Heart Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors

Definition of Heart Disease:

Heart Disease is the collective term for a whole host of diseases; abnormalities; illnesses; wear
and tear that affect the proper functioning of the heart. All of the conditions have one thing in
common they are associated with the heart and/or the circulatory system that is pumped by the
heart.

Here are definitions for some of the major Heart Diseases:

Cardiovascular Disease – is an umbrella term in its self, it is a classification of Heart Disease

which includes Coronary Heart Disease; Angina which is usually caused by the Coronary Heart
Disease; Heart Attacks; Cardiac Arrest; and Strokes.

Cardiomyopathy – This relates to problems that affect the fabric of the heart such as
enlargement (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), thinning, thickening (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy),
stiffening (Restrictive Cardiomyopathy) and fatty deposits (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular
Cardiomyopathy). All of these put additional strain on the heart and makes it harder for the heart
to pump the blood around the body.

Atrial Fibrillation – This in itself is not usually life threatening but if not treated immediately
can lead to life threating complications. For instance Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm
which is a major cause of Strokes.

Congenital Heart Disease – This condition is an abnormality of the heart that forms whilst the
baby is developing in the womb. 7 out of 1,000 babies are born with Congenital Heart Disease. In
most cases this is a minor condition that is easily treatable. In a small number of cases the
condition is more severe and fatal.

Heart Failure – Sometimes known as Congestive Heart Failure this term is used to describe a
condition that makes the heart unable to pump the blood around the body as it once used to.

Causes of Heart Disease:

Causes of Heart Disease are wide and varied. Some Heart Diseases cause complications which
lead onto other Heart Diseases. Here are the Heart Diseases that we have already discussed
together with a list of the most common contributing factors to each disease.

Cardiovascular Disease – An unhealthy lifestyle is a major factor in causing Cardiovascular

Disease for example; Smoking; Physical Inactivity; Obesity; and High blood cholesterol. Your
chances of contracting it get higher as you get older. You also may have a predisposition to it if it
already runs in the family. You are also more at risk if you have Diabetes or High Blood Pressure.

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Heart Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors

Cardiomyopathy – Each disease in this umbrella grouping are thought to have mutated genes at
their root causes so they passed down within families.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Can be a genetic disease, caused by a mutated gene which passes
down from one individual to another in a family. It can also be known to be caused by exposure
viral infections, toxins, pregnancy and autoimmune responses but scientists have not been able
to determine if these cases also had an underlying genetic defect.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – Is a genetic disease, caused by a mutated gene which passes

down from one individual to another in a family. It is thought that many people carry this
mutated gene but that no symptoms arise from it. The onset of this disease often presents after
puberty and later into life.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy – Can be caused by a variety of other syndromes; exposure to

radiation (chemotherapy); a buildup of scar tissue within the heart; or a buildup of iron in the
heart.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy – Is a genetic disease, caused by a

mutated gene which passes down from one individual to another in a family.

Atrial Fibrillation – A whole host of medical problems can cause the heart to start having an
irregular beat. Some of the most common causes are High blood Pressure; Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning; Previous Heart Surgery; Congenital Heart Disease; Lung Diseases; Binge Drinking. You
also may have a predisposition to it if it already runs in the family.

Congenital Heart Disease – This is caused by issues with the babies development in the womb.

Heart Failure – The most common causes of Heart Failure are Congenital Heart Conditions; High
Blood Pressure; A previous Heart Attack; Alcohol Abuse; and Cardiomyopathies.

Symptoms of Heart Disease:

Cardiovascular Disease – There may be no outwardly obvious signs with the onset of a
cardiovascular disease this is because it is not until the disease is well advanced that the flow of
blood becomes restricted. Once the restriction is in place then outward symptoms begin to
appear for example:

Heart Attacks – tightness to the chest; oppressive feeling; chest pains; giddiness; perspiring;
dizziness; nausea; breathlessness.

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Heart Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors

Strokes – weakness in the limbs; loss of feeling in parts of the face or body; speech difficulties;
loss of vision; dizziness; a debilitating headache.

Cardiomyopathy – All have very similar symptoms:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy – breathlessness; swelling of the abdomen; swelling

of the ankles; fatigue; and palpitations.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – breathlessness; chest pains; palpitations;

blackouts; and dizziness.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy – chest pains; breathlessness; swelling of the

abdomen; swelling of the ankles; fatigue; weight gain; and palpitations.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy – palpitations; dizziness;

fainting; swelling of the abdomen; swelling of the feet; breathlessness;

Atrial Fibrillation – An irregular pulse; palpitations; shortness of breath; dizziness; fainting;

and chest pains.

Congenital Heart Disease – If the defect is not picked up at birth then it is possible that there
will be no symptoms well into adulthood. Symptoms that present may include fatigue; shortness
of breath; poor circulation; skin discoloration (bluish); and palpitations.

Heart Failure – The first outward signs of Heart Failure can be easily detected but they can also
be easily confused with other symptoms. Some of the symptoms that may present are fatigue;
shortness of breath; swelling of the abdomen; swelling of the ankles; sleeplessness; depression;
nausea; bulging veins; loss of appetite; and less urination.

FAQ:

What are Angina warning signs?

The warning signs of heart disease can be fairly easily identified. The condition is usually
brought on by some kind of emotional strain, physical exertion, a change in the weather or after
taking a meal. The symptoms are tightness to the chest which may expand outwards to the neck,
arms, jaw, back and stomach. Each person experiences the type of pain involved differently. It
has been described as a dull ache, tightness or even the feeling on something heavy laying on
you.

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Heart Disease Symptoms and Risk Factors

How does a pacemaker work?

Part of the heart functions as a natural pacemaker. This is called the sinus node. Pacemakers are
used to take over the function of the sinus node. A pacemaker and the sinus node are simply
pulse generators that stimulate the heart to contract and produce a heartbeat.

Are pacemakers safe?

Pacemakers are safe to use. Technology has moved on leaps and bounds over the years. As with
any operation and intervention there are risks involved but they are calculated risks that are
outweighed by the benefits that can be reaped by having a pacemaker fitted. The main risk
factors involved are a risk of infection from the operation; excess bleeding from the operation;
air from the lungs leaking into the chest cavity during the operation; bruising; and displacement
of the leads if you do not follow the recovery instructions given by your surgical team.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation is a type of Heart Disease where the heart beats chaotically. In itself it may not
be life threatening but the extra strain it puts on the heart can lead to complications. It can also
lead to other circulatory related conditions.

Resources and Organizations:

http://www.heart.org

http://www.bhf.org.uk

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm

Indigo Girl – Design and Marketing Services – 60 Fairlawn Park, Sydenham, London, SE26 5RX
Telephone: +44 (0)208 778 6484 – Email: enquiries@indigogirl.co.uk