Heart disease refers to any condition affecting the heart. There are many types, some of which are preventable.
Unlike cardiovascular disease, which includes problems with the entire circulatory system, heart disease affects only the heart.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Around 1 in 4 deathsTrusted Source in the U.S. occur due to heart disease, and it affects all genders as well as all racial and ethnic groups.
In this article, learn more about the types, causes, and symptoms of heart disease.
There are several different types of heart disease, and they affect the heart in different ways.
The sections below will look at some different types of heart disease in more detail.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease.
It develops when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged with plaque. This causes them to harden and narrow. Plaque contains cholesterol and other substances.
As a result, the blood supply reduces, and the heart receives less oxygen and fewer nutrients. In time, the heart muscle weakens, and there is a risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.
When plaque builds up in the arteries, this is called atherosclerosis.
Congenital heart defects
A person with a congenital heart defect is born with a heart problem. There are many types of congenital heart defect, including:
- Abnormal heart valves: Valves may not open properly or may leak blood.
- Septal defects: There is a hole in the wall between either the lower chambers or the upper chambers of the heart.
- Atresia: One of the heart valves is missing.
Congenital heart disease can involve major structural issues, such as the absence of a ventricle and problems with the main arteries that leave the heart.
Many congenital heart problems do not cause any noticeable symptoms and only become apparent during a routine medical check.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart murmurs often affect children, but only some are due to a defect.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the electrical impulses that coordinate the heartbeat do not work properly. As a result, the heart may beat too fast, too slowly, or erratically.
There are various types of arrhythmia, including:
- Tachycardia: This refers to a rapid heartbeat.
- Bradycardia: This refers to a slow heartbeat.
- Premature contractions: This refers to an early heartbeat.
- Atrial fibrillation: This is a type of irregular heartbeat.
A person may notice a feeling like a fluttering or a racing heart.
Brief changes in heart rhythm are not a cause for concern, but treatment will be necessary if they persist, as this can affect the heart’s function.
In some cases, arrhythmias can even be life threatening.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart chambers become dilated, meaning that the heart muscle stretches and becomes thinner. The most common causes of dilated cardiomyopathy are prior heart attacks, arrhythmias, and toxins.
As a result, the heart becomes weaker and cannot pump blood properly. It can result in arrhythmia, blood clots in the heart, and heart failure.
It usually affects people aged 20–60 years, according to the AHA.
Myocardial infarction
Also known as heart attack, myocardial infarction involves an interruption of the blood flow to the heart. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.
The most common cause of heart attack is plaque, a blood clot, or both in a coronary artery. It can also occur if an artery suddenly narrows or spasms.
Are there different types of heart attack? Learn more here.
Heart failure
When a person has heart failure, the heart is still working but not as well as it should. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure.
Heart failure can result from untreated coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and other conditions. These conditions can affect the heart’s ability to pump properly.
Heart failure can be life threatening, but seeking early treatment for heart-related conditions can help prevent complications.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
This condition usually develops when a genetic problem affects the heart muscle. It tends to be an inherited condition.
The walls of the muscle thicken, and contractions become harder. This affects the heart’s ability to take in and pump out blood. In some cases, an obstruction can occur.
There may be no symptoms, and many people do not receive a diagnosis. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can worsen over time and lead to various heart problems.
Anyone with a family history of this condition should ask for screening, as receiving treatment can help prevent complications.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the main cause of cardiac death among athletes and people aged under 35 years, according to the AHA.
Mitral valve regurgitation
This event occurs when the mitral valve in the heart does not close tightly enough and allows blood to flow back into the heart.
As a result, blood cannot move through the heart or the body efficiently, and it can put pressure on the veins leading from the lungs to the heart. In time, the heart can become enlarged, and heart failure can result.
Learn more about heart valves here.
Mitral valve prolapse
This happens when the valve flaps of the mitral valve do not close properly. Instead, they bulge into the left atrium. This can cause a heart murmur.
Mitral valve prolapse is not usually life threatening, but some people may need treatment.
Genetic factors and connective tissue problems can cause this condition, which affects around 2% of the population.
Aortic stenosis
In aortic stenosis, the pulmonary valve is thick or fused and does not open properly. This makes it hard for the heart to pump blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery.
In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve opening is too narrow, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It can also impact the pressure in the left atrium.
A person may be born with it, or it may develop over time due to calcium deposits or scarring.
The symptoms of heart disease depend on the specific type a person has. Also, some heart conditions cause no symptoms at all.
The following symptoms may indicate a heart problem:
- angina, or chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- fatigue and lightheadedness
- swelling due to fluid retention, or edema
In children, the symptoms of a congenital heart defect may include cyanosis, or a blue tinge to the skin, and an inability to exercise.
Some signs and symptoms that could indicate heart attack include:
- chest pain
- breathlessness
- heart palpitations
- nausea
- stomach pain
- sweating
- arm, jaw, back, or leg pain
- a choking sensation
- swollen ankles
- fatigue
- an irregular heartbeat
Heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops and the body can no longer function. A person needs immediate medical attention if they have any symptoms of heart attack.
If cardiac arrest occurs, the person will needTrusted Source:
- immediate medical help (call 911)
- immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- a shock from an automated external defibrillator, if available
Heart disease develops when there is:
- damage to all or part of the heart
- a problem with the blood vessels leading to or from the heart
- a low supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart
In some cases, there is a genetic cause. However, some lifestyle factors and medical conditions can also increase the risk. These include:
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- a high intake of alcohol
- overweight and obesity
- diabetes
- a family history of heart disease
- dietary choices
- age
- a history of preeclampsia during pregnancy
- low activity levels
- high stress and anxiety levels
Some lifestyle measures can help reduce the risk of heart disease. These include:
- Eating a balanced diet: Opt for a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fiber and favors whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, it may help to limit the intake of processed foods and added fat, salt, and sugar.
- Exercising regularly: This can help strengthen the heart and circulatory system, reduce cholesterol, and maintain blood pressure.
- Maintaining a moderate body weight: A person can check their body mass index (BMI) here.
- Quitting or avoiding smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart and cardiovascular conditions.
- Limiting alcohol intake: Females should consume no more than one standard drinkTrusted Source per day, and males should consume no more than two standard drinks per day.
- Managing underlying conditions: Seek treatment for conditions that affect heart health, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
