Heart disease is a condition of decreased heart function and abnormalities in the vessels. This condition should not be ignored because it has the potential to worsen and lead to death.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease refers to a variety of problems with the heart's structure and function. Heart disease includes:
- Blood vessel diseases such as coronary artery disease
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Heart problems you are born with (congenital heart defects)
- Heart muscle disease
- Heart valve disease
Heart disease frequently presents with no symptoms, despite the fact that it necessitates quick and proper treatment. Problems with heart function and blood circulation can disrupt blood flow to the organs. This can impair a number of bodily functions. In severe cases, heart disease can lead to complications that result in death.
Complications of heart diseases that you should be aware of
1. Heart failure
Heart failure is one of the most common complications that occur due to heart disease. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart fails to properly pump blood throughout the body.
Heart failure is caused by the narrowing of blood vessels in the heart, which results in high and uncontrolled blood pressure. As a result, the heart becomes weak and stiff, making it difficult to pump blood effectively.
2. Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances blocks blood flow to the heart, preventing the heart muscle from receiving it. Common heart attack symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Heart attacks can happen at any time, but they are more common in the morning when the body's organs are preparing for normal activity.
3. Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or ruptured, disrupting the blood supply to the brain. A stroke is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment. Prompt and proper treatment can reduce the risk of paralysis and organ damage.
4. Aneurysm
Aneurysm is a severe complication of heart disease. An aneurysm is a bulge that forms in the wall of an artery as the blood vessel wall weakens. If this bulge ruptures, it could result in life-threatening bleeding.
5. Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly. This condition typically develops quickly and can result in blood clots in the heart. A-fib raises the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related problems.
A-fib causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers. A-fib may not cause any symptoms in some people, but it can cause a rapid and pounding heartbeat.
6. Angina
Angina refers to chest pain caused by heart disease. This type of chest pain is not the same as a heart attack, but it may indicate one. The pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, or jaw. Stress and strenuous physical activity can both contribute to this condition.
Heart disease that is not properly treated can result in serious and severe complications. If you have high blood pressure and cholesterol and are experiencing heart disease symptoms, see a doctor right away.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!
- dr. Monica Salim