5 Common Heart Diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States. Similarly, in Pakistan, it is also widespread. According to research, 1 out of 4 adults has heart disease. Even the young and women are at equal risk of heart disease.

Heart disease can be fatal, but it can also be prevented in most people. By developing a healthy lifestyle at an early stage, you may be able to live longer with a healthier mind. However, if you have someone in your home who has heart disease or has suffered from a heart attack previously it is essential that you be prepared in case they may have another one. A good idea would be to get an AED device with WiFi capabilities which is easy for anyone to use when needed. In this article, I will discuss the 5 common heart diseases you should be aware of. 

5 Common Heart Diseases

Heart disease includes a variety of cardiovascular problems. Various illnesses and symptoms are under the umbrella of heart disease.

#1. Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Your heartbeat is too fast or too slow. 

Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Slow pulse
• Racing heartbeat or fluttering heart
• Faint
• Chest pain

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Causes:

• Coronary Artery Disease(CAD)
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Heart defects, including congenital heart disease
• Medicines, supplements, herbs
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
• Substance abuse disorder
• Stress and anxiety
• Existing heart disease or damage

#2. Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis decreases the blood supply to the limbs. As plaque builds up, veins become stiff and inflamed. It becomes difficult for blood to flow through the plaque to the rest of the body. This prevents you from getting the oxygen-rich blood that your organs and tissues need to function.

Symptoms:

• Chest pain or Angina
• Pain in legs, arms, and other areas where arteries are blocked
• Cramps in the buttocks when walking
• Fatigue
• Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
• The confusion that occurs when obstruction affects circulation to the brain
• Loss of motor or sensory function on one side of the body occurs when obstruction affects circulation to the brain.
• Leg weakness due to circulatory insufficiency

Causes:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• High triglyceride, a type of blood fat (lipid).
• Smoke and other tobacco sources
• Insulin resistance, obesity, or diabetes
• Inflammation of unknown cause
• Inflammation of diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

#3. Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is a heart problem that develops as the fetus grows. 

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Symptoms:

• Bluish skin
• Swelling of limbs
• Dyspnea
• Fatigue and low energy
• Irregular heartbeat

Causes:

Researchers do not know what causes most types of congenital heart disease. Some congenital heart diseases are transmitted from parents to children (hereditary)

This heart disease occurs while the baby is still developing in the womb. 

#4. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

CAD is the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood through the heart and lungs. 

Symptoms:

• Chest pain and discomfort
• Chest tightness and stiffness
• Dyspnea
• Nausea
• Indigestion and gas sensation

Causes:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes or insulin resistance
• Inactive lifestyle

#5. Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscles to grow larger and become strict, thick, or weak. 

Symptoms:

• Exhaustion
• Swelling
• Swollen legs, especially ankles and feet.
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid or pounding pulse

Causes:

• Long-term high blood pressure
• Heart tissue damage from a heart attack.
• Long-term fast heartbeat
• Heart valve problems
• Infection of Covid-19
• Certain infections, especially those that cause inflammation of the heart.
• Metabolic disorders
• Lack of essential or mineral vitamins in your diet, such as thiamine (Vitamin B-1)
• Complications of Pregnancy
• Iron accumulation in heart muscle (hemochromatosis)
• The growth of small pumps of inflammatory cells (granules) everywhere in your body, including your heart and lungs (sarcoidosis)
• The accumulation of abnormal proteins in organs (Amyloidosis).
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Use of cocaine, amphetamines, or anabolic steroids.
• Exposure to chemotherapy and radiation medication to treat cancer.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult a cardiologist in Karachi.

Preventive Measures

• Stop smoking
• Control your blood pressure
• Check your cholesterol
• Keep diabetes under control
• Exercise
• Eat healthy foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress
• Practice good hygiene

Treatment

The treatment you get depends on the type of heart disease you have. Heart disease cannot be cured or undone. It requires lifelong treatment and close monitoring. In general, treatment of heart disease usually includes:

Lifestyle changes:

• Eating a low-fat and sodium diet
• Exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol intake can decrease your risk of heart disease.

Medications:

If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, doctors may prescribe medications to control heart disease. The type of medicine you receive depends on the type of heart disease.

Medical procedure or surgery:

Many of the symptoms of heart disease can be alleviated by medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes. If these methods fail, coronary intervention or bypass surgery can be used.

Who to consult?

It is essential to manage your overall health right now before making a diagnosis. This is especially true if you have a family history of heart disease or a condition that increases your risk of heart disease.

Consult a Cardiologist in New Jersey (or wherever in the world it is you are) if you are experiencing heart disease symptoms or suspect that you have a risk factor for heart disease. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#1. What are the common causes of heart diseases?

• Family history
• Poor diet
• Smoking and Drinking
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Sugar

#2. What is Cardiac cough?

People mostly link coughs with respiratory issues and don’t think it to be a symptom of heart failure. That’s what a cardiac cough is. It is the most common symptom of CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

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#3. Which fruit is good for the heart?

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries

#4. Which type of food is not suitable for the heart?

• Fast food
• Deep-fried food
• Sugary Cereals
• Processed meats