Heart disease is a term that covers a range of conditions that affect the heart, such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for about 17.9 million deaths per year.
There are a number of factors that can lead to heart disease, some of which can be changed and some of which cannot. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, diet, physical activity, stress, and blood pressure, are examples of modifiable factors. Factors that cannot be changed, such as age, gender, family history, and genetics, are non-modifiable.
Some of the common causes of heart disease are:
There is a buildup of fat deposits (plaques) in the arteries, which narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart, causing angina (chest pains), heart attacks, and strokes.
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat, which can be too fast, too slow, or irregular, and can cause palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or sudden cardiac arrest.
In valvular disease, one or more of the heart's valves are damaged, narrowed, or leaky, affecting the flow of blood. Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling can be caused by damaged, narrowed, or leaky valves, which can affect the heart's function.
Birth defects affecting the structure or function of the heart are known as congenital heart defects. Some of these defects are mild and don't cause any symptoms, while others require surgery or other interventions. Aortic coarctation, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot are the most common congenital heart defects.
The symptoms of heart disease can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms are:
Chest pain or discomfort (angina), which may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning in the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, or back. It may be triggered by physical or emotional stress, or occur at rest.
Shortness of breath, which may occur during exertion or at rest, or when lying down. It may be accompanied by wheezing, coughing, or a feeling of suffocation.
Palpitations, which are sensations of the heart beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly. They may feel like fluttering, skipping, pounding, or racing in the chest.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, which may occur due to a drop in blood pressure, a lack of oxygen to the brain, or an abnormal heart rhythm.
Fatigue, weakness, or reduced exercise tolerance, which may indicate that the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
Swelling (edema) of the ankles, legs, feet, abdomen, or hands, which may indicate that the heart is not pumping enough blood to remove excess fluid from the body.
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, which may occur due to a reduced blood flow to the digestive organs or a buildup of toxins in the body.
The diagnosis of heart disease is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests. Some of the tests that may be used are:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can detect abnormal heart rhythms, signs of a heart attack, or damage to the heart muscle.
Echocardiogram: This is a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. It can show the size, shape, and function of the heart, as well as the condition of the heart valves and chambers.
Chest X-ray: This is a test that uses radiation to create an image of the chest. It can show the size and shape of the heart, as well as the presence of fluid in the lungs or around the heart.
Blood tests: These are tests that measure the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and troponin. These substances can indicate the risk of heart disease, the presence of inflammation, or the extent of damage to the heart muscle.
Stress test: This is a test that measures the heart’s response to physical or chemical stress, such as exercise or medication. It can show how well the heart pumps blood, how much oxygen the heart needs, and if there are any blockages in the arteries.
Coronary angiogram: This is a test that uses a dye and a special X-ray machine to create a picture of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It can show the location and severity of any blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
The treatment of heart disease depends on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. Some of the common treatments are:
There are a number of medications that can be used to control symptoms, prevent complications, or improve heart function, including aspirin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, nitrates, statins, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics.
The heart or the vessels are operated on by making an incision in the chest. An example of a common surgery is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, pacemaker implantation, defibrillator implantation, and heart transplantation.
A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guided to the heart during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In order to restore blood flow to the heart, a balloon, stent, or other device is used to open up blocked or narrowed arteries.
A cardiac rehabilitation program involves education, counseling, exercise, and lifestyle modification to assist patients in recovering from a heart event, preventing further complications, and improving their quality of life.
The prevention of heart disease is based on reducing the risk factors that can cause or worsen the condition. Some of the preventive measures are:
Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, which can damage the lining of the arteries and increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, which can lower the blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, and prevent inflammation and oxidative stress.
Exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a combination of both, which can strengthen the heart, improve the blood circulation, and lower the blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI), which can reduce the strain on the heart and lower the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, which can lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, and improve the mood and mental health.
Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, which can prevent alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and hypertension.
Getting enough sleep and following a regular sleep schedule, which can prevent sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep disorders that can affect the heart function and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
Checking the blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels regularly and following the doctor’s advice on how to control them, which can prevent or delay the onset of heart disease or its complications.
Taking the prescribed medications as directed and following the doctor’s recommendations on how to manage the existing heart condition, which can prevent the worsening of the symptoms, reduce the risk of hospitalization, and improve the prognosis.
Everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, can be affected by heart disease, which is a serious and common condition. It is possible to protect and improve one's heart health and live a longer, happier life by understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart disease.
