Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns globally, accounting for 1 in 4 deaths per year in the United States alone, according to NCBI. Yet, many people don’t fully understand what heart disease is. It isn’t a single condition but a broad term used for several disorders that affect the heart’s functioning.
Learning about the different types of heart disease, their symptoms, and causes can help you take control of your heart health early and prevent health complications. Scroll down to know more.
What Is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a health condition that affects the structure and function of the heart, which may include the coronary arteries, rhythm, valves, and muscles. The heart is responsible for supporting blood flow and keeping your body running, so if the heart’s health is compromised, the entire body’s systems are affected.
Some of these diseases develop slowly over years, while others appear suddenly. Regardless of the type, early awareness is the best way of defence.
Major Types of Heart Diseases
There are many types of heart diseases, depending on the part of the heart at risk and the functions disrupted. Take a look:
1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
It is one of the most common and widely studied forms, occurring when plaque (fat deposits, cholesterol, and calcium) accumulates within arterial walls. Over time, this buildup impairs blood supply to the heart muscle. As a result of plaque buildup, these arteries narrow, reducing blood flow.
Common symptoms of CHD are:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Pain in the jaw, shoulder, or arm
2. Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
Arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals controlling your heartbeat don’t work correctly, making your heart beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly (atrial fibrillation). Arrhythmias can be harmless or life-threatening based on the severity.
3. Heart Valve Disease
The heart has four valves that direct blood in the correct direction. When these valves become too narrow (stenosis), too loose (regurgitation), or malformed, valve disease results.
If you have it, you’ll experience:
- Heart murmur
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the ankles and feet
- Shortness of breath
4. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become stiff, enlarged, or thickened, thereby impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. The three types are:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged, weakened chambers)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened muscle)
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiff muscle)\
5. Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease develops from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease which is often triggered by untreated throat infections. It is a serious condition, but it can be prevented if inflammation is managed promptly; otherwise, it can damage heart valves.
6. Congenital Heart Disease
This disease is caused by structural heart defects present at birth, which may cause abnormalities in the heart walls, valves, or major blood vessels. Although some defects are mild and go unnoticed until adulthood, others need immediate treatment after birth.
7. Heart Failure
Heart failure happens when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. However, this does not mean that the heart has stopped; it simply becomes weaker over time.
Read More: Spot the Signs: Understanding Types of Stroke
Common Symptoms of Heart Disease
Different types of diseases of the heart exhibit distinct signs. If you experience the following symptoms frequently, it’s a call to take action:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Neck pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Fever
- Dizziness or fainting
- Sudden fatigue
- Swelling in limbs
- Indigestion-like discomfort
Heart Disease Causes
Multiple factors are responsible for causing heart diseases, some of which can be controlled and prevented, while others cannot. Take a look:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes/high blood sugar levels
- Excess body weight
- Smoking and vaping
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet high in saturated fats
- Excessive stress
- Family history
- Ageing
Infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications can also cause heart-related complications.
Heart Disease Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the condition, but generally includes:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Eating heart-healthy foods
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing salt and saturated fat
- Managing stress
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
2. Medications
Doctors may prescribe drugs to control blood pressure, cholesterol, blood clots, or irregular heart rhythms. In cases of infection, antibiotics can help prevent inflammation.
3. Medical Procedures
Depending on the condition, medical procedures and treatments may be prescribed, such as:
- Angioplasty
- Bypass surgery
- Valve repair or replacement
- Pacemaker or ICD implantation
- Catheter-based procedures
4. Cardiac Rehabilitation
This structured program combines exercise, nutrition, and counselling, which are crucial for long-term recovery.
To Sum Up
The heart is a critical organ and exhibits numerous warning signs of disease that require timely attention. By identifying heart disease early, we can treat it well. If you are in doubt or experiencing any heart-related symptoms, it is best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Types of Heart Disease
Can a person live with heart disease?
Yes, many people with heart disease can live a long, active life if they follow their treatment plans, take medications, and make ideal lifestyle changes.
Does heart disease ever go away?
Most types of heart disease may not completely resolve and require lifelong management with appropriate care, medications, and healthy habits.
How to avoid a heart attack while sleeping?
To maintain heart health and avoid a heart attack while sleeping, manage your blood pressure, avoid heavy meals late at night, limit alcohol, get enough sleep, avoid stress, and follow your doctor’s advice.
Can walking reverse heart disease?
Walking and regular exercise are beneficial in improving heart health over time. These activities can also reduce the risk and severity of present heart disease, but may not fully reverse it.
