Heart disease is not just a single medical issue, but rather a group of related heart conditions. Coronary artery disease, which causes plaque to accumulate within the vessels and block blood flow to the heart, is the most common form. It can eventually lead to other conditions, such as chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, and heart failure. Other heart disorders include cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, and congenital heart defects.
It’s sometimes possible to prevent certain heart diseases by making good lifestyle choices. And when heart disease can’t be fully prevented, it can usually be effectively managed via medication and healthy living.
Symptoms of heart disease depend on the specific form a person experiences. With coronary artery disease, symptoms can include:
An irregular heart rhythm has some of the same symptoms as coronary artery disease, as well as:
Cardiomyopathy symptoms typically don’t present until the condition has worsened. At that point, a person may be unable to draw a breath, feel faint or lightheaded, experience a rapid heartbeat, and have swelling in the lower extremities. Any instance of chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention.
There are many factors that can increase the risk of heart disease. Untreated high blood pressure is a major contributor, as it can cause the arterial walls to become thicker over time, thereby decreasing blood flow. High cholesterol levels are another significant concern, as they contribute to plaque build-up within the blood vessels.
Poor lifestyle choices can also increase a person’s risk of experiencing a heart issue at some point in their lives. People who lead sedentary lifestyles and consume large portions of high-calorie foods are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These choices make it more likely that the person will become overweight or obese, which is another risk factor. People who smoke, as well as those who are exposed to smoke second-hand, also have a greater chance of arterial damage and plaque build-up in the blood vessels.
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In addition to blood tests, diagnostic testing also helps medical professionals detect heart disease and any damage it may have caused. Electrocardiograms are used to diagnose issues with how quickly or slowly a heart beats, while an echocardiogram can create an image of the heart and its different components using soundwaves. A doctor may also ask the patient to wear a Holter monitor (type of cardiac monitor), which evaluates the heart’s function while a person is going about their daily life.
Most doctors take a conservative approach to heart disease, which entails making certain lifestyle choices. Eating right, participating in regular physical activity, and managing other health conditions can have a positive impact. Doctors also advise patients to stop smoking and limit their consumption of alcohol.
When symptoms are more serious or the conservative approach is not effective, doctors will then recommend medication and/or surgery. The type of surgery is based on the specific condition you’re experiencing. For instance, bypass surgery alleviates blockages in the arteries to ensure sufficient flow of blood to the heart. Doctors can also treat irregular heart rhythms using a pacemaker or an internal defibrillator.