Etiology of Heart Disease

Heart disease is a term used to describe a broad range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic Web site. It is responsible for 40 percent of deaths in the U.S., more than all forms of cancer combined. Knowing the cause of heart disease is the first step to preventing or treating it.

Types

• Damage to the heart and blood vessels is caused by many factors and conditions. The most common include:
  - Atherosclerosis
  - Arteriosclerosis
  - Heart arrhythmias
  - Cardiomyopathy
  - Heart infections
  - Valvular heart diseases

Causes

• Heart disease is commonly caused by damage to the heart or blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis, or a buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. When this happens, the arteries are no longer able to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. Another of the most common causes of cardiovascular disease is called arteriosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries. Too much pressure in the arteries causes the walls to become thick and stiff, restricting blood flow to tissues and other organs. The risk of developing these conditions is elevated by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight and smoking.

  Causes of heart arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are genetic heart defects, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol use, drug abuse, stress and some medications.

  Cardiomyopathy is a thickening or enlarging of the heart, and its causes are unfortunately unknown. Another cause of heart disease, infection, is brought on by bacteria, viruses or parasites that reach the heart, medications that cause an allergic reaction or other diseases.

  There are many causes of valvular heart disease. A person can be born with valve damage or it can be caused by conditions like rheumatic fever, infections, connective tissue disorders, certain medications or radiation treatments for cancer.

Risk factors

• - Age: Simply getting older increases your risk of heart disease.
  - Gender: Men are generally at more of a risk, but the risk increases for women after menopause.
  - Family history: You are at more of a risk of your parents developed heart disease at a young age.
  - Smoking: Nicotine restricts blood vessels and carbon monoxide damages the inner lining of blood vessels, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis.

  Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity (lack of exercise and physical inactivity) and high stress, which damages arteries. Poor hygiene can increase risk of infection.

Prevention

• Genetic heart defects cannot be prevented, but certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk. These include not smoking, staying physically active, eating healthy and reducing and managing stress.

Treatments

• Depending on the cause of heart disease, treatments include medication, surgery, heart transplants and procedures using catheters.