Heart Disease

Heart Disease is a broad term that encompasses a variety of diseases and conditions affecting the heart. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide.

Types of Heart Disease

There are several types of heart disease, including:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common type of heart disease. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls.

• Heart failure: This doesn't mean the heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

• Arrhythmia: An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart. There are various types of arrhythmias. The heart can beat too slow, too fast or irregularly.

• Heart valve disease: The valves within the heart which keep blood flowing in the correct direction may become damaged or diseased and can stop working properly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart disease can vary depending on the specific type of heart disease a person has. However, common symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, and/or coldness in your extremities
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back

Prevention

While some risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, can't be controlled, others can be managed through lifestyle changes, including:

• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding tobacco
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Managing stress

Treatment

Treatment for heart disease can vary greatly depending on the specific type of heart disease. It can include lifestyle changes, medication, and possibly surgery.

See Also

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart attack

Heart Disease Resources
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