HomeWhat is heart Disease & Common Heart Condition
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death globally, with more than 17 million deaths each year. Heart disease can take many forms, including:
Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or other serious complications.
Heart failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can result from a variety of conditions, including CAD, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can be fast, slow, or irregular. They can cause dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, and in severe cases, they can be life-threatening.
Valve disease: Valve disease occurs when the valves in the heart do not work properly, causing blood to flow back into the heart or not enough blood to flow out. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become enlarged, thickened, or weakened. This can lead to heart failure or other complications.
Some common symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness or fainting, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. However, some people with heart disease may not experience any symptoms.
To prevent heart disease, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress levels. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are also important to monitor your heart health and detect any potential problems early on.
If you experience any symptoms of heart disease or have a family history of heart disease, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine your risk factors and develop a plan to maintain your heart health.