HEART DISEASE

Overview

This is described as a range of conditions that affects the normal functioning of the heart. These diseases under the heart umbrella may include but are not limited to those affecting the blood vessels such as arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems), coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects (heart defects you are born with). 

The term heart disease can also be used interchangeably with cardiovascular diseases. These diseases generally refer to a condition which involves the narrowing of the blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, angina (chest pain) or stroke in extreme cases. The other heart conditions such as those affecting the heart’s muscles rhythm or valves are also considered as forms of heart diseases. 

Heart diseases can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Symptoms

The type of symptoms produced is totally dependent on the type of heart disease in the body. This may include; 

Symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels (atherosclerotic disease)

• Chest tightness, chest pain, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
• Pain in the jaw, neck pain, throat, back or upper abdomen 
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
• Shortness of breath

Heart disease symptoms caused by abnormal heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness
• Fainting (syncope) or near fainting
• Chest Fluttering 
• Lightheadedness
• Fast heartbeat known as tachycardia
• Shortness of breath
• Slowing heartbeat known as bradycardia

Heart disease symptoms caused by heart defects

• In an infant, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain
• Pale grey or bluish color (cyanosis)
• Swelling in the legs, abdomen or areas around both eyes

Heart disease symptoms caused by weak heart muscle (dilated cardiomyopathy)

• Breathlessness with exertion or at rest
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet

Heart disease symptoms caused by heart infections

• Changes in your heart rhythm
• A dry or a persistent cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rashes or unusual spots
• Swollen legs or abdomen
• Weakness or fatigue

Heart disease symptoms caused by valvular heart disease

• Chest pain
• Fainting (syncope)
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen feet or ankles

Causes

This varies based on the type of heart disease but on a general note they may be caused by one of the following factors. 

• A damage to the blood vessels
• Heart defects you are born with
• High blood pressure
• Smoking 
• Alcohol use
• Presence of other medical conditions such as diabetes
• Inflammation of the heart by bacteria, fungi or viruses. 

Diagnosis

This is carried out based on the presenting clinical signs. They may include;

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Halter monitoring 
• Stress test 
• Cardiac catheterization 

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Medical procedures or surgery

Prevention

This is mostly carried out by changing your lifestyle. This includes 

• Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
• Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Practice good hygiene
• Quit smoking
• Reduce and manage stress