Heart disease is a broad term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart. The most common types of heart disease include coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, arrhythmia, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy.
1. Coronary Artery Disease: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease that is caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This buildup of plaque can lead to the narrowing of the arteries, which can reduce the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the heart. Symptoms of CAD can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
2. Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects are abnormalities of the heart’s structure that are present at birth. They can range from minor defects that may not cause any symptoms to more serious defects that can lead to life-threatening complications. Common congenital heart defects include atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and coarctation of the aorta.
3. Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. It can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Symptoms of arrhythmia can include palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
4. Heart Failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia. Symptoms of heart failure can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
5. Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can cause the heart to become enlarged or weakened. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and viral infections. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
6. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thickened and can lead to the narrowing of the arteries. Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.