The heart is a miraculous organ, but unfortunately, it is subject to a host of diseases. Some of these diseases can be attributed to unhealthy living while others are the result of heredity, environment, a mix of the two or simple bad luck. Here are some types of heart diseases:
Angina
Angina, or more formally angina pectoris, is a pain in the chest that’s caused by a decrease in the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. The sensation may not necessarily be one of pain but can also be a feeling of pressure, tightness, squeezing or an ache. Some people mistake it for indigestion. Angina sometimes comes with exercise, extremes of temperature, a heavy meal or powerful emotions. It most often affects men over 35 and women after menopause.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, but both heart diseases have the effect of stopping blood flow to the body. However, a cardiac arrest can be the result of a heart attack. In cardiac arrest, the heart simply stops beating. Several things can cause this, including a heart rate that’s too fast, too slow or irregular. Cardiac arrest can also be the result of drowning, shock, choking or trauma.
Heart Attack
A heart attack is caused when a blood clot or plaque blocks an artery to the heart. Like cardiac arrest, a heart attack is potentially life-threatening. Symptoms can vary.
Congestive Heart Failure
This disorder happens when the heart doesn’t pump blood the way it should. The blood flow backs up and causes congestion in the tissues, which can lead to edema. Because of this, congestive heart failure, or CHF, affects not just the heart but the blood vessels, kidneys, liver, lungs and extremities as well.
Cardiomyopathy
This is an enlarged heart. A person may think that an enlarged heart may be stronger than a normal heart, but this isn’t the case. With cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle is thick and rigid and may be scarred. This causes the heart to struggle to pump blood throughout the body. Eventually, the person can suffer from CHF or arrhythmia.
Talk to Our Heart Specialist
If you are dealing with any of the above heart diseases or some other issue with your heart, make an appointment at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with our cardiologist.