Heart Disease

The leading cause of death

There are four main causes of heart failure: high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease. The result of any of these is that the heart becomes unable to effectively pump blood to the body. Heart disease is becoming increasingly common, and it usually takes the form hardened arteries, but there are deadlier versions as well. The most dangerous form of heart disease is one that eventually damages the entire functioning of the heart.

Types of Heart Disease

Long-term high blood pressure (hypertension), if left untreated, can lead to the heart becoming enlarged, which can cause heart failure. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles are blocked or impaired; this affects the functioning of the heart muscles. The heart becomes weak, and eventually stops beating. Progressive heart failure usually results in end stage heart failure.

Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle progressively weakens due to viral infection or other causes. The heart is no longer able to properly pump blood, resulting in heart failure if the patient does not respond to treatment. Rheumatic heart disease may cause valvular heart disease, although degenerative heart valve disease is seen more often than rheumatic heart disease. Heart valves fail to function correctly, and enlarged heart muscle with progressive heart failure is the result.

Heart disease can take the form of any of the aforementioned types, but more importance should be given to its symptoms. Heart attacks usually occur when blood pressure becomes too high and there is the sudden stoppage in the supply of blood to the different parts of the body.

Treatment

As any cardiologist will tell you, the prevention of heart disease is much easier than treatment. Some risk factors are controllable, such as smoking. High blood pressure and cholesterol can be managed with medication, dietary changes and exercise. Bypass surgery or balloon angioplasty are the usual treatments for coronary artery disease. Treatment for valvular heart disease is usually surgery, to repair or replace the malfunctioning heart valves. So protect your heart and see your doctor regularly.