Heart Disease Causes and Symptoms

 

Understanding Heart Disease: Causes and Symptoms

 

When we hear about heart disease, the first thought that comes to our mind is “heart attack.” It is true that heart attacks are the most common type of heart disease in people, but they can’t just happen to one person.

In medical terms, heart diseases are called “heart diseases.” But to keep it simple, we like to call them heart conditions. Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect our heart. It includes all diseases of the heart and circulation, including diseases of the blood vessels such as coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, stroke, and congenital heart defects, which are heart defects that a person is born with.

 

Why does heart disease occur?

Heart disease can occur when arteries gradually become narrowed due to atheroma. Fatty material inside the walls of the arteries. Over time, the arteries become so narrow that they cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can cause "angina"; which is chest pain or discomfort.

If a piece of atheroma breaks off in the arteries, it leads to the formation of a blood clot. This blood clot can block a coronary artery and reduce the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle and can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle. This is known as a "heart attack."

If a blood clot blocks an artery that carries blood to your brain, it can cut off the blood supply to part of the brain and is then called a "heart stroke."

 

Can you recognize heart disease?

Unfortunately, most people don't know they have heart disease until they have it. But there are some warning signs that can indicate heart disease and, if treated early, can help prevent the condition from becoming more serious.

Although the symptoms of heart disease may not be the same for everyone, there is a common set of symptoms that many people with heart disease experience. Since it is always better to recognize a health problem in its early stages and get treatment early, it is important to know the warning signs of heart disease and take appropriate action as soon as possible. Warning signs of heart disease include:

 

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is often mistaken for a problem with the lungs or respiratory system. But no, our breathing and the heart pumping blood efficiently are closely related.

When the heart can't pump blood as well as it should, blood backs up in the veins that lead from the lungs to the heart.

This causes fluid to build up in the lungs and causes shortness of breath. This is one of the symptoms of heart failure. Shortness of breath can occur during activity, while resting, and when lying on your back, which can also wake you up from sleep.

 

Chest pain or discomfort

Most people who have a heart attack experience it. Chest pain or discomfort? Chest pain is a common symptom of a heart attack. But it's important to understand that not every heart attack causes chest pain. Some people may feel pain, and some may feel a tightness or squeezing in the chest. Chest pain and discomfort can be a sign that the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen.

 

Coughing or wheezing

People who have a cough or wheezing that doesn't go away may have heart disease. This persistent cough or wheezing can be caused by fluid buildup in the lungs. And people may cough up mucus that is pink or bloody.

 

Swelling

Swelling in the lower legs can indicate a heart problem. When the heart isn't working well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins of the legs.

This can cause fluid to accumulate in the tissues and cause swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. There may also be swelling in the abdomen and some weight gain.

 

Other symptoms

Apart from these symptoms, there are some other symptoms that can indicate heart disease.

Other symptoms include fainting or loss of consciousness, dizziness, nausea, indigestion, vomiting, excessive sweating and palpitations, which means your heart is beating too fast or irregularly.

If you notice any of these symptoms consistently in your daily life, it is best to take immediate action and find out the reason behind the symptoms.

Recognizing the warning signs of heart disease and getting them treated early can prevent serious damage to your heart.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the most common heart diseases?

The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD). It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or hardened due to the buildup of plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that come from the blood. This buildup of plaque is also called atherosclerosis.

What are the 4 types of heart disease?

The four most common types of heart disease are coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, and heart failure.

Can heart disease be cured?

Unfortunately, research suggests that heart disease cannot be “cured.” However, it can usually be well managed with a combination of medical and lifestyle interventions. Many people with heart disease live long, meaningful, active, and independent lives with appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Chest pain, aching, weakness or numbness in the legs or arms, shortness of breath, a very fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, fatigue, and swollen limbs are symptoms of heart disease.

What causes heart disease?

An unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol are the most important behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Individuals may experience high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high blood lipids, and being overweight or obese as a result of behavioral risk factors.

What is the most harmful to the heart?

According to hard data, five harmful habits herald the arrival of heart disease. These five factors are smoking, inactivity, being overweight, poor eating habits, and excessive alcohol consumption. They both set the stage for and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, which damages the arteries.