“Heart disease” describes a number of ailments

When most people think of heart disease, they typically call to mind heart attacks. “Heart disease” is a broad term used to describe a number of ailments affecting the heart. There are a number of conditions that can affect the heart. Understanding them is key to preventing further complications down the line. “Heart disease” is a broad term used to describe a number of ailments affecting the heart. When most people think of heart disease, they typically call to mind heart attacks. However, there are a number of conditions that can affect the heart. Understanding them is key to preventing further complications down the line.

Here is a listing of common heart conditions, symptoms and treatment.

Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs in and around the heart when the muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It can be brought on by stress, exertion, emotion, extreme cold, or be a symptom of a deeper problem such as clogged arteries. There are three types of angina: stable, unstable, and variant. Stable angina follows a pattern and is generally the most common. Unstable angina doesn’t follow a pattern. Variant angina occurs while you’re at rest and is rare. Angina may be treated with rest and medicine. All heart pain should be checked by a doctor to see if it’s a sign of something deeper.

Aneurysm: An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. Depending on where the aneurysm occurs (brain, aorta or abdomen, for example) there may be no pain or bulging. Aneurysms are serious, and if not caught early and treated, can lead to death.

Arteriosclerosis: This is any hardening or loss of elasticity of medium and large arteries, generally as a result of hypertension. The most common sites for arteriosclerosis are arteries in the brain, kidneys, heart, abdominal aorta, or legs. Symptoms of arteriosclerosis vary according to which arteries are affected. Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, stress, and diabetes.

Atherosclerosis: This is a condition when fatty material collects in the arterial walls. It can harden over time, causing calcium deposits and restriction of blood flow. Avoiding fatty, high cholesterol foods, exercising regularly, and getting routine checkups at the doctor are all ways to head off atherosclerosis at the pass.

Heart attack: Also known as cardiac arrest, this is the culmination of many heart conditions, such as angina, arteriosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. It occurs when blood and oxygen are not able to reach the heart. According to the American Heart Association, signs of cardiac arrest can include:

1. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

4. Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

High cholesterol: High cholesterol can be a factor in a number of heart conditions. Therefore it is desirable to keep cholesterol levels low. Cholesterol is measured as Total cholesterol, HDL (the good cholesterol)and LDL (the bad cholesterol). Total cholesterol under 200 mg/DL is optimal. Less than 100 mg/DL of LDL and HDL levels of 60 mg/DL or more are desirable.

Hypertension: This is a term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in two readings, the systolic pressure, or the pressure created when the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the heart when it is at rest. Blood pressure higher than 120 over 80 is considered high and should be monitored. How much water and salt you have in your body; the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels; and the levels of different body hormones can all cause hypertension. A change in diet or medication may be needed to control blood pressure.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): PAD is when insufficient blood flow reaches the arteries that supply the limbs. Pain or immobility may occur due to lack of blood to meet demand. Generally PADis a sign that atherosclerosis is taking place and medical intervention should be taken.

Stroke: This is an interruption of blood supply to any part of the brain. It can come on suddenly or display symptoms over time. Changes in alertness, sleepiness, trouble speaking, loss of coordination, trouble moving limbs, and many other symptoms can be indicative of stroke. A stroke may be mild and cause temporary conditions. A massive stroke may lead to paralysis, brain damage or even coma. A stroke is a medical emergency. It is important to get the person to the emergency room immediately to determine if the stroke is due to bleeding or a blood clot so appropriate treatment can be started within 3 hours of when the stroke began. Clot busters may be given if it is a clotting condition.