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About Heart Disease

Heart disease is a broad term that includes any medical condition that affects the heart. Heart disease is common in men, women and children. If left untreated or undiagnosed, many heart conditions can lead to premature death. Hence, it's vital for everyone to identify the different forms of heart disease, recognize the symptoms and if necessary, seek medical treatment.

  1. Types

    • There are several different forms of heart disease. These include heart attack or cardiac arrest, which occurs when blood doesn't carry adequate oxygen to the heart. Congenital heart disease is a birth defect characterized by abnormal heart development, and coronary artery disease (CAD) is another common type of heart disease, which occurs when the small blood vessels begin to narrow. Other common types of heart diseases include arrhythmias, endocarditis, heart failure and heart tumor.

    Identification

    • Heart disease symptoms vary. However, some symptoms are present in most conditions. These include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, overall weakness and chest discomfort. Because doctors are unable to pinpoint the type of heart disease by evaluating symptoms, patients have to undergo a variety of medical examinations. Tests used to identify or diagnose heart diseases include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, a stress test, CT scan, chest X-ray or MRI.

    Considerations

    • Although heart disease appears to run in families, there are ways to lower your risk and keep your heart healthy. Moderate alcohol consumption (two drinks a day for men, one drink a day for women) can reduce your risk. Excessive drinking can lead to alcohol cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Other risk factors include smoking and obesity, which cause high blood pressure.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Establishing an exercise routine that consists of 30- to 60-minute workouts at least three times a week can shed excess pounds and lower your chances of developing heart disease. Adopt a healthy diet plan and limit your intake of high-fat, high-calorie and sugary foods. Drink alcohol in moderation and stop smoking. Also, heart diseases are treatable. Thus, it's important to schedule annual checkups and follow your doctor's recommendations.

    Expert Insight

    • Because heart disease can interfere with a person's ability to complete normal everyday activities, sufferers and their families may experience a range of feelings from depression to discouragement. Online and local support groups are available, which provide a forum for heart disease patients (and their families) to communicate with those in similar situations and express their concerns.

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