The Right Definition Of Heart Disease
The Right Definition Of Heart Disease
Introduction
Did you know that the Mediterranean diet, Pritikin program and Ornish program have something in common. These are either studies or holistic approaches to reduce risk of adverse events in heart patients. Read on to understand more about approaches that will help one make considerable progress in tackling heart disease. Before that, let us first understand more about the definition of heart disease to get a better idea.
Important Information About Heart Disease That Should Not Be Ignored
For a proper definition of heart disease, it is necessary to be aware of important information. The term refers to various conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and its structure. Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally. The type that is most common is coronary artery disease, when the arteries delivering blood to the heart are either narrowed or blocked.
The different types of heart disease include:
- Coronary artery disease – due to narrowed arteries affecting flow of blood to the heart.
- Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction – damage to the heart muscle due to blocked arteries.
- Heart failure – when the heart is too weak to pump blood.
- Arrhythmia – due to irregular heartbeats.
- Valvular heart disease – due to damage to the heart valves.
- Congenital heart disease – defects in the heart from birth.
Heart Disease - Introduction To Risks
As part of the definition of heart disease here is a quick introduction to the risks from the condition. This is a major health concern and linked to multiple risk factors. Awareness of the risks helps in adopting the right preventive measures, and to ensure timely treatment. This will avoid adverse complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Risks are broadly divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Modifiable risks refer to lifestyle, while non-modifiable risks are issues such as age and genetics. While it is not possible to reverse all risks, it is possible to lower the risks by managing modifiable risks.
It is important to identify and address risk factors, such as diet, exercise, and treat chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Early interventions and modifications to lifestyle can considerably delay the development of heart disease.
What Is The Symptoms Of Heart Disease?
Symptoms of heart disease differ, based on the nature and severity of the condition. Let us understand more about the symptoms, in continuation of getting a clear definition of heart disease. Some patients are likely to experience clear symptoms while some experience silent or mild symptoms. This may often remain unnoticed until an adverse event.
Common symptoms of coronary artery disease
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back.
- Unexplained tiredness.
- Feelings of nausea.
- Breaking into a cold sweat.
Common symptoms of a heart attack
- Severe pain or pressure in the chest.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Breaking into a cold sweat.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sudden dizzy feelings.
- Pain in the jaw or back.
Common symptoms of Heart Failure
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling in the legs.
- Overall fatigue.
- Irregular heartbeats.
- Coughing/wheezing.
- Sudden weight gain.
What Heart Disease Means To Women Above 50?
Women above the age of 50, classified as postmenopausal women have increased risk. As part of definition of heart disease here is more information about this. Menopause causes changes in hormones, such as a decline in estrogen.
- Estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels, as it maintains flexibility, and prevents buildup of plaque. Post menopause, due to the reduced estrogen levels, the arteries turn stiffer and are more susceptible to blockages.
- Postmenopausal women also experience weight gain around the abdomen, increasing the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. All of these conditions contribute to heart disease.
- Advancing age causes the arteries to narrow, and blood vessels have lessened elastic quality, increasing the possibility of coronary artery disease.
Is There A Classification Of Heart Disease?
The classification of heart diseases will complete the definition of heart disease. A wide range of conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and changes in structure cause different heart conditions. The various types of heart diseases, categorized by underlying causes are listed below:
- Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease – when the coronary arteries are either narrowed or blocked as a result of buildup of plaque. Known as atherosclerosis, this reduces flow of blood to the heart muscle.
- Heart failure – when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood, due to weakened heart muscles or stiffness.
- Arrhythmias – these heart rhythm disorders occur due to problems with the heart’s electrical system, resulting in irregular heartbeat.
- Valvular heart disease – when the heart’s valves are damaged or do not function as required.
- Congenital Heart Disease – structural heart defects from birth, that affect flow of blood through the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy –affects the heart muscles, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood.
- Pericardial disease – due to inflammation or fluid buildup in the pericardium. This is a sac surrounding the heart, and the fluid buildup causes heart problems.
- Rheumatic heart disease – arising due to untreated or poorly treated rheumatic fever, from streptococcal infections. This condition causes permanent damage to the heart valves.
- Aortic disease – affects the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the body.
- Ischemic heart disease – due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle, mainly by coronary artery disease.
- Pulmonary heart disease – when high blood pressure in the lungs causes enlargement or failure of the right side of the heart.
- Inflammatory heart disease – due to inflammation of the heart tissues.
How Can Genetic Testing Help?
Genetic testing can help detect conditions that are known as the genetic component of heart disease. For instance, certain conditions are genetically inherited, and certain conditions are congenital. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamilnadu offer individuals the options of analysing blood or saliva samples for a comprehensive report. This is then analysed to indicate any future or lifetime risk of heart disease.
Related Blogs :
Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).