Types of heart disease

Function of the heart

Let us understand what exactly the heart does. The function of the heart is to supply oxygen containing blood to the whole body. For the heart to function properly, the coronary arteries, the heart muscles and blood supply through several blood vessels is maintained properly throughout the entire body. As age advances or because of certain lifestyle factors, the blood vessels and coronary arteries get injured, and one develops cardiovascular diseases. These cover coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease. These diseases are associated with high expenses on medical treatment and hospitalizations.

Types of heart disease

We will focus on coronary artery disease, when we refer to heart disease.

When coronary arteries which supply blood and nourishment to the heart get obstructed, it can result in Angina or Myocardial Infarct.

Angina

When coronary arteries get narrow and give insufficient bloody supply (ischemia) causing chest pain. This pain is momentary, but this is the first sign of trouble. Angina is associated with pain for few minutes on and off. This is also called angina pectoris.

Myocardial Infarct or heart attack

happens when there is a sudden block in blood flow in one of more coronary arteries. This cuts off blood supply to part of the heart muscle causing permanent damage. If the block is severe, the person can go into cardiac arrest as the heart stops beating.

There are other types of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, thrombosis.

Hypertension

Hypertension means when there is persistent increase in blood pressure. This affects pumping action of the heart and if not treated, it can damage the heart, brain and kidneys.

Stroke

Stroke results from a block in blood vessels which supply blood to the brain or when an artery ruptures (breaks) leading to brain haemorrhage (cerebral haemorrhage). Stroke can happen in patients with very high blood pressure. Heart stroke can happen and can lead to paralysis in which brain and muscle coordination is impaired. Paralysis can be partial or complete i.e. either one sided or total paralysis.

Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease happens when blood vessels which supply blood to the limbs are blocked. Less blood flow in the peripheral nerves (tips of hands and feet) can lead to irreversible damage, peripheral neuropathy (tingling nerves) and ultimately death of the tissue (gangrene). It commonly occurs in blood vessels in the feet and mostly seen in diabetes.

Heart failure

Technically it is called as “Congestive Cardiac Failure” or “Congestive heart failure”. Heart failure may not mean that the heart is not pumping blood at all. It could partially work, which means the need for blood and oxygen is not fully met. Heart failure needs to be supervised and treated properly.

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias mean that the heart beats either slow, fast or irregularly due to an abnormal heart rhythm. A fast heart beat is called Tachycardia in which the heart rate is more than 100 beats a minute. A slow heart beat in which the heart beats lesser than 60 beats per minute is called bradycardia. Arrhythmias affect the way your heart works. The irregular heart beat does not allow the heart to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet your body’s need.

Processes for developing heart disease

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a process in which the arteries (or blood vessels) become narrow. A gruel like material called plaque, made up of lipids (fats) and blood cells deposits on their inner lining of the arteries and hardens. This is a blood vessel clogging disorder which gradually builds up as age advances. The walls of the arteries become brittle and rough in atherosclerosis. This narrows down the channel or passage through which blood flows. This could lead to formation of a blood clot.

What is Thrombosis?

The blood cells adhere to the rough walls of the arteries and can form a blood clot called thrombus. The clot reduces blood supply and therefore oxygen supply to tissues and organs leading to ischemia. This is thrombosis. The thrombus or blood clot can also build up quickly to close the artery and lead to a heart attack.

Heart attack simplified

The coronary arteries are those blood vessels that supply blood with oxygen and nutrients to the muscles of the heart called as the myocardium. The coronary arteries get narrowed or plugged and the walls harden. This reduces blood supply to the heart muscles which may cause heart attacks. High blood cholesterol is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

About Author

Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions.  You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |