Heart Disease is specific to any disease that has an adverse effect on the heart. The heart is a major organ that is composed of chiefly muscle and blood vessels that pumps blood throughout the body. Heart disease is a prominent cause of death in many western countries and is said to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary is the most prevalent form of the disease and has been estimated to be responsible for up to 70% of deaths per year. Names of heart diseases are inclusive of: ischaemic, coronary, valvular, hypertensive, cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory and heart failure.
Ischaemic
Ischaemic Heart disease (IHD) or myocardial ischemia is largely encouraged by coronary artery disease and causes in a distinct reduction in the blood supply to the heart muscle. It may show symptoms such as angina pectoris (chest pain) and reduced ability to undertake moderate exercise. The chances of developing IHD is increased with advanced age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, a family history of the disease and is generally much more likely to affect men.
Coronary
Coronary heart disease (CHD) refers to the condition which gradually narrows the artery and blood vessels that feed the heart with blood and oxygen. This is as a result of an accumulation of plaque which is made up of calcium, fatty material and scar tissue in the vessels. Once this manifests the heart is not provided with enough blood to execute normal functioning.
Valvular
Valvular heart disease describes any disease that affects one or more valves of the heart. Valvular heart disease may materialize because of a congenital factor (being born with the condition) or it may be acquired over the course of a lifetime.
Hypertensive
Hypertensive heart disease is any heart disease that occurs as a result of hypertension or high blood pressure. It may often progress into the probable development of left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, hypertensive congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that is characterized by an associated deterioration of the myocardium (heart muscles) for several reasons. Individuals who are afflicted with this condition are at an elevated risk of arrhythmia (which may cause irregular heart beat and or more seriously cardiac arrest) or sudden cardiac death.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is specific to diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (arteries or veins). It is generally associated with atherosclerosis (arterial disease) though the disorder is becoming more widespread and is considered to kill more people than cancer.
Inflammatory
Inflammatory heart disease manifests when the heart and surrounding tissues become inflamed. Conditions related to this disease include: myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), Endocarditis (inflammation of the internal layers of the heart) and inflammatory cardiomegaly.
Heart Failure or Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure manifests when the the heart is unable to provide sufficient blood to accommodate the body's needs. It may show several associated symptoms including: reduced ability to carry out physical activities, shortness of breath, or swollen ankles. It may be treated with surgical intervention, maintaining some lifestyle changes and or with medication. It is a deadly disease that has a high mortality rate.
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