Heart disease is a term covering any disorder of the heart. Unlike cardiovascular disease, which describes problems with the blood vessels and circulatory system as well as the heart, heart disease refers specifically to issues and deformities in the heart itself.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. One in every four deaths in the U.S occurs as a result of heart disease.
Fast Facts
- One in every four deaths in the U.S. is related to heart disease.
- Coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction are common examples.
- Heart disease can be treated with medications or surgical procedures.
- Stopping smoking and regular exercise can greatly reduce risk.
Types of Heart Disease
There are many different types of heart disease that affect the heart in different ways. These include:
Congenital Heart Disease
A general term for deformities present from birth, including:
- Septal defects — holes between heart chambers.
- Obstruction defects — blocked blood flow within the heart.
- Cyanotic heart disease — causes low oxygen supply in the body.
Arrhythmia
An irregular heartbeat caused by malfunctioning electrical impulses in the heart.
Types include:
- Tachycardia — heart beats too fast.
- Bradycardia — heart beats too slowly.
- Premature ventricular contractions — abnormal extra beats.
- Fibrillation — irregular and chaotic heartbeat.
Coronary Artery Disease
Caused by plaque buildup that narrows coronary arteries, reducing oxygen supply to the heart.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Heart chambers become enlarged and weakened, often due to long-term oxygen deficiency.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging heart tissue.
Heart Failure
The heart becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively.
Other Types
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Mitral regurgitation
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Pulmonary stenosis
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the heart condition, but common signs include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or sweating
Causes
Heart disease can be caused by damage to the heart, poor blood supply, lifestyle habits, or genetic factors.
- High blood pressure & cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Poor diet
- Age
- Lack of physical activity
Treatment
Medication
Common medicines include:
- Statins
- Aspirin or blood thinners
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
Surgery
Surgical procedures may include angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve repair, pacemakers, or heart transplants.
Prevention
- Eat a balanced, low-fat, high-fiber diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Control diabetes and blood pressure.