05 Jun Heart Disease Types and Causes
The group of life-threatening conditions known as cardiovascular diseases, or commonly heart disease, is a leading cause of death. These include conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Understanding them can help you prevent and manage these diseases better.
Here are 6 types of heart disease and what causes them. Read on to understand what you can do to make better lifestyle and health care choices.
CAD or Coronary artery disease
CAD is the most common form of heart disease that involves a hardening or narrowing of the arteries that lead to the heart.
Heart attack or myocardial infarction
Unfortunately, for many people, a heart attack signals heart disease. A heart attack is a result of blocking of arteries that lead to the heart which disrupts blood flow.
Heart failure or Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
CHF may occur if the stiffness in the heart prevents it from pumping blood adequately through the body.
Heart valve disease
Valve disease refers to improper functioning of any of the four valves in the heart. This may result in interrupted blood flow. If the defect in the valve happens at birth, it’s called congenital heart disease.
Heart muscle disease or cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy may lead to heart failure. It means the heart muscle has enlarged and stiffened, preventing it from pumping blood away from the heart. In some cases, blood may pool in the lungs.
Abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmia
Arrhythmia causes the heartbeat to fluctuate while at rest. If untreated, arrhythmia can be life-threatening.
Limit heart disease risks
There are several life changes that can lower your risk of heart disease.
- Maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar
- Make healthy diet and regular exercise a priority
- Quit smoking
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