6 Main Types of Heart Disease
Dr. Steven Reisman who has been featured on Fox and CNN is the founder and Director of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center which has a patient-focused philosophy. Dr. Reisman is a Cardiologist and a nationally recognized Nuclear Cardiologist who was part of the team at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,... more
Heart diseases have an impact on how blood pumps and circulates throughout the body. When a doctor says you have heart disease, they may be referring to one of the several conditions that commonly affect the heart or blood vessels. There are numerous types of heart disease, which are discussed in detail below.
1. Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer effectively pump blood to meet the body's needs. The heart is responsible for supplying blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. The heart's most important function is to ensure that blood reaches other organs in the body.
When the heart begins to fail, blood flow to other organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and brain, may slow. Heart failure affects the entire body, not just the heart, in many ways. Fatigue, swelling in the feet or legs, weight gain, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of heart failure.
2. Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary atherosclerosis, is caused by the clogging of the blood vessels that supply the heart. Coronary artery disease typically develops when cholesterol plaques accumulate and block blood flow to the heart. Because the heart is constantly working, it requires a steady supply of blood.
Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, or back is a common symptom of coronary artery disease. The pain is frequently exacerbated by activities or exercise. Importantly, women may experience different symptoms than men, such as stomach pain or generalized fatigue.
3. Heart Valve Disease
The heart valves help to control blood flow and ensure that it flows efficiently through the heart. When the valves become faulty, leaks form and blood flow becomes insufficient or regurgitant.
Valve disease can have symptoms similar to other types of heart disease. People's most common symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. If you are having difficulty getting up the stairs or feeling tired after exertion, you should consult a cardiologist.
Smoking and high blood pressure are both risk factors for valve disease. Heart infections, which are discussed further below, can also cause valve disease.
4. Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart diseases are those that develop before birth. Many congenital heart diseases are caused by structural changes in the heart that occur during development.
Congenital heart diseases are typically diagnosed within a few weeks of birth. Recent advancements in prenatal care enable healthcare providers to detect some congenital heart diseases during pregnancy, even before the baby is born. The majority of hospitals will screen newborns for heart disease.
Babies born with congenital heart disease may struggle to feed and tire easily. Babies can also have trouble getting enough oxygen, which causes their skin to turn blue, especially around their lips and toes. Swelling in the hands and feet can occur if the heart defect is severe.
5. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle becomes diseased and unable to effectively pump blood. In many cases, the precise cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown.
Cardiomyopathy is classified into different types based on how the heart muscle functions and whether the heart's structure has changed as a result of the disease.
Cardiomyopathy can cause fatigue and tiredness, as well as dizziness or lightheadedness. Some people will have trouble lying flat in bed or climbing stairs. Swelling in the feet and legs is common, especially when sitting for long periods of time.
6. Heart Infections
The heart, like other organs in the body, is vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. Heart infections can impair the heart's ability to function properly.
Because the heart circulates blood throughout the body, an infection in the heart can put other organs at risk of infection. However, early detection and treatment can help keep these infections under control.
A heart infection has symptoms that are similar to other infections. Fever, cough, chills, and general fatigue are all possible symptoms.
Heart infections can also cause chest pain, difficulty lying down, or difficulty breathing. Some infections can cause nail or skin discoloration.
