what is a disease that affects the heart and its current treatment

What are the diseases that affect the heart?

Diseases and conditions that affect the heart include: angina, a type of chest pain that occurs due to decreased blood flow into the heart arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm congenital heart disease, in which a problem with heart function or structure is present from birth

What is cardiorespiratory disease?

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels of your body. These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and /or blood vessels.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease. It develops when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged with plaque. This causes them to harden and narrow.

What are the different types of cardiovascular diseases?

There are many different types of cardiovascular diseases including but not limited to: Arrhythmia: Problem with the electrical conduction system of your heart which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or heart rates.

What are the diseases that affect the heart?

Heart Disease: Types, Causes, and SymptomsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD)Heart Arrhythmias.Heart Failure.Heart Valve Disease.Pericardial Disease.Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Disease)Congenital Heart Disease.

What is the current treatment for heart conditions?

In general, treatment for heart disease usually includes: Lifestyle changes. You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications.

What are the top 5 heart diseases?

A List of Cardiovascular Diseases: The 5 Most CommonHeart Attack. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, usually tops the list of cardiovascular diseases in the United States — statistically and anecdotally. ... Stroke. ... Heart Failure. ... Arrhythmia. ... Heart Valve Complications.

What are 5 treatments for heart disease?

MedicinesBlood-thinning medicines. ... Statins. ... Beta blockers. ... Nitrates. ... Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ... Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) ... Calcium channel blockers. ... Diuretics.

What is the most common heart disease?

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow or harden from the build-up of plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood. This plaque build-up is also known as atherosclerosis.

What are 4 types of heart disease?

4 of the main types are described on this page.Coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is blocked or reduced. ... Strokes and TIAs. ... Peripheral arterial disease. ... Aortic disease.

What are the 6 types of heart disease?

Six types of heart diseaseCoronary artery disease or CAD. CAD is the most common form of heart disease. ... Heart attack or myocardial infarction. ... Heart failure, otherwise known as congestive heart failure. ... Heart valve disease. ... Heart muscle disease or cardiomyopathy. ... Abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmia.

What are the top 10 cardiovascular diseases?

What Are Cardiovascular Diseases?Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias.Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome.Congenital heart disease.Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries)Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.Heart attack.Heart failure.Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)More items...•

Can a person live without a heart?

A device called the Total Artificial Heart helps some of the sickest heart-failure patients regain function — outside of the hospital — while awaiting a transplant.

What are the 4 treatments for coronary heart disease?

Treatment for coronary artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes such as not smoking, eating healthy and exercising more. Sometimes, medications and procedures are needed....TreatmentCholesterol drugs. ... Aspirin. ... Beta blockers. ... Calcium channel blockers.More items...•

What is considered heart disease?

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack.

What is vascular disease?

These include diseases of the arteries that go to your legs (peripheral vascular disease) and slow blood flow to your brain, causing strokes.

What is the term for a person's heart muscle?

Cardiomyopathies. This is the term for diseases of the heart muscle. They’re sometimes simply called enlarged heart. People with these conditions have hearts that are unusually big, thick, or stiff. Their hearts can’t pump blood as well as they should. Without treatment, cardiomyopathies get worse.

What causes the aorta to widen?

These two conditions can cause the aorta to widen or tear. This raises the chance of things like: Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) High blood pressure.

What kind of doctor do you need for aorta disease?

If you have aorta disease, you’ll need a team of specialists and surgeons to take part in your treatment.

What is the leading cause of death in the U.S.?

Stroke. Vascular disease (blood vessel disease) Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s important to learn about your heart to help prevent it. If you have it, you can live a healthier, more active life by learning about your disease and taking care of yourself.

Why is it important to learn about your heart?

If you have it, you can live a healthier, more active life by learning about your disease and taking care of yourself. Types of cardiovascular disease can have various causes, so it’s important to know the difference.

Why do strokes happen?

A stroke can happen because of a blocked artery or a leaking or burst blood vessel. It needs immediate treatment to limit brain damage and other complications.

How to treat heart disease?

You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications.

How to reduce risk of heart disease?

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications. Control your blood pressure. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure measurement at least every two years.

What tests are needed to diagnose heart disease?

The tests you'll need to diagnose your heart disease depend on what condition your doctor thinks you might have. Besides blood tests and a chest X-ray, tests to diagnose heart disease can include: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG is a quick and painless test that records the electrical signals in your heart.

How to help a heart attack?

Here are some ways to help cope with heart disease or improve your condition: Cardiac rehabilitation. For people who have cardiovascular disease that's caused a heart attack or has required surgery to correct, cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended as a way to improve treatment and speed recovery.

How much BMI should I have to be to prevent heart disease?

Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. A body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 and a waist circumference of 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) or less is the goal for preventing and treating heart disease.

How to control blood pressure and cholesterol?

Eat healthy foods. A heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar — can help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease.

What is the best blood pressure for a person with heart disease?

Optimal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, as measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Check your cholesterol.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

As the condition worsens, symptoms may include: Breathlessness with activity or at rest. Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet. Fatigue.

What is the most common cause of heart failure?

One of the most common complications of heart disease, heart failure occurs when your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Heart failure can result from many forms of heart disease, including heart defects, cardiovascular disease, valvular heart disease, heart infections or cardiomyopathy.

What causes the left ventricle to widen?

The condition usually causes the left ventricle to widen. Dilated cardiomyopathy may be caused by reduced blood flow to the heart (ischemic heart disease) resulting from damage after a heart attack, infections, toxins and certain drugs, including those used to treat cancer. It may also be inherited from a parent.

What causes a brain to die within a few minutes?

Stroke. The risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease can also lead to an ischemic stroke, which happens when the arteries to your brain are narrowed or blocked so that too little blood reaches your brain. A stroke is a medical emergency — brain tissue begins to die within just a few minutes of a stroke.

Why does hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop over time?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This type usually is passed down through families (inherited). It can also develop over time because of high blood pressure or aging.

How many chambers does the heart have?

A normal heart has two upper and two lower chambers. The upper chambers, the right and left atria, receive incoming blood. The lower chambers, the more muscular right and left ventricles, pump blood out of your heart. The heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are gates at the chamber openings.

What are the symptoms of a woman's chest?

Women are more likely to have other signs and symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue. Signs and symptoms can include: Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.

What is the term for a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels of the body?

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels of your body. These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and /or blood vessels. A person may be symptomatic (physically experience the disease) or be asymptomatic (not feel anything at all).

How does cardiovascular disease affect the body?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the heart and blood vessels. Almost half of all adults in the U.S. have at least one form of heart disease. You may make lifestyle changes to manage cardiovascular disease or your healthcare provider may prescribe medications. The sooner you detect cardiovascular disease, the easier it is to treat.

What causes cardiovascular disease?

The causes of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the specific type of cardiovascular disease. For example, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) causes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. Coronary artery disease, scarring of the heart muscle, genetic problems or medications can cause arrhythmias. Aging, infections and rheumatic disease can cause valve disease.

What is the problem with the heart valves?

Valve disease: Problem with the heart valves (structures that allow blood to flow from one chamber to another chamber or blood vessel), such as valve tightening or leaking. Coronary artery disease: Problem with the blood vessels of the heart, such as blockages. Heart failure: Problem with heart pumping/relaxing functions, ...

What are the different types of cardiovascular diseases?

There are many different types of cardiovascular diseases including but not limited to: Arrhythmia: Problem with the electrical conduction system of the heart which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms or heart rates. Valve disease: Problem with the heart valves (structures that allow blood to flow from one chamber to another chamber ...

What are the different types of heart problems?

Congenital heart disease: Heart problem that a person is born with, which can affect different parts of the heart. Pericardial disease: Problem with the lining of the heart, including pericarditis and pericardial effusion. Cerebrovascular disease : Problem with the blood vessels that deliver blood to the brain, such as narrowing or blockages.

What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations (heart pounding or racing). Pain or numbness in your legs or arms. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. It is important to note that women or elderly persons may have more subtle symptoms, but still have serious cardiovascular disease.

What is heart disease?

The phrase "heart disease" is an umbrella term that refers to a number of diseases and conditions that negatively impact the cardiovascular system, which controls the flow of blood throughout the body. Some of these specific conditions include: Coronary artery disease – a disease of the blood vessels.

How does a heart attack affect the body?

Any heart attack, including one you might not even know you had, can inflict damage on the heart because the flow of blood is blocked to the muscle tissue, potentially starving it of oxygen. Damage sustained during a heart attack may be difficult or impossible to repair later, so it's important to stay aware of your health and talk to your doctor about any changes. "The most important thing an individual can do is to know yourself and understand risk factors," says Dr. Ali Rahimi, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente Atlanta. " Never let a symptom get old. If something is different, let your doctor know. If you used to be able to go up and down stairs easily and now you can't, let your doctor know. If you have new shortness of breath or chest pain with exertion, you should let your doctor know."

How long does a Holter monitor last?

Holter monitoring. The Holter monitor is a portable device that continually records your heart's electrical activity, usually for 24 to 72 hours, to detect heart rhythm problems that might not show up during a shorter ECG.

What is the condition called when the arteries harden?

This condition, known as atherosclerosis, is also known as hardening of the arteries. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports this problematic plaque is "made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.".

How to stay healthy after a heart attack?

Exercising. Being physically active is important for helping your heart stay healthy across your lifetime. Even after a heart attack, it's important to move as much as your doctor advises to help build your strength back up and boost your cardiac health. Low-impact exercises such as brisk walking, swimming and cycling can all help boost cardiac health when you engage in them for at least 30 minutes a day, five or more times a week, the American Heart Association reports. "You don't have to run the New York City Marathon," Goldberg says. Simply meeting that AHA level of activity is enough to gain a benefit. The key is to elevate your heart rate to between 50 and 85 percent of your maximum heart rate during that time. You can calculate your maximum heart rate with the American Cancer Society's online heart rate calculator.

What happens when plaque hardens?

Ultimately, this narrowing of the passageways can lead to a heart attack, stroke or even death. Hypertension – high blood pressure.

What does it feel like to have a heart attack?

Many patients who've had a heart attack report feeling like there's an elephant on their chest – a weighty pressure, squeezing, or fullness and an inability to catch their breath. If these symptoms last just a few seconds, it's probably not a heart attack.

What is the name of the disease that affects the arteries that feed the heart muscle?

coronary artery disease, which affects the arteries that feed the heart muscle. heart attack, or a sudden blockage to the heart’s blood flow and oxygen supply. heart failure, wherein the heart cannot contract or relax normally.

What is the name of the condition that causes chest pain?

angina, a type of chest pain that occurs due to decreased blood flow into the heart. arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm. congenital heart disease, in which a problem with heart function or structure is present from birth. coronary artery disease, which affects the arteries that feed the heart muscle.

How many people will die from CVD in 2030?

The WHO estimate that by 2030, 23.6 million people will die from CVD conditions annually — mostly due to stroke and heart disease.

What is the most common cause of death in the world?

Statistics. The cardiovascular, or circulatory, system supplies the body with blood. It consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. CVD is now the most common cause of death. Trusted Source. worldwide. However, there are many ways to reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

How do you know if you have an underlying cardiovascular disease?

However, typical symptoms of an underlying cardiovascular issue include: pain or pressure in the chest, which may indicate angina. pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back. shortness of breath. nausea and fatigue. lightheadedness or dizziness.

What causes arteries to narrow?

Vascular diseases affect the arteries, veins, or capillaries throughout the body and around the heart. They include: peripheral artery disease, which causes arteries to become narrow and reduces blood flow to the limbs. aneurysm, a bulge or enlargement in an artery that can rupture and bleed.

What disease can cause high blood pressure?

atherosclerosis, in which plaque forms along the walls of blood vessels, narrowing them and restricting the flow of oxygen rich blood. renal artery disease, which affects the flow of blood to and from the kidneys and can lead to high blood pressure.

What factors play a role in heart disease?

Know that your family history and genetic factors likely play some role in your risk for heart disease.

What is the connection between mental health disorders and heart disease?

These effects can arise both directly, through biological pathways, and indirectly, through risky health behaviors. 5

What groups have higher rates of heart disease from mental health disorders?

Specific populations , such as the following, show higher rates of heart disease as a result of pre-existing mental health disorders:

What can be done for people with mental health disorders?

Addressing mental health disorders early by providing access to appropriate services and support to increase healthy behaviors (e.g., increased physical activity, improved diet quality, and reduced smoking) can reduce someone’s risk of experiencing a heart disease event. 13,15,17,19,28,38-40

Why are veterans at a higher risk for heart disease?

Veterans. Studies found that veterans are at a higher risk for heart disease, mainly due to PTSD as a result of combat. 22-26

What are the two types of mood disorders?

More Information. Mood Disorders: People living with mood disorders, such as major depression or bipolar disorder, find that their mood affects both psychological and mental well-being nearly every day for most of the day. Anxiety Disorders: People respond to certain objects or situations with fear, dread, or terror.

What is mental health?

Mental health is an important part of overall health and refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health involves how we think, feel, act, and make choices.

What are the factors that affect the heart?

Here are eight factors than can affect the heart and what to do about them: 1. Cholesterol. What to know: "Bad" LDL cholesterol can clog up the arteries that feed your heart and brain – and increase heart attack and stroke risk. "Good" HDL cholesterol can help eliminate the bad, but only to an extent.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is defined as a reading of 130 or higher for the top number, or 80 or higher for the bottom number. Make sure to take measurements regularly to detect patterns and recognize when numbers creep up. 5. Blood glucose level.

How to lower LDL cholesterol?

Switching to a low-fat diet can help lower LDL cholesterol. Getting more regular exercise can elevate levels of good HDL. 2. Resting heart rate. What to know: Lower is better. For most people, a resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered normal.

Why is high blood pressure considered a silent killer?

What to know: High blood pressure, or hypertension, often is called the "silent killer" because it usually lacks obvious symptoms. Nearly half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, yet many people are unaware. When left uncontrolled, it is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Does getting into shape lower your heart rate?

Getting into better shape can not only lower your resting heart rate, it could help save your life: Studies have shown a higher rate is associated with higher risk for death, even among people who don't have traditional heart disease risk factors.

Does AFIB cause shortness of breath?

Left untreated, it doubles the risk for heart-related death and has a fivefold increased risk for stroke. What to do: If you recognize the common AFib symptoms – including weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat – see your doctor.

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• Heart disease can be improved — or even prevented — by making certain lifestyle changes. The following changes can help anyone who wants to improve heart health: 1. Stop smoking.Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications. 2. Contro...

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