Heart Diseases - What Are the 7 Heart Diseases and What Can You Do to Stay Heart Healthy?

It is important to be heart healthy. Although the term may sound intimidating, it is not impossible to live a heart healthy life. Board-certified physicians at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic will help you understand the various heart diseases and what you can do to stay heart healthy. They will also help you make smart choices when it comes to your health care and lifestyle.

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by a buildup of substances on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, limiting the flow of blood to the heart muscle. This can cause a heart attack or angina. Depending on the severity of the disease, the patient may require surgery or lifestyle changes to prevent the arteries from narrowing further.

The plaque in the arteries may rupture or become completely blocked, obstructing the flow of blood. The blockage causes a heart attack or a stroke.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a complex disorder of the cardiovascular system, causing an increased blood pressure. It is one of the most common and modifiable risk factors for premature cardiovascular disease and death. It is associated with cardiac complications, including left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. Left ventricular hypertrophy causes an increased demand for oxygen by the myocardium, which can cause chest pain or angina. It can also disrupt the heart's conduction pathways, which can result in atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke.

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it often goes undetected until it becomes a problem. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke. It contributes to nearly half of all deaths due to heart disease.If you want any appointment click medical essential diagnostics

Ventricular septal defect

Although the exact causes of ventricular septal defect are still unknown, experts suspect that the condition is a result of errors made during the embryonic development of the heart. The heart is not developed with a septum to separate the two chambers, so it grows a muscular wall instead to split the lower chamber. When the muscle fails to form a solid wall, the defect results. It is a complex condition, with many contributing factors.

A VSD is a hole in the upper part of the ventricular septum. This hole causes the heart to pump extra blood to the right ventricle. This extra blood then passes through the pulmonary artery to reach the lungs. Most VSD holes occur in the membranous part of the septum, but the more serious type occurs in the muscle part.

Pulmonary stenosis

Pulmonary stenosis is a heart condition in which the pulmonary valve is narrowed and does not open properly. This prevents blood flow from the heart's right ventricle to the lungs. It can occur as a result of infections, rheumatic fever, or carcinoid syndrome. This condition is rare in adults and is more common in children and infants. Symptoms of pulmonary stenosis include fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.

Symptoms of pulmonary stenosis can include shortness of breath and cyanosis in children. Treatment for this heart condition includes surgery or pulmonary valve repair. Often, children with mild or moderate stenosis will be able to return to their usual activities. However, they should consult with their cardiologist before participating in physical activities or competing in sports.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare and debilitating condition of the heart that affects both men and women. It is typically found in people over 50. It can cause congestive heart failure and other heart problems. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get the right treatment for this condition. Often, patients will recover completely.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy does not have a standard treatment, but doctors may recommend certain medications to manage symptoms and support the recovery of the heart. For example, diuretics are sometimes prescribed to reduce fluid buildup in the heart. Some patients are also prescribed anticoagulants to prevent blood clots. Patients may need to undergo frequent echocardiograms in the weeks following their diagnosis.

Congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are birth defects of the heart that affect the heart's structure and function. They can range from relatively minor issues with no symptoms to severe issues that can result in lifelong health problems. An estimated 1 million children and adults are born with a heart defect, and treatments for these conditions have improved over the last few decades. Today, nearly all children with congenital heart disease survive to adulthood, though some may require constant care for the rest of their lives.

Aortic valve stenosis: This condition occurs when the aortic valve is not formed correctly. This can lead to poor blood flow and even lead to heart failure. Other common heart defects include hypoplastic left heart syndrome, atrial septal defect, and coarctation of the aorta.