What is Heart Diseases

The heart is the organ that pumps blood, with its life-giving oxygen and nutrients, to all tissues of the body. If the pumping action of the heart becomes inefficient, vital organs like the brain and kidneys suffer. And if the heart stops working altogether, death occurs within minutes. Life itself is completely dependent on the efficient operation of the heart.There are many kinds of heart disease, and they can affect the heart in several ways. But the ultimate problem with all varieties of heart disease is that, in one way or another, they can disrupt the vital pumping action of the heart.

Some Types of Heart Diseases
 

    a) Coronary heart disease (CHD) - Also known as coronary artery disease, it is the most common type of heart disease across the world. It is a condition in which plaque deposits block the coronary blood vessels leading to a reduced supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. 

   b) Angina pectoris - It is a medical term for chest pain that occurs due to insufficient supply of blood to the heart. Also known as angina, it is a warning signal for heart attack. The chest pain is at intervals ranging for few seconds or minutes. Based on the causes and risk factors, angina is of different types.

c) Congestive heart failure - It is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It is commonly known as heart failure. 

 d) Cardiomyopathy - It is the weakening of the heart muscle or a change in the structure of the muscle due to inadequate heart pumping. Some of the common causes of cardiomyopathy are hypertension, alcohol consumption, viral infections, and genetic defects. 

e) Congenital heart disease - Also known as congenital heart defect, it refers to the formation of an abnormal heart due to a defect in the structure of the heart or its functioning. It is also a type of congenital disease that children are born with. 

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

-               -Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arm, or below the breastbone.

-                   -Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, or arm.

-               -Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn).

-               -Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.

-               -Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath.

-               -Rapid or irregular heartbeats.

          *If you think you are having a heart attack, DO NOT DELAY. Call for emergency help (dial 999 in most areas). Immediate treatment of a heart attack is very important to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.

Treatment: Bypass Surgery

    Bypass surgery is another way to improve the heart's blood flow. It gives blood a new pathway when the coronary arteries have become too narrow or blocked. During the surgery, a blood vessel is first moved from one area of the body such as the chest, legs, or arms -- and attached to the blocked artery, allowing it to bypass the blocked part.

Prevention

     1. You are what you eat! Eat nutritious, healthy food.

     2. Choose foods low in saturated fat. Make sure you include servings of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

     3. Read food labels. Look for the amount of saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and total calories per serving on the nutrition label.

     4.Stress can be harmful by raising blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and making your heart beat faster. Relax, smile, don't get angry often.

     5. Stop smoking. Stub out that cigarette butt - Now!

     6.If you drink, do so in moderation. A limit of two drinks per day is good for your heart.

     7.Fight the battle of the bulge! Obesity is bad. Stay slim and lean.