Most laymen club all kinds of cardiovascular diseases into one category, heart attack. But often we do not realise, that heart attacks are an end result of different types of heart diseases. Having a heart attack is an implication of heart diseases. But it is not a disease in itself.
The group of diseases that we call cardiovascular disorders is very large. The term 'cardiovascular' refers to both the heart and the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Any problem in either the heart or the arteries can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
It is important to know that there are different types of heart diseases that are caused for varied reasons. Some types of heart diseases are associated with blocked arteries. Having blocked arteries increases the pressure on the heart. Some types of heart diseases can also be caused by muscular problems. For example, if the muscles of the heart become weak, they are not able to pump enough blood. Some people are also born with heart diseases.
You may have heard that some babies have a hole in their heart. Such types of heart diseases are congenital. Here are some of the common types of heart diseases that you need to be aware of.
Coronary Artery Disease
This is the most common type of heart disease in which the walls of the artery are thickened due to accumulated fats. This cuts short the amount of blood that reaches the heart and increases blood pressure.
Trachycardia
Trachycardia is basically a medical term to describe increased heart rate. Palpitations and high heart rate can be caused due to a number of reasons like smoking, alcohol and stress.
Heart Muscle Disease
Sometimes, the muscles of the heart are weakened. Their function is thus slowed down and they are unable to pump blood at a sufficient rate to the body.
Heart Valve Disease
The heart has 4 valves. If one or more of the heart valves are not working properly, then it can lead to heart stroke or angina.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia is the medical term for slow heart rate. This happens when the heart muscles get tired. Pacemakers are installed in the heart to regularise the heart rate.
Blockage If accumulated fats and cholesterol blocks one of the main arteries or a part of the heart, then it can lead to heart attacks. The blockage has to be removed by angioplasty or open heart surgery.
Heart Failure
Heart failure often happens when the heart is unable to continue pumping blood and stops working. This could happen due to excessive blood loss, shock or even due to lung disorders.
Congenital Heart Diseases
Many babies are born with a weak heart or a hole in their heart. Such conditions can often be corrected by surgery, but not always.
Cerebrovascular Disorder
When there is a hindrance in the blood circulation from the heart to the brain, it is called the cerebrovascular disease. This type of heart disease is very dangerous because it can lead to massive cerebral strokes.
Angina
Angina is a medical word for describing pain and tightness around the chest. This basically means that your chest area is not getting enough oxygen. This is most often due to minor blockages in the heart or coronary arteries.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
A particular kind of bacterial infection in the childhood can cause affect the joints and the heart valves. The heart problems start appearing on adulthood. The only cure is often replacement of the heart valves with the help of surgery.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis basically means hardening of arteries. Arteries often get hardened due to deposition of plague, toxins and fats. This could lead to increased blood pressure and heart strokes.
Stress Related Disorder
Stress is one of the biggest enemies of your heart. Stress raises heartbeat and puts pressure on your heart that can instantly lead to heart attacks. Stress in itself can be called a heart disorder.
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