List of heart diseases
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Comprehensive List of Heart Diseases
Heart diseases encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. These diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating a thorough understanding of their types and implications. Below is a detailed overview of the most common heart diseases, categorized for clarity.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually caused by atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to angina pectoris (chest pain) and acute coronary syndrome, which includes heart attacks .
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
ACS is an umbrella term for situations where the blood supplied to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This includes myocardial infarction (heart attack) and unstable angina .
Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. It can result from various conditions, including coronary artery disease and hypertension .
Cardiomyopathies
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
This condition involves the enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, affecting its ability to pump blood .
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can obstruct blood flow and lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death .
Congenital Heart Defects
Septal Defects
These are holes in the heart's septum, the wall dividing the left and right sides of the heart. Common types include atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) .
Tetralogy of Fallot
A complex congenital heart defect that involves four heart malformations, leading to oxygen-poor blood flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body .
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
AFib is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications .
Ventricular Tachycardia
A fast, abnormal heart rate originating from the heart's lower chambers, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly .
Valvular Heart Diseases
Aortic Stenosis
This condition involves the narrowing of the aortic valve, which can obstruct blood flow from the heart into the aorta and onward to the rest of the body .
Mitral Valve Prolapse
A condition where the mitral valve doesn't close properly, which can sometimes lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the left atrium .
Other Cardiovascular Conditions
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD is the narrowing of the peripheral arteries, usually in the legs, which can cause pain and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Rheumatic Heart Disease
This condition results from rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves and lead to heart failure .
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Chronic high blood pressure can lead to various heart diseases, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke .
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of heart diseases is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. These conditions, ranging from coronary artery disease to congenital heart defects, significantly impact global health. Awareness and preventive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with these diseases, ultimately saving lives.
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