Symptoms Heart Disease

Heart disease is a broad term that covers many different conditions that affect the heart. This includes, but is not limited to, coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, peripheral artery disease and arrhythmias, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of the wide array of diseases and conditions included under the "heart disease" umbrella, symptoms can vary. Following are some common types of heart disease, their conditions and symptoms.

Coronary Heart Disease

• This type of heart disease is the most common. It occurs when the arteries that lead to the heart become hardened and narrowed, usually because of the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque buildup is typically composed of deposits of cholesterol and fat. Too much buildup can block the flow of blood to the heart, leading to a heart attack. CHD can also weaken the heart and cause heart failure as well as arrhythmias. The most common symptom of CHD is chest pain, which occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood, according to the CDC. The CDC also states, "Coronary artery disease is the chief underlying cause of a heart attack."

Arrhythmias

• Arrhythmias are irregularities in the beating of the heart. According to the American Heart Association, they can cause minor discomfort or serious, life-threatening problems. Symptoms of arrhythmia are a fluttering feeling in the chest or a feeling that the heart has "skipped a beat." Symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition include fatigue, difficulty breathing, faintness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and collapse, according to the American Heart Association.

Peripheral Artery Disease

• This disease occurs when plaque builds up in arteries in other parts of the body, such as the legs or arms. The plaque buildup inhibits the flow of blood through these areas and can cause changes in coloration of the skin, pain, slow healing, decrease in body temperature of extremities, gangrene, numbness and swelling, according to the American Heart Association and CDC.

Heart Failure

• Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working completely. Rather, it means the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should. The body is not supplied with the blood it needs, resulting in fatigue and shortness of breath. According to the AHA, heart failure is often incurable and may require a heart transplant.

Congenital Heart Disease

• Those who have congenital heart disease were born with a heart defect. Types of congenital heart disease vary widely, and so do symptoms. According to the AHA, an estimated 36,000 children are born with congenital heart disease every year, and researchers have identified at least 35 different types of heart defects. This type of heart disease is not always immediately recognized at birth but may be diagnosed later in life.

Prevention/Solution

• There are many things people can do to lower their risk of developing heart disease, according to the CDC:

  -Maintain a healthy weight.
  -Eat a diet low in sodium and fat and rich in fruits and vegetables.
  -Exercise regularly.
  -Eliminate tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption.
  -Maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
  -Prevent and control diabetes.

  To help prevent congenital heart disease, women should not consume alcohol during pregnancy. Good prenatal care and diet can help prevent and detect congenital heart disease in newborns.