Heart Diseases: What Are They, Symptoms, Treatment Methods
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. These conditions, which affect the structure or function of the heart, can significantly affect our quality of life by disrupting blood circulation.
What are Heart Diseases?
Heart diseases are the general name for various conditions that adversely affect the normal functioning of the heart and blood circulation. These diseases can occur as a result of disorders in the structure or function of the heart.
They are usually caused by vascular blockages, heart rhythm disorders, weakening of the heart muscle or problems with the heart valves. Coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and myocarditis are the most common types. When the heart is not working properly, it can cause various symptoms throughout the body, which can be life-threatening. Factors such as diet, lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the development of heart disease.
Also known as cardiovascular disease, these conditions describe any disease that affects the circulatory system. In particular, problems affecting the heart, brain and kidney vessels are included in this group. Heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, has declined in high-income countries over the last two decades, but has increased rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Unfortunately, in some cases, these diseases can progress without symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the disease and provide vital benefits. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and having regular heart check-ups are the most important steps that can be taken to protect the health of the heart.
What are the Symptoms of Heart Diseases?
Heart diseases can occur with various symptoms or sometimes progress without showing any symptoms. Early symptom detection is vital for preventing possible risks.
Among the most common symptoms;
Chest pain or tightness
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue
Dizziness
Fainting sensation
Cold sweating
Nausea
Fatigue and decreased endurance during physical activity are also important indicators of heart disease.
Symptoms may also vary depending on the type of disease. For example:
- In coronary artery disease: Feeling of pressure in the chest, tightness
- In heart failure: Shortness of breath, edema of the legs, cough
- Rhythm disorders: Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, dizziness
- In valvular heart disease: Shortness of breath, chest discomfort
However, heart disease in women may have different symptoms than in men. Apart from chest pain, general symptoms such as back pain, jaw pain, nausea and extreme fatigue are more common.
Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially serious ones such as chest pain, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.
What are Heart Diseases?
Health experts classify these diseases into six basic categories according to the causes of their occurrence. This classification provides important guidance to doctors in diagnosis and treatment processes.
Vascular Diseases
Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are conditions that cause narrowing or blockage of the heart vessels. This group ranks first among all causes of death.
Diseases due to Electrical Problems
It includes rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia caused by disturbances in the electrical conduction system of the heart. This type of disease can manifest itself with symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness and fainting.
Pump Function Disorders
Heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot adequately fulfill its task of pumping blood.
Structural Disorders
It includes congenital or acquired problems in the heart valves or wall structure of the heart, such as mitral valve insufficiency and atrial septal defect.
Heart Muscle Diseases
There are conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart muscle, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Infectious Diseases
Infections of the heart tissue caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, such as endocarditis and myocarditis.
Symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the type, but the basic classification is as follows:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Coronary heart disease, blocked arteries, high blood pressure and stroke
- Congenital (congenital) heart diseases: Anomalies seen at birth
- Peripheral vascular disease: Problems affecting blood circulation
- Valvular (valve) diseases: Dysfunctions of the heart valves
What are the Diagnosis and Treatment Methods?
The diagnostic process usually begins with an assessment of the patient's medical history and family history. Then, during the physical examination, the heartbeat is listened to, blood pressure is measured and symptoms such as edema and skin discoloration are noted. Laboratory tests check cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Troponin levels are checked to determine whether the heart muscle has been damaged. After the symptoms of heart disease are detected, the following imaging methods can be applied:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiography: Ultrasound imaging of the heart's structure and function.
- Stress test: Evaluates how the heart works during exercise.
- Coronary angiography: Displays blockages in the heart vessels.
- Holter monitor: Measures the heart rhythm rate for 24-48 hours.
Once heart disease is detected, treatment methods are determined according to its type and severity. First of all, lifestyle changes are recommended. Low salt and sugar consumption and regular exercise are important parts of this process. Medication can also be administered. Surgical interventions may also be required. Methods such as coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty and stent placement, heart valve repair or replacement are commonly used. Minimally invasive procedures include catheter ablation and transcatheter aortic valve placement.
It is important to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Cardiac rehabilitation includes exercise training and counseling programs to help patients improve their heart health. The aim of all these treatments is to stop the progression of heart disease, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.