Heart Disease Demystified: An In-Depth Look at The Different Types

Heart disease is never a light issue when talking about different types of diseases. Being that it is the leading cause of death all over the world, it can be daunting for most individuals when they are told that they or a family member is suffering from heart-related issues. 

Everybody knows that the heart is a vital organ as it is responsible for pumping blood throughout the whole body. Simply put, without the heart, living would be impossible.

Now, there are many types of heart-related diseases and this topic will help you go deeper into these various types. Providing you with a better understanding of the complexities of the numerous cardiac issues that people encounter everyday. 

So whether you just want to gain knowledge regarding this topic, or want to assist a loved one, this article is here to provide you with accessible information regarding the different types of heart conditions.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

If you haven’t heard yet of coronary artery disease, then maybe you’ve heard about heart attacks or cardiac arrests. Also known as CAD, this heart condition often leads to serious heart complications. 

What causes a heart attack to occur is when the arteries supplying blood tightens or narrows. Plaque buildup in the arteries often causes blockage and narrowing. The blockage then prevents blood supply and this leads to cardiac arrest.

Furthermore, coronary artery disease can develop over time and might even go unnoticed until suddenly cardiac arrest just takes place. To avoid this, one should lead a healthy lifestyle. 

By eating a healthy diet, and exercising daily or 3 times a week, you reduce high chances of developing CAD. This is because these plaques are formed from the food and drinks we ingest (fats, cholesterol, calcium and many more).

Heart Failure

When the heart is no longer in its optimal condition and can no longer pump enough blood that the body needs, it is called heart failure (a.k.a. Congestive heart failure). As the name suggests, this is when the heart is already failing to supply us blood. 

Heart failure results from the different types of heart-related conditions. When such diseases are poorly managed, it will often lead to serious complications that cause heart failure. Examples of diseases that may lead to this are diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or even CAD (coronary heart disease).

Furthermore, the best way to prevent heart failure is to simply lead a healthier lifestyle. By eating a balanced meal daily and exercising, heart failure can be avoided. Especially when paired with the right medication.

Arrhythmias

Another heart condition that can possibly be life-threatening are arrhythmias. A problem arises when your heart’s beating becomes irregular. It may beat either too quickly, or too slow. Though in some cases it might be harmless, there are life threatening incidents that require some serious medical attention.

So how do medical professionals tell that you have arrhythmia? It’s normal for the heart to slow down or beat quickly when one is asleep or performing physical tasks. But if irregular heartbeat frequently occurs, it could mean that not enough blood is being pumped by the heart.

When not enough blood is being pumped by the heart, it could lead to damages to other organs, thus resulting in more complications. Therefore, arrhythmias should be treated as soon as possible to prevent this.

Lastly, arrhythmias can be treated with medication. Speaking with a physician of the specific field will also help you make healthier lifestyle changes. This is important as there are activities that one with arrhythmia cannot perform because it might trigger the condition to worsen.

Valvular Heart Disease

Our hearts have 4 valves (aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valve). Each valve has  a specific function. These valves open and close as the heart pumps blood, ensuring that blood is flowing in the right path. 

When these valves (one or more) fail to function properly, then this is known as valvular disease. This can be very uncomfortable to anyone suffering from this as it will cause chest pain, fatigues and breathlessness. These symptoms are the result of irregular blood flow that is caused by the valves failing to open and close properly.

Living a healthier lifestyle cannot be stressed enough when you’re at risk of any heart condition. Valvular heart disease is no exemption. One should practice the habit of eating healthier, avoid smoking and other vices, and perform regular exercises. 

Also, remember to speak with your physician regarding physical activities as it may be possible that you cannot perform some exercises that may be too strenuous for the heart.

Key Takeaway

The heart is a vital organ that needs understanding to avoid the complexities of heart disease. As we reach the end of our topic, we’ve come to learn more about the different heart diseases and how to effectively manage them.

Heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and valvular heart disease can be prevented with the help of medical professionals, medicines, and of course a healthier lifestyle.

Now that you have familiarized yourself with these different heart conditions, you can help yourself and family members in taking proactive steps to a longer and healthier life.