Pathogenesis of Heart Disease

The American Heart Association lists coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. As of the year 2000, 13 million Americans suffered from some form of cardiac disorder. Diet, lifestyle and genetics play significant roles in the pathogenesis of heart disease

Identification

• There are three main conditions in which heart disease can develop. Arteriosclerosis is the most common pathogenesis, in which a slow deterioration of the heart takes place over time. Poor dietary habits coupled with minimal exercise are the conditions in which arteriosclerosis develops. Heart infections like rheumatic fever can also develop into heart disease, causing the heart muscle to weaken. Individuals who were born with a genetic heart defect are also at risk of contracting this condition.

Function

• The pathogenesis of heart disease begins when the arteries leading to the heart become blocked or clogged. A material called plaque accumulates in the artery passageways over time. Plaque is made up of excess cholesterol molecules that are carried by the blood. Eventually blockages within the arteries prevent the heart from receiving blood, and in turn deprive the heart of needed oxygen supplies. Plaque buildup also works to weaken vessel linings, which impairs their overall function and ability to move blood to the heart.

Arteriosclerosis

• Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries in the body become hardened. This happens as a result of plaque buildup along vessel walls. The vessels begin to thicken and become more narrow, thereby limiting the amount of blood that moves through. As a result, the heart has to work harder to move blood through the body. With time the heart muscle begins to weaken and can eventually break down. These conditions put a person at risk for heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump the amount of blood needed to maintain normal body functions. In cases where the arteries leading to the heart become hardened, blockages work to prevent the heart from receiving oxygenated blood. This condition puts a person at risk of having a heart attack.

Abnormal Heart Rhythms

• The heart muscle contains a network of electrical signals that play a part in how the heartbeat is maintained. These signals run from the upper quadrant down to the ventricles of the heart. In effect, they work to coordinate the rhythm of the heartbeat. Abnormal heart rhythms--also known as arrhythmias--may also develop within the pathogenesis of heart disease. Heart defects, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking are all conditions that can impair signal transmissions within the heart muscle.

Risk Factors

• While diet and exercise play an essential role in preventing heart disease, there are other risk factors involved. Individuals with a family history of heart problems are at greater risk of developing the symptoms associated with heart disease. People who smoke cigarettes on a regular basis are also at risk, as nicotine works to narrow blood vessel walls while carbon monoxide materials damage vessel wall linings. Individuals who experience high levels of stress on an ongoing basis are at risk, as well. Other physical disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity also predispose a person to developing heart disease.