Overview of Heart diseases

Heart is considered to be the most important organ of the human body as it is the main source of human life.

Heart disease refers to any condition of the heart where the cardiovascular system which comprises of the heart and the blood vessels is affected to be able to function normally. Cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), and coronary artery disease are some terms synonymous to heart disease.

Basically, the human heart is a muscular organ of about the size of a fist and is located behind the left side of the chest bone. It comprises of four chambers and six blood vessels. The main function of the heart is to maintain and control the circulation of the blood throughout the body. It basically carries oxygenated blood and supplies it throughout the whole body, and in return gets the deoxygenated blood to which it again adds oxygen and circulates to the whole body. Another function of the heart is to transport carbon dioxide and other wastes materials to the lungs, kidneys, and liver to be discharged from the body.

Heart diseases may be structural or function. However, anything that hinders the heart’s functionality of pumping oxygen to the body, or by any means causes it to becomes less efficient is alarming as it results in interruption between the relationship of the heart with other organs of the body such as lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Heart disease may result in heart attack which is also referred to as myocardinal infraction. It may also cause congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, heart stroke, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and even ischemia.

Coronary heart disease or Atherosclerosis is a type of heart disease in which in which the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen and blood to the heart become narrow. Blood vessels may become narrow as a result of building up of plaque on the inner lining (endothelium) of the artery walls or coronary arteries.

Coronary heart disease is the most prevalent and common cause of heart disease. However, it could be controlled by bringing little changes in lifestyle and also with the help of some supplements and medical treatment.

Peripheral Arterial Disease is another type of heart disease in which plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries which are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to head, limbs, and internal organs. Another name for this disease is atherosclerosis. In this the arteries may become narrow or even completely blocked out which consequently result in a diminution or obstruction of blood flow.

This is a serious condition as the obstruction in blood flow causes the patient to suffer from severe pain and numbness. A person suffering from this disease lacks the ability to fight infections. The obstructed blood flow, in severe conditions, also causes gangrene and amputation.

The chances of coronary heart disease are increased up to six or seven times in patients suffering from Peripheral Arterial disease. Peripheral Arterial disease is also likely to increase the chances of obstruction of arteries of the legs. It also increases the chances of heart attack, stroke, or mini stroke.

Early diagnosis and treatment followed by lifestyle change is highly recommended in preventing any major loss or disability caused due to the disease.

Heart Valve Disease is another type of heart disease in which one or more than one valve of the heart become unable to work properly.

Congestive Heart Failure is yet another type of heart disease in which the heart loses its ability to function the way it is designed to function. In this, the heart either becomes unable to supply blood to the entire body with enough force, or it may not get enough blood to be supplied to the whole body