Heart Disease

There are many different types of problems and diseases tied to heart disease:

Angina pectoris –
is a condition that results in heavy, tight pain and pressure in the chest due to a lack of oxygen delivered to heart tissue. Angina pain often increases with physical activity and may be a warning sign of a pending heart attack.

Arrhythmia –
is an abnormal heart beat rhythm caused by improper electrical function of the heart. Some types of arrhythmia are very dangerous, while others pose no significant health risk.

Cardiac Arrest –
occurs when the heart stops beating cutting off the blood supply to the brain and other vital organs This very serious development can lead to loss of consciousness and death.

Cardiomyopathy –
is a disease of the heart muscle that causes enlargement, rigidity or dilation of the heart, which may lead to impaired heart function and heart failure.

Carditis –
is inflammation of the heart muscle, which is usually caused by an infection. Carditis may result in permanent heart damage.

Congenital Heart Defect –
is a defect of the heart that is present at birth.

Congestive Heart Failure –
is a condition that is due to a inadequate blood flow leading from the heart, causing accumulation of fluid in the lungs and lower extremities, fatigue, poor skin color and shortness of breath.

Endocarditis –
occurs with inflammation of the endocardium membrane that surrounds the heart muscle. This condition is commonly found in people with immune system malfunction or as the result of heart surgery complications.

Fibrillation –
is an irregular twitching or vibrating heart beat that may cause dizziness and general weakness. Fibrillation can lead to medical emergency and death.

Myocardial Infarction [also known as heart attack] –
occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is cut off. The lack of blood supply is usually the result of a blood clot and/or narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A heart attack can range from mild to severe and often results in death of part of the heart muscle.

Ischemic Heart Disease –
is the lack of sufficient oxygen to the heart, usually caused by atherosclerosis, which may lead to a heart attack and/or heart failure.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) [also known as Barlow’s syndrome] –
is a condition in which the mitral valve protrudes into the left atrium of the heart between beats. MVP is not usually considered dangerous, but it may cause dizziness or palpitations.

Pericarditis –
refers to inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

Pulmonary Stenosis –
is the narrowing of the pulmonic valve that restricts blood flow to the lungs. This condition is often congenital and can occur with or without symptoms.

Rheumatic Heart Disease –
refers to damage and scaring of the heart valves caused by bacterial infection, such as streptococcus or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic heart disease can lead to heart failure.

Possible Causes of Heart Disease / Cardiovascular Disease
The heart is the main organ that pumps blood throughout the body. The blood is delivered to the body through blood vessels, and the coronary arteries supply blood back to the heart. Heart disease occurs when there is an obstruction or other disturbance somewhere in the circulatory system.

Arteriosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is the leading cause of heart attacks and obstructions in the coronary arteries. There are many factors, which contribute to heart disease that can be controlled. Arteriosclerosis may also cause high blood pressure, another condition that contributes to heart disease. Causes of high blood pressure and problems that may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke may include, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, enzyme imbalances, defects in sodium metabolism, high serum cholesterol, high stress, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, pituitary and adrenal disorders, heredity and poor diet.

Possible Symptoms of Heart Disease / Cardiovascular Disease
The symptoms of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the type of condition that is present. Symptoms that point to cardiovascular disease include pain and pressure in the chest; rapid pulse; shortness of breath; dizziness; headaches; sweating; fatigue; poor color; edema; high blood pressure and high cholesterol. An estimated 25% of people who have heart attacks have no previous symptoms of heart trouble.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Heart Disease / Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease and heart disease are not inevitable with aging and many preventive measures can be taken to avoid heart problems. The heart is the most active muscle in the body and requires proper nutrition, so eat a well-balanced high fiber diet heavy in raw fruits and vegetables and proteins low in fat, such as broiled fish, skinless turkey and chicken. Garlic contains compounds that help reduce serum cholesterol levels. Eat foods containing essential fatty acids, such as salmon, trout, tuna, herring and mackerel. Reduce intake of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, butter, red meats, fried foods, soft drinks and white flour products. Drink at least 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water per day, preferably distilled water. Avoid all forms of sodium, including foods containing MSG, baking soda, mold inhibitors, preservatives, tenderizers, saccharin and softened water. Keep body weight in a healthy range and get moderate, regular exercise. Avoid stress and learn effective stress-management techniques.