Heart diseases, also known as cardiovascular disease, can encompass a range of issues surrounding the heart, its blood vessels and arteries. Recognising the different types of heart diseases, their causes and contributing factors is necessary to keep you healthy in the long run, and reduce cardiac complications later.
There are many types of heart disease, here we explore four of the most common types of heart issues that lower quality of life and can lead to devastating consequences for patients.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart Disease, or CAD occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of a waxy plaque, a substance consisting of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. It can lead to chest pain and heart attacks if left untreated.
Heart Failure
Another disease that CAD can lead to, heart failure occurs when the heart stops pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms of heart failure include an inability to breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and abdomen, and a difficulty exercising.
Valvular Heart Disease
This occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves get damaged or start malfunctioning. For example, aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, obstructing blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Valvular heart diseases can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and even sudden cardiac death. However, minimally invasive procedures like the TAVR (TransCatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) can help alleviate symptoms of valvular heart diseases like aortic stenosis.
Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias occur when the heart beats irregularly, and instead starts beating extremely fast (tachycardia) or extremely slow (bradycardia). Some arrhythmias are harmless, like those caused by nervousness or excitement, or when the heart calms during sleep. However, when there is a constant feeling of fluttering, pounding or racing in the chest, lightheadedness, and fainting, seek immediate medical advice.
Since all these issues have similar symptoms, it is important to keep in mind the causes of these diseases. While we know the general causes, like smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle, we must also look at the other, more unknown causes like atherosclerosis.
What Is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, as a major cause of these diseases. Hypertension, or high blood pressure is also a leading risk factor in heart disease. Hypertension increases the load of work on the heart, and does not only lead to cardiovascular issues, but also issues in other parts of the body like kidney disease and stroke.
Diabetes
Additionally, if one is diagnosed with diabetes, especially Type 2, they are at increased risk of heart disease. Due to factors like insulin resistance, inflammation, and dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol levels), Type 2 diabetics need to manage their diabetes and keep their overall health also in check.
Family History or Genetics
Lastly, while we cannot control our family history and genetics, it is important to note the kind of diseases that have run in the family, and take extra precautions to note the predispositions to heart concerns.
Recognising the causes of the different types of heart disease are essential for promoting a healthy heart and awareness of the same. Medical professionals encourage their patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise to protect their hearts and improve overall health and well-being. Being aware of, and listening to your own body can also often be the most effective way to pinpoint diseases and illnesses.
The above article is written by Dr Ravinder Singh Rao, MD DM FACC, Interventional Structural Cardiologist.
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