by Amy Wilber

Created on: April 05, 2009   Last Updated: April 08, 2009

Heart Disease is a number one killer among men and women equally and it can be a little overwhelming to understand it. There are preventative measures that can be taken to ensure that your risk of this disease is visibly reduced. There are many types of heart disease that require different treatments and tests used in diagnosis.

Types of Heart Disease

1. Coronary Artery Disease This type of heart disease is commonly referred to as the number one killer of people. The coronary arteries become clogged and narrowed. The blood flow to the heart is restricted and it becomes starved for oxygen and necessary nutrients needed to function properly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, skipped beats, fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, sweating.

2. Heart Attack Also known as myocardial infraction. When plaque is hard, there is a rupture and the platelets which help with the clotting of blood come to help. If the blood clot blocks the artery completely, the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen. Symptoms include, pain in chest, pressure, discomfort in back, jaw, throat, arm. Also included are indigestion, nausea, sweating, extreme weakness, anxiety, rapid or irregular heartbeat.

3. Irregular Heart Rhythm Also known as dysrhythmia or arrhythmia which means irregular heartbeat. Heart rates can also be abnormal. Can be silent and not cause any symptoms. Symptoms include palpitations, pounding in chest, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and fatigue.

4. Atrial Fibrillation An irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of having a stroke and heart disease. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue.

5. Heart Valve Disease Occurs when the heart valves do not work the way they are supposed to. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, swelling of feet, ankles, or abdomen, rapid weight gain.

6. Patent Ductus Arteriosus Mostly occurs in premature babies. It is a heart defect when there is an opening between the main heart vessels. Thankfully, this situation is treatable.

7. Sudden Death Cardiac Arrest This situation occurs when there is a sudden unexpected death caused by the loss of the hearts ability to function (cardiac arrest). Death follows if no emergency treatment is given. Symptoms include racing heart beat, dizziness.

8. Congenital Heart Disease Congenital heart disease is a defect or malformation in the structures of the heart or blood vessels usually occurring before birth. Common types are heart valve defects or defects

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>