Heart disease is any medical condition in which the cardiovascular system of the patient is affected. Therefore, heart diseases affect the blood vessels and the heart of the patient. Overall, there are many heart diseases, out of which some are even preventable. Yet, heart disease is the leading cause of fatality in the USA. In fact, globally, every 1 in 3 people that die suffers from heart disease. Different reasons can lead to various types of heart diseases and medical issues for many patients. For some, the reason may be aging; for others, it might be smoking or even stress. However, some of the most common symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, breathlessness, etc. Below we will discuss some of the common medical issues that a heart patient may face. The different symptoms and causes for them are as follows.
Symptoms
Heart diseases are of different types. Depending on which type a patient has, his symptoms may also vary. Some heart conditions do not cause any symptoms. However, some may even lead to cardiac arrest, which is the sudden loss of heart function. This situation is extremely difficult and requires professional help immediately. Even certified professionals need to renew their certificates to keep up with the constantly changing requirements to save lives. For example, ACLS recertification has an interval of two years to remain competitive with the evolving needs. If you are applying for an ACLS recertification, you can opt for an online course that will help you learn at your own pace. A person with cardiac arrest requires immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation by a skilled person. Other symptoms may include:
- Lightheadedness
- Swelling in ankles caused by fluid retention
- Pain in arms, legs, stomach, back, etc.
- Excessive sweating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
Causes
Medically speaking, a heart disease arises when a hindrance exists in the proper functioning of the heart and/or the blood vessels.
- Parts of or the entire heart have been damaged.
- A problem arises in a blood vessel that either receives blood or pumps it out from the heart.
- A deficiency of nutrients or oxygen to the heart.
- A problem arises in the rhythm of the heart.
The reason behind these causes can be genetics, lifestyle choices, or other medical conditions. Some of which have been listed below.
- Smoking
- Aging
- Eating habits (e. g. Increased alcohol consumption)
- Family history of heart illnesses
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy-related issues such as preeclampsia
Medical Issues A Heart Patient May Face
Based on these symptoms and causes, a heart patient may face different medical issues.
- Coronary Artery Disease
It is the most common type of heart disease. The main reason behind this is the clogging of the blood-carrying arteries to the heart. The clogging material is called plaque which contains cholesterol. The more the plaque, the narrower the bloodstreams. It results in reduced supply to the heart, which means reduced oxygen and fewer nutrients. Medication that lowers cholesterol levels is significant in treating the disease. Additionally, exercises are also recommended by physicians.
- Arrhythmia
This condition means an irregular heartbeat which occurs when the electrical impulses are unable to coordinate. The heart either beats too slowly, too fast or unpredictably. The disease has many types, such as bradycardia which is the slow heartbeat. Arrhythmia may also cause other heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
- Heart Failure
Heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped working. In fact, it means that the heart is not working as efficiently as it is supposed to work. It can cause many other medical conditions like high blood pressure, vascular disease, etc. Heart failure can be a life-threatening condition and must be taken seriously. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are a common medication used to treat heart failure.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
The disease is caused by genetics and arises due to the heart muscles. The muscles thicken and make it difficult to contract. This results in problems in the ability of the heart to pump out and receive the blood. This disease does not show any symptoms in most of the patients. However, it is the leading cause of death in people under the age of 35 years.
- Mitral Valve Regulation
The bicuspid (mitral) valve is responsible for sending the blood out to the body. When the valve is not able to close tightly, the blood flows into the heart instead of the rest of the body. If the situation continues, it results in heart failure. As the pressure on the chambers of the heart increases and enlarges the heart. The treatment for it is to undergo surgery.
While it may not feel natural at the start, however, with time, they will get through it. A patient may also experience mental distress – such as anxiety and depression – when they are diagnosed with heart disease. However, treatments for all kinds of heart diseases, as well as the mental distress that accompanies, are available. With willpower, a patient can defeat every disease. So, do not give up on yourself as a heart patient and stay determined. The medical staff will always be there to help you through it all.