, swollen ankles, heartbeat irregularity, and fainting (or dizziness). If you suffer from any of those symptoms, book an appointment to speak to a doctor immediately before it worsens.
Potential treatment
Treatment varies depending on the disease type. Typically, lifestyle changes, drugs, and surgical operations are the available options. Cardiologists or heart care experts often work with patients to provide a bespoke and detailed regimen.
How can you prevent heart disease?
There are steps you can take to avoid the occurrence of heart disease. Simple lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, managing stress, eating a plant-based diet, meditating, and refraining from smoking can prevent the disease.
