The heart has the function of circulating blood to different parts of the body. Without the heart, it is impossible to live. If the body does not receive blood, then there is no way for it to receive nutrition to do any physical work. The functioning of the heart is affected by many diseases. These diseases are congenital or develop as we age. In both cases, there are problems circulating the blood. This is the time when you need heart treatment.
There are different types of diseases that have the potential to hit our hearts. The symptoms shown by each of them are the following:
• Coronary artery disease
Chest pain, also known as angina, is the most common symptom. There is discomfort, heaviness and a sensation of pain in the chest. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, and sweating.
• Myocardial infarction
Heaviness and pain in the chest particularly below the breastbone. There is discomfort that radiates to the back and jaw. Along with all this, there is sweating, nausea and vomiting. Initially, there is only discomfort, but it can rise to excruciating pain.
• Arrhythmia
It is distinguished by an irregular heartbeat. Those heartbeats may be too fast or too slow. Observed symptoms include fluttering of the heart, palpitations in the chest, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, etc.
• Heart valve disease
The main symptom is shortness of breath that occurs mainly when you do daily physical activities. There is also a feeling of extra weight on the chest along with weakness and dizziness.
• Heart failure
When coughing, white sputum comes out. There is a rapid weight gain. Other symptoms include dizziness, weakness, swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen.
Like symptoms, there are different causes of diseases. Some of the causes are mentioned below:
• Coronary artery disease
This disease is caused in the body due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque narrows the coronary arteries which leads to less blood flow. It occurs due to different reasons such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
• Myocardial infarction
It occurs when blood flow is blocked. It occurs due to the accumulation of cholesterol. It is also known as atherosclerosis. One or the other plaque ruptures and spills cholesterol or other substances into the bloodstream.
• arrhythmia
These irregular heartbeats are due to a heart attack that is occurring right now. There may be a previous heart attack that has scarred the heart tissue. Other reasons may include drug stress and sleep apnea.
• Heart valve disease
There are two main causes of valve disease. They are regurgitation and stenosis. In the first, blood backs up because the valves don’t close properly. In the latter, the valves narrow and reduce blood flow.
• Heart failure
It occurs due to the accumulation of other conditions that have already weakened the heart. Some of the conditions that lead to heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, faulty heart valves, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, etc.
The following are the tests that help in the accurate diagnosis of the heart problem:
• Electrocardiogram: Also known as ECG, it records electrical signals that help discover irregularities in the rhythm and structure of the heart.
• Holter monitoring: You must use this portable device to record a continuous ECG, usually over 24 to 72 hours. Irregularities of the heart that are not found on the tests are recorded on this test.
• Echocardiogram: This is a non-invasive test in which an ultrasound of the chest is performed to show details of the structure and function of the heart.
Some of the common procedures to treat heart irregularities are explained below:
1. Coronary Angioplasty
This procedure involves the insertion of a small balloon that widens the blocked artery. It is often combined with a stent to decrease the chances of narrowing the arteries again. Angioplasty is mainly performed to treat atherosclerosis. It is the accumulation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels. If lifestyle changes are not enough, angioplasty will be suggested. It is recommended in case of heart attack or chest pain or some other related symptoms.
2. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
CABG is a major surgery in which blood flow is redirected around a blocked section of artery. The new pathway improves blood flow. The healthy vessel can be removed from the leg, arm, or chest. This surgery is an option when there is a narrowing of several arteries. If angioplasty does not work, then this surgery is suggested. It is also used in emergency situations like a heart attack. Lifestyle changes are imperative after surgery.
3. Heart transplant
A transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased, non-functioning heart with the help of a working heart taken from a deceased donor. It is performed to treat end-stage heart failure caused by coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, arrhythmia, amyloidosis, etc. It is not a cure for heart disease, but a life-saving treatment in itself.
