Heart problems

Heart problems or cardiovascular diseases are a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular diseases include coronary artery disease (CAD), such as angina and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). Other CVDs include stroke, heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, carditis, aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, thromboembolic disease, and venous thrombosis.

Types of Heart Problems

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) 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

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. These defects can involve the interior walls of the heart, the valves inside the heart, and the arteries and veins that carry blood to the heart or the body.

Prevention

Prevention of heart problems involves improving risk factors through: healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of tobacco smoke and limiting alcohol intake. High blood pressure and diabetes mellitus can be controlled by medications and the risk of stroke can be reduced by the use of anticoagulants.

Treatment

Treatment of heart problems depends on the specific type. This can include lifestyle modifications, medication, medical procedures or surgery.

See Also

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular system
• Heart disease

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