Common Heart Conditions, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.

Common heart conditions are also known as heart diseases/ problems. This part is one of the major organs thus its effective working is very important. Its functions include:

1. Pumps blood throughout the body.
2. Controls the heart rate.
3. Maintains blood pressure.

Common risk factors are:

• Family history.
• Stress.
• Obesity.
• Tobacco consumption.
• Lack of exercise.
• Age.

1. Heart Attack.

Its also known as myocardial infarction. This happens when the blood supply to the muscles becomes completely blocked. This can be due to fatty materials breaking off, and blood clots in the coronary artery. This can cause damage.

Symptoms.

• Chest pains that make one breathless.
• High rapid heart rate.
• Difficult in breathing.
• Some loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)- checks for rhythm and electrical activity.
• Blood tests e.g. troponin levels- a protein released in the bloodstream when the muscles are damaged.
• Check blood pressure level.
• X-ray.
• Coronary angiogram- checks for any blocked blood vessels.
• Echo-cardiogram- it asses the structure and function.

Treatment.

• Pain-relieving drugs like morphine are given.
• Oxygen therapy- helps in breathing.
• Anti-platelet therapy – medication that thins the blood and gets rid of clots.
• Re-perfusion treatment.

2. Congenital heart condition.

Is a result of abnormality or defect in the structure of the heart in a fetus. it affects blood in the whole body. The most common type of birth defect, some are not detected till after birth. However, they vary from mild to severe. Some of the types are:

• Artial septal defect.
• Double-outlet right ventricles.
• Atrioventricular septal defects.
• Pulmonary atresia.
• Single ventricle.

Symptoms.

• Abnormal heart rhythms.
• Blue-tinted skin.
• Not able to feed and develop normally.
• Swollen body tissues.

Diagnosis.

Ultrasound.

Treatment.

• Medication to lower blood pressure and control heart rate.
• Heart devices.
• Surgery.
• Transplant for serious cases.

3. High blood pressure.

Its also known as hypertension. a condition when the force of blood against the artery walls is high. If untreated can cause conditions like attack/ stroke or other serious problems. It is controlled by eating healthy, regular exercises, and taking medication that lowers blood pressure. However, many people with blood pressure have no symptoms, although one may have headaches and shortness of breath. Therefore, it is advisable to check blood pressure regularly.

4. Coronary heart disease.

Occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked thus not able to supply enough blood to the heart. Cholesterol deposits in the artery can make them narrow. An attack is the first symptom. Others are:

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• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in the arms and shoulder.
• Dizziness.

Diagnosis.

• Chest x-ray.
• Electrocardiogram.
• Coronary artery calcium scan.
• Cardiac catheterization.

5. Heart failure.

It occurs when the heart pumping action can’t work properly, thus not being able to meet the body’s demands. Happens when it is too weak that at times it needs help/support to work effectively. so, it is common in older people, not curable but symptoms can be controlled. If not treated on time symptoms can develop quickly from acute to chronic failure.

Symptoms.

• Swollen ankles and legs.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
• Most of the time one feels tired.
• Breathless after any activity.

Treatment.

• Lifestyle change- eating healthy and regularly exercising.
• Surgery.
• Device implant.
• Medication.

6. Valve disease.

The heart has four valves, which regulate blood flow throughout the body. Therefore, a problem with any valve can put a strain on the muscles.

Symptoms.

• Shortness of breath.
• Swollen ankles.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain.
• Whooshing sound.

Treatment.

Depends on the affected valve and the severity of the disease.

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