1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and potential heart attacks.
2. Heart Arrhythmias: Irregular or erratic heartbeats can cause the heart to beat too fast, or too slow, affecting the heart’s efficiency.
3. Heart Valve Disease: Damage to one or more of the heart valves, disrupting blood flow and causing the heart to work harder.
4. Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, often resulting from CAD or high blood pressure.
5. Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
6. Congenital Heart Defects: Structural heart problems present at birth, which can affect heart function and overall health.
Recognizing heart disease symptoms early is vital for timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
• Chest Pain or Discomfort: A feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing, often indicating CAD.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing during rest or activity, a sign of heart failure or valve disease.
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, which may indicate heart failure or other heart conditions.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or a racing heart, often related to arrhythmias.
• Swelling: In the legs, ankles, and feet, commonly seen in heart failure.
• Dizziness or Light-headedness: Feeling faint or light-headed, which can occur with arrhythmias or other heart conditions.