Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- What is it? CAD occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This buildup can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.
- Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, pain in the jaw, neck, or arms.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.
Heart Failure
- What is it? Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body. It is a chronic condition that can worsen over time.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, rapid heartbeat, persistent cough, and weight gain.
- Treatment: Medications, lifestyle modifications, device implantation (pacemaker or defibrillator), and, in some cases, heart transplantation.
Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats)
- What is it? Arrhythmias are any changes from the normal rhythm of the heart. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease, stress, and medication.
- Symptoms: Palpitations, racing heart, slow heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting.
- Treatment: Medications, lifestyle changes, cardiac ablation, or implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- What is it? Hypertension is a condition where blood pressure is consistently elevated. Over time, it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
- Symptoms: Usually, no symptoms are present.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medication, and regular blood pressure monitoring.
Valvular Heart Disease
- What is it? Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart's valves do not work properly. Valves control the flow of blood through the heart.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, heart murmur, swelling in the legs and feet.
- Treatment: Medications, valve repair surgery, or valve replacement surgery.
Cardiomyopathy
- What is it? Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, palpitations, swelling in the legs and feet.
- Treatment: Medications, lifestyle changes, device implantation, or heart transplantation.
Congenital Heart Defects
- What is it? Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present at birth. They can range from mild to severe.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, bluish skin color (cyanosis), heart murmurs, and delayed growth.
- Treatment: Surgery, medications, or catheterization.
Atrial Fibrillation
- What is it? Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat where the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat quickly and chaotically. It increases the risk of stroke.
- Symptoms: Palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain.
- Treatment: Medications, catheter ablation, or a pacemaker.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
- What is it? A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the heart.
- Symptoms: Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arms, jaw, or neck, nausea, vomiting, sweating.
- Treatment: Emergency medical care, including medications, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.
Heart Murmurs
- What is it? A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope during a heart exam. It can be caused by a variety of heart conditions, including valvular heart disease.
- Symptoms: Heart murmurs are not always a sign of a serious problem, but they should be evaluated by a doctor.
Pulmonary Hypertension
- What is it? Pulmonary hypertension is a condition where there is high blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, swelling in the legs and feet.
- Treatment: Medications, oxygen therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
