What is heart disease?
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to any of several diseases that affect the functioning of your heart. Types of heart diseases are often categorized by the aspects of your heart they affect, including:
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Heart defects
- Blood vessels
- Weak heart muscle
- Damage to heart valves
- Infections
What causes heart disease?
Given the wide variety of heart diseases, the exact cause for heart disease dramatically depends on the type of heart disease you have.
The most common type of heart disease people are familiar with is cardiovascular disease, which occurs when fatty plaque builds on the arterial walls. This fatty buildup can prevent proper blood flow and ultimately cause damage to your heart. Numerous factors can increase your risk for this fatty buildup, including:
- A poor diet
- Being overweight
- Excess smoking or drinking
- Diabetes
- Stress
Genetics or infections can cause other types of heart disease, such as heart infections or congenital heart diseases.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
The exact heart disease symptoms you experience depend on the type of heart disease, whether you’re a man or a woman, and how far along the disease has progressed. No matter the disease, here are a few of the common symptoms:
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- A faster or slower heartbeat than usual
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Swelling in the limbs
If left untreated, heart disease can lead to several serious complications, including heart failure, stroke, heart attack, aneurysm, and cardiac arrest.
Who gets heart disease?
A wide range of factors can put you at greater risk of developing heart disease, so it’s important to review your medical history with Dr. Maribao if you think you might be at risk. Some common risks include:
- Old age
- You’re a man
- You have a family history of the disease
- Poor diet
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels
How is heart disease treated?
Depending on the type of heart disease you have, Dr. Maribao prescribes a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to treat your disease.
Does heart disease run in your family? Call Dr. Maribao to determine whether you are at risk or book your consultation online.
