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List Of Heart Diseases

Lists of Heart Disease

Heart Disease is characterized by any disease that affects the heart. The heart is a major organ composed of primarily muscle and blood vessels that pumps blood all over the body. Because the heart is a vital organ heart disease is often dangerous to the overall health and well being of the afflicted individual. Heart disease is a well established cause of death in most 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 indicated that lowering bad cholesterol and decreasing high blood pressure can significantly lessen the probability of developing heart disease. The forms of heart disease are inclusive of: 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 forms of heart disease medical intervention, emergency treatment and lifestyle modifications are essential. Heart disease may be asymptomatic meaning a person may be affected with any of these conditions and not know. It is hence important for people above age 40 to visit a medical practitioner at least once per year. Early diagnosis of any heart condition will usually improve the outcome of the condition.

A brief overview of the types of heart disease

Ischaemic Heart Disease

Ischaemic Heart disease (IHD) or myocardial ischaemia is typically prompted by coronary artery disease and results in an evident lessening of the blood supply to the heart muscle. It may exhibit symptoms such as angina pectoris (chest pain) and lowered ability to perform moderate exercise.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is characterized by the condition which steadily narrows the artery and blood vessels that supply the heart with blood and oxygen. This manifests because of an accumulation of plaque which is comprised of calcium, fatty material and scar tissue in the vessels. Once this occurs the heart is not supplied with enough blood to carry out typical functioning. An individual afflicted by this condition will likely experience symptoms of angina pectoris or chest pain. If the blood flow becomes obstructed by plaque this may result in myocardial infarction (heart attack) or in more severe instances cardiac arrest.

Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease refers to any disease that affects 1 or more valves of the heart. Valvular heart disease may manifest because of a congenital factor (being born with the condition) or it may develop over the course 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 usually 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 identified by marked deterioration of the myocardium (heart muscles) for numerous reasons. Persons who are afflicted with this disease are at an increased risk of arrhythmia (which may trigger 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 typically related to atherosclerosis (arterial disease) though the term seemingly denotes any disease affecting the cardiovascular system. This type of disease is becoming more widespread and is said to kill more people than cancer.

Inflammatory heart disease

Inflammatory heart disease manifests when the heart and nearby tissues become inflamed. Conditions associated with 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 not able to supply sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. It may display a variety of symptoms inclusive of: reduced ability to perform physical activities, shortness of breath, or swollen ankles. It may be treated with surgical intervention, applying some lifestyle modifications and or with medication. It is a potentially lethal disease that has a high mortality rate.

The piece of writing titled List Of Heart Diseases is written by Dr.Christopher. He is a well-known doctor who is a specialist in heart diseases.

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