What is heart disease?

Heart disease is any problem that affects the structure or function of the heart. Most people assume that heart disease is a single condition. In fact, a heart disease is a group of conditions with various causes.

Types of heart disease

There are many different types of heart disease. Several types can be classified according to how they affect the structure and function of the heart.

Coronary artery and vascular disease:Coronary artery and vascular disease are caused due to the hardening of the arteries. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries of the heart become narrowed or blocked. This is the most common type of heart disease and causes most heart attacks and angina pectoris (chest pain). Vascular disease is any other vascular problem that reduces blood flow and affects how the heart works.

Heart rhythm disorders: Disturbances in the heart rhythm (arrhythmias) can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. Millions of Americans suffer from cardiac arrhythmias that disrupt blood flow. There are many types of arrhythmias. Some have no symptoms or warning signs. Others are sudden and deadly.

Structural heart disease: Structural heart disease refers to problems in the heart's structure, which includes the walls, valves, muscles, and blood arteries near the heart. It may be present at birth (congenital) or acquired after birth due to infection, wasting, or other factors. People with heart disease and their families require assistance at all ages and stages of life, as they frequently require continual medical care and surgery.

Heart failure: Heart failure is a serious condition that develops after the heart is damaged or weakened. Heart attacks and high blood pressure are the two most prevalent causes of heart failure. There is no cure, but early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and medication can help people lead active lives, avoid hospitalization, and live longer.

Causes

Heart disease can occur due to:

Medical Conditions

• Diabete
• High blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia)
• Sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels

Lifestyle risk factors

• Too much alcohol
• Stress
• Recreational drug use
• Birth control or hormone replacement therapy
• Unhealthy diet
• Not enough physical activity
• Unhealthy weight
• Smoking (tobacco misuse)

Uncontrollable risk factors

• Gender: Heart disease and stroke risk for women varies throughout life
• Age: The older you get, the risks of developing heart conditions increase
• Family and medical history
• South Asian and African heritage
• Indigenous heritage
• Personal situation including access to healthy food, clean drinking water, health and social services

Prevention

Heart disease is preventable. And if you've been diagnosed with heart disease, there are ways to reduce your risk of further heart disease. Consider these heart-healthy steps.

• Do not smoke.
• Move your body.
• Know and control your blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet low in fat, especially saturated and trans fat.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Manage your diabetes
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Reduce stress.
• See your doctor from time to time and follow their advice.

For proper diagnosis and quality treatment for your heart condition visit Hill Regional Hospital, call us immediately if you notice any symptoms.