Any disease related to blood vessels and heart is known as heart disease. However, this is an umbrella term that encompasses many conditions.
Some of the most common types of heart disease are as follows:
Atherosclerosis
In this condition, the walls of arteries constrict due to buildup of plaque. As a result, blood cannot flow easily through the arteries. Hence, your heart has to work harder to pump blood so that it can reach every corner of your body. Sometimes, plaque can break from the arterial wall, obstructing the flow of blood. This can result in a stroke or an attack.
Heart Attack
If blood flow to the heart is blocked due to a blood clot or plaque, the affected region begins to get progressively weaker. This is a heart attack. Typically, if you suffer your first attack, you will have to make certain lifestyle changes so that you can enjoy a normal and productive life. In addition, you may have to take medication to prevent further damage to this organ.
Ischemic Stroke
This is the most common type of stroke wherein the blood vessel supplying blood to the brain gets blocked due to a blood clot. When this happens, the affected part of the brain begins to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, it will prevent you from performing functions, like talking and walking, that you could do before the event occurred.
Another form of stroke is hemorrhagic stroke, which is common in people with untreated, severe hypertension. Here, the blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding or hemorrhage. The brain has the ability to repair itself and many times, as the cells repair, body functions improve. However, if too many brains cells have necrotized, the damage will be permanent.
Heart Failure
This refers to the inability to pump blood optimally. Hence, adequate amounts of oxygen and blood do not reach vital organs. This condition tends to worsen with time and hence, it requires prompt treatment.
Arrhythmia
If your heart is beating too fast, irregularly or too slow, you are suffering from arrhythmia. Any abnormality in the rhythm affects the working of the organ, and it will be unable to pump out sufficient amounts of blood to meet the requirements of the body.
Treating Heart Disease
Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors prescribe the treatment. It can be as simple as making a few lifestyle changes or taking medications; and as complex as undergoing a major surgery. The treatment looks to minimize the damage caused by the condition while reducing chances of future cardiovascular events.
