Heart disease is a very serious, but often treatable illness that can result from a combination of situational and genetic factors.
Coronary Artery Disease
The most common type of heart disease is Coronary Artery Disease, also known as (CAD) and occurs when the arteries narrow or clog, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that get to the heart. CAD can cause angina or chest pains, a myocardial infection or even sudden death.
Congestive Heart Failure
This type of disease is common when the heart muscle becomes weakened and is no efficient at effectively pumping blood. Common symptoms that are indicative of congestive heart failure includes a shortness of breath, the inability to sustain exercise, edema or swelling of the legs, blurred vision and sometimes slurred speech. Congestive heart failure often results from damage caused by a heart attack or a cardiomyopathy, which is the disease of the heart muscle.
Abnormal Heart Rhythms
Abnormal heart rhythm,s also known as cardiac arrhythmia, can occur frequently and be chronic, but can also be relatively harmless. They can also prevent the heart from effectively pumping blood. If the blood to the heart does not pump effectively, it can lead to congestive heart failure and possibly sudden death.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is typically caused by coronary arteriosclerosis, but more often than not the cause is unknown. Cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle loses its ability to pump blood and the heart’s rhythm is disturbed, resulting in arrhythmia. The condition can tend to be progressive and can worsen quickly. However, unlike many other forms of heart disease, cardiomyopathy often occurs in young people. This condition is the leading reason for heart transplantation.
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