Lists of Heart Disease
Heart Disease refers to any disease that affects the heart. The heart is a major organ made up of mainly muscle and blood vessels that pumps blood everywhere in the body. Because the heart is a vital organ heart disease is often dangerous to the complete health and well being of the afflicted individual. Heart disease is a well established cause of death in many western countries and is said to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease is the most prevalent manifestation of the disease and has been deduced to be responsible for as much as 70% of deaths per year. Research that has been performed on diseases of the heart have deduced that lowering bad cholesterol and lessening high blood pressure can significantly lessen the likelihood of developing heart disease. The types of heart disease include: ischaemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory heart disease and heart failure. For most or all types of heart disease medical intervention, emergency treatment and lifestyle alterations are essential. Heart disease can be asymptomatic meaning an individual may be affected with any of these conditions and not be aware. It is thus essential for people above age 40 to visit a doctor no less than once annually. Quick diagnosis of any heart condition will usually improve the prognosis of the disease.
A brief overview of the types of heart disease
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Ischaemic Heart disease (IHD) or myocardial ischaemia is most likely prompted by coronary artery disease and results in a noticeable reduction in the blood supply to the heart muscle. It may exhibit symptoms prefer angina pectoris (chest pain) and lowered ability to perform moderate exercise.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) refers to the condition which progressively narrows the artery and blood vessels that provide the heart with blood and oxygen. This occurs because of an accumulation of plaque which is composed of calcium, fatty material and scar tissue in the vessels. When this happens the heart is not provided with adequate blood to carry out normal functioning. A person afflicted by this disease will often experience symptoms of angina pectoris or chest pain. If the blood flow becomes blocked by plaque this may result in myocardial infarction (heart attack) or in more severe instances cardiac arrest.
Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease relates to any disease that affects 1 or more valves of the heart. Valvular heart disease may come about because of a congenital factor (being born with the condition) or it may develop over the duration of a lifetime.
Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive heat disease is any heart disease that materializes as a result of hypertension or high blood pressure. It may normally progress into the probable development of left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, hypertensive congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that is characterized by marked deterioration of the myocardium (heart muscles) for many reasons. Persons who are afflicted with this disease are at an increased risk of arrhythmia (which may cause irregular heart beat and/or more seriously cardiac arrest) or sudden cardiac death.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (arteries or veins). It is generally associated with atherosclerosis (arterial disease) though the term seemingly suggests any disease affecting the cardiovascular system. This kind of disease is becoming more prevalent and is estimated to kill more people than cancer.
Inflammatory heart disease
Inflammatory heart disease materializes when the heart and connected tissues become inflamed. Conditions related to this disease include: myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), Endocarditis (inflammation of the internal layers of the heart) and inflammatory cardiomegaly.
Heart Failure or Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when the the heart is cannot provide sufficient blood to fulfil the body's needs. It may exhibit numerous symptoms inclusive of: lessened ability to perform physical activities, shortness of breath, or swollen ankles. It may be treated with surgical intervention, maintaining some lifestyle changes and or with medication. It is a possibly fatal disease that has a high mortality rate.
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The article titled List Of Heart Diseases is written by Dr.Christopher. He is a well-known physician who is a specialist in heart diseases.