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 in the heart walls along with heart muscle abnormalities. Symptoms include shortness of breath and a limited ability to exercise.
9. Heart Muscle Disease The heart is enlarged, thickened or stiffened and the ability to pump blood is weakened causing heart failure. It may also cause a backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body. Symptoms include chest pain, swelling of lower extremities, fatigue, weight gain, fainting, shortness of breath, nausea.
10. Pericarditis The inflammation of layers in the pericardium. This is the membrane sac that surrounds the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, low fever and increased heart rate.
11. Pericardial Effusion Abnormal amount of fluid in the pericardial space. Usually caused by injury to the pericardium. Symptoms include chest pain, light-headedness, cough, hoarseness, hiccoughs, anxiety.
12. Marfan Syndrome A disease that is usually inherited that affects the connective tissue of the heart. Affects bones, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin and lungs.
Tests Used For Diagnosis
1. ECG or EKG
2. MRI
3. Cardiac Catheterization
4. Blood Tests
5. Stress Tests
6. Electrophysiology Study (EPS)
7. Chest X-ray
8. PET Scan
9. Exercise Stress Test
10. Myocardial Biopsy
Treatment and Prevention
In the treatment of heart disease common practice is the use of CPR and defibrillators. A health professional may prescribe medication including Coumadin and heart pump drugs administered intravenously. Aspirin can be bought at any local merchant or drug store. ACE inhibitors are also acquired for treatment.
For preventing heart disease, doctors recommend to quit smoking, manage cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Exercise and eating right should be used consecutively to maintain a healthy weight. Managing stress and anger contributes to symptoms of heart disease so these are to be paid close attention to. Diabetics are encouraged to manage their diabetes.
Source: www.web.md.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-ove rview-facts