Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is generally characterized by any health condition related to the heart. These conditions may arise due to fatty acid deposits in the arteries or increased risk of blood clots. Heart diseases comprise multiple ranges of conditions that may include cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease, heart muscle disease, heart infection, heart valve disease, or heart defects people are born with. This article highlights the types, causes, and symptoms of cardiac issues.
Types and symptoms of cardiac issues
Coronary heart disease
This is the most common type of heart disease, also known as coronary arterial disease. This condition occurs when oxygen-rich blood doesn’t flow into the heart muscle due to blocked arteries. Plaque, deposits of cholesterol and other fatty substances, clog up the arteries and harden with time; this causes the arteries to become narrow. Since the blood supply towards the heart reduces, the heart receives less oxygen and minimizes nutrients. As a result, the heart has to work twice as hard to receive oxygen and do its job optimally. Overworking ends up putting a lot of strain on the organ.
Symptoms
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Cold sweat and nausea
- Pain or discomfort in the arms up to the shoulder
- Shortness of breath
Stroke and TIAs
In this condition, the heart stops pumping blood into the brain, causing a stroke, brain damage, or even death. Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is also known as a mini-stroke. Lack of blood flow into the brain may leave some apparent signs that one cannot miss. The onset of a mini-stroke can cause an impact on the face, arms, as well as speech.
Symptoms
- One side of the eye, mouth, and face may have drooped
- Makes a smile awkward
- Weak arms or numbness in arms
- Slurred speech, making it difficult to communicate with others constructively
Peripheral arterial disease
As the name suggests, it is a condition related to the arteries. This health condition occurs when the arteries are narrowed down due to the buildup of fatty deposits, and the blood supply reduces the flow into the limbs. When the peripheral disease onsets, individuals may find it challenging to carry out daily chores and keep up with the body’s needs.
Symptoms
The discomfort and pain may widely vary from one person to another. This, of course, depends on the advancement of the condition and the limitation of blood flow.
- Numbness or weakness in legs
- Sore toes, feet, or legs
- Painful cramping in the hips, thighs, or calf muscles
- Change in color of legs and slow growth of toenails
- Pain in arms
- Erectile dysfunction
- Recurring ulcers on feet or legs
- Hair loss or slow growth of hair on legs and feet
Aortic disease
The aorta carries blood from the heart through the chest and abdomen. And the most common disease is an aortic aneurysm characterized by a weakened aorta that bulges due to the pressure of the blood flow. A weakened aorta may cause several symptoms, including:
- Pain or tenderness in the chest
- Back pain
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Life-threatening bleeding if and when the aorta bursts
Causes and risk factors of cardiac issues
High blood pressure
People with high blood pressure may face the problem of cardiac issues, like weakened blood flow.
High cholesterol
Cholesterol can clog up blood vessels and arteries, limiting blood flow. The plaque from cholesterol narrows down arteries and may also cause the formation of blood clots.
Family history
Most cardiac conditions are hereditary. So, the chances of one manifesting a similar condition increase in that case. If two or more family members have a heart condition, it can likely be passed down to another generation. That said, it is recommended to visit a general physician regularly after the age of 40 to keep one’s health in check.
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels may cause damage to the blood vessels over the years and may even narrow them down. This may add to the risk of cardiac issues among people with diabetes. As a result, it is advised to seek treatment.
Inactive lifestyle
Leading an inactive lifestyle can cause high blood pressure or high cholesterol, both of which can manifest cardiac diseases. Plus, an inactive lifestyle may also contribute to an unhealthy body weight, which is another risk factor for a cardiac condition.
Obesity
This can narrow down the arteries and blood vessels, which may reduce the blood flow. Constricted flow of blood may cause cardiac issues, and therefore, it is advised to follow a healthy routine and be in line with BMI.
