WHAT ARE HEART DISEASES?
Also called cardiovascular disease, any disorder of the heart can be termed as heart disease.
It generally refers to conditions involving blocked blood vessels that can lead to chest pain or a stroke. Heart diseases also include conditions related to the heart's muscle, valves or rhythm.
Some conditions or diseases of heart include:
- Arrhythmias- Heart rhythm abnormality
- Congenital heart defects- Heart defects you're born with
- Coronary artery disease- Buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries
- Atherosclerosis- Hardening of the arteries
- Cardiomyopathy- The heart’s muscles harden or grow weak
- Heart infections- Caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites
WHAT ARE HEART DISEASE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS?
Risk factors or causes for developing heart disease include:
- Family history
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity.
- Stress
- Poor oral health
The symptoms differ depending on the different types of heart diseases. Also, they may be different for men and women. Men may feel pain in their chest while women might feel fatigued and discomfort in their chest.
Symptoms can include:
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Chest pressure
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain and/or numbness in your legs or arms
- Pain in the neck, upper abdomen or back
Until you have a heart attack, angina, stroke or heart failure, cardiovascular diseases are rarely diagnosed. It's important to watch for cardiovascular symptoms including
Abnormal heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)
- Fluttering in your chest
- Racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Congenital heart defects- defects you're born with:
- Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis)
- Swelling around the eyes, legs, abdomen
- In an infant, shortness of breath, poor weight gain
Congenital heart defects symptoms that usually aren't immediately life-threatening include:
- Short of breath
- Feeling tired
- Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
Weak heart muscle (dilated cardiomyopathy)
You may have no symptoms in the early stages but develop symptoms as the condition worsens:
- Breathlessness
- Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
Heart infections
Endocarditis affects the endocardium, the inner membrane that separates the chambers and valves of the heart. Symptoms may include
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Swelling in your legs or abdomen
- Changes in your heart rhythm
- Dry or persistent cough
- Skin rashes
Valvular heart disease
Valvular heart disease symptoms generally depend on the valve that isn't working properly, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Chest pain
- Fainting (syncope)
If you or someone around you feel these heart disease symptoms, seek medical care immediately:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
Heart disease is easier to treat if timely detected. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
CAN I TREAT HEART DISEASES WITH HOLISTIC HEALTH TREATMENT?
Always discuss your health concerns with a medical professional.
Heart disease treatment largely depends on the type and how far it has advanced. Certain types of heart disease can't be prevented. However, following healthy lifestyle habits, practising holistic treatments and regular medication can prevent and even improve heart disease.
- Quit smoking
- Control other health conditions
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthily
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce and manage stress
- Practice good hygiene
It’s important to take charge of your overall health. Holistic treatments can help you identify, prevent and maintain your heart symptoms and health.
Have a question about Heart Disease? ASK A PRACTITIONER or FIND A PRACTITIONER today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
