Get to know some common cardiac diseases!
Common Heart Diseases
Common cardiac diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the heart’s structure and function, including coronary artery disease and valve disorders.
“Heart Health Matters: Confronting Cardiac Challenges Together.”
First Common Cardiac Disease!
Angina Or Heart Pain
Angina, or heart pain, is discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to narrowed coronary arteries. It feels like pressure, squeezing, or burning in the chest, sometimes radiating to the shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms. Angina is commonly triggered by physical exertion, stress, or heavy meals, as the heart needs more oxygen during these times. It’s usually relieved by rest or medication. While not a heart attack, angina signals an underlying heart problem that may lead to more serious conditions if untreated.
Second Common Cardiac Disease!
Coronary Artery
The coronary arteries are vital blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. They branch off from the aorta and encircle the heart like a crown, delivering blood to the heart’s tissues. There are two main coronary arteries: the left and right. The left coronary artery further divides into the left anterior descending and the circumflex arteries, supplying blood to the left side of the heart. The right coronary artery supplies the right side. Blockages in these arteries, often due to plaque buildup, can lead to coronary artery disease and increase the risk of heart attack.
Third Common Cardiac Disease!
Heart Attack
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, typically by a blood clot in a coronary artery. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing tissue damage. Symptoms include intense chest pain or pressure, pain in the arms, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. Immediate treatment is critical to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage, often involving medications or surgery. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Fourth Common Cardiac Disease!
Aortic Valve Disease
Aortic valve disease affects the valve between the heart’s left ventricle and the aorta, impacting blood flow to the body. It includes aortic stenosis (narrowing) and aortic regurgitation (leaking). Stenosis restricts blood flow, while regurgitation allows blood to flow backward, causing heart strain. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Diagnosis often involves echocardiograms, and treatments range from medications to valve repair or replacement, depending on severity.
Fifth Common Cardiac Disease!
Mitral Valve Disease
Angina, or heart pain, is discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to narrowed coronary arteries. It feels like pressure, squeezing, or burning in the chest, sometimes radiating to the shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms. Angina is commonly triggered by physical exertion, stress, or heavy meals, as the heart needs more oxygen during these times. It’s usually relieved by rest or medication. While not a heart attack, angina signals an underlying heart problem that may lead to more serious conditions if untreated.
Sixth Common Cardiac Disease!
Rheumatic
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition where rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease often following untreated strep throat, damages the heart valves. The body’s immune response to the infection mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing valve scarring, narrowing, or leaking. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart failure if untreated. Preventive care, including antibiotics for strep infections, helps reduce risks of developing this condition.
Seventh Common Cardiac Disease!
Tricuspid Valve Disease
Tricuspid valve disease affects the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle, regulating blood flow through the heart. It includes tricuspid stenosis (narrowing) and tricuspid regurgitation (leaking). Stenosis restricts blood flow, while regurgitation allows blood to leak backward, leading to swelling, fatigue, and liver congestion. Commonly diagnosed with echocardiograms, treatment may involve medications to relieve symptoms or, in severe cases, surgery to repair or replace the valve.
Eight Common Cardiac Disease!
Myocarditis
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, typically caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain toxins. This inflammation disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, myocarditis can cause heart failure or sudden death. Diagnosis often involves blood tests, ECG, MRI, or a biopsy. Treatment focuses on addressing the cause and reducing inflammation to protect heart function.
Improving the quality of your heart!
Are You Looking For a Cardiac
Consultation?
Our FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions?
01. What are the main causes of cardiac diseases?
Cardiac diseases are often caused by factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and family history.
03. What symptoms should I watch for with heart disease?
Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in legs or feet.
05. How is coronary artery disease different from a heart attack?
Coronary artery disease is the narrowing of arteries; a heart attack happens when an artery is blocked, stopping blood flow to the heart muscle.
07. What lifestyle changes can prevent heart disease?
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol are effective preventive steps.
09. What is the role of cholesterol in heart disease?
High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
02. How can I reduce my risk of a second heart attack?
Following medical advice, taking prescribed medications, making lifestyle changes, and attending cardiac rehab can help reduce the risk.
04. Can cardiac diseases be cured?
While many cardiac diseases are manageable with lifestyle changes and treatment, some may require lifelong management rather than a cure.
06. What tests diagnose cardiac diseases?
Tests to evaluate heart function and detect blockages include ECG, echocardiograms, stress tests, angiograms, and blood tests.
08. What is cardiac rehabilitation, and why is it important?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program that includes exercise, education, and counseling to help patients recover after heart surgery or a heart attack, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
10. What is the role of heart medications in managing cardiac diseases?
Medications like blood thinners, statins, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors help control symptoms, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and prevent complications in heart disease management.