Overview
A damaged heart can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. People with a damaged heart often experience fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other symptoms. Treatment for a damaged heart depends on the cause, and may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Symptoms of a Damaged Heart
The symptoms of a damaged heart can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
-Fatigue
-Difficulty breathing
-Chest pain or tightness
-Palpitations
-Lightheadedness
-Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
Causes of a Damaged Heart
The most common causes of a damaged heart are coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart valve problems. Other causes include viral infections, congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia.
Diagnosis of a Damaged Heart
If you experience any of the symptoms of a damaged heart, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will likely order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and blood tests.
Treatment of a Damaged Heart
Treatment for a damaged heart depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, or to treat arrhythmia. Surgery may be necessary for heart valve problems or to repair damage from a heart attack.