What Is Heart Disease And How Can I Prevent It?

By Lena Stephenson


Heart disease is a general name used for conditions affecting the entire cardiovascular system. The areas affected include the rhythm and blood vessels. There are conditions affecting children and can be detected at birth. A look at these conditions will demystify what is heart disease. The other name used is cardiovascular conditions.

The dangerous conditions associated with the cardiovascular system include blockage or narrowing of blood vessels. These conditions easily lead to stroke, heart attacks and chest pains. Conditions affecting related rhythm, valves and muscles form part of cardiovascular diseases. With good lifestyle choices, these conditions can be treated or effectively managed.

The type of condition will determine the symptoms that will be manifested. When the vessels are blocked, narrow or stiff, other parts of the body like the brain cannot receive enough blood. Men may display signs and symptoms that are different from women. The most common symptoms in women are extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea.

Numbness and weak feet as well as cold limbs are indications of a cardiovascular problem. Coldness is a particular indication of narrow blood vessels. Other symptoms to watch-out for include pain in the neck, upper abdomen, jaw and throat. Angina, stroke, failure and attack are some of the diagnosis situations that indicate that you have a cardiovascular condition.

Concern should be raised when the heartbeats are abnormal. They include irregular, slow or fast heartbeats. Lightheadedness, racing heartbeat, chest pain, fluttering and chest discomfort are signs of trouble. Other danger signs are fainting, near fainting and dizziness.

Congenital defects are detected at birth. The affected children display such symptoms as short breath during exercise or activity, easily getting tired and swelling of hands, ankles and feet. Some of these conditions are not immediately life threatening but require attention to ensure normal growth. They can be corrected at an early age, but they get complicated over time.

The weakness of cardiovascular muscles is usually attributed to thickening or stiffness. The signs are not easily detected in the early stages but they will appear as the situation gets worse. They include breathlessness with exertion or at rest, swollen feet, legs or ankles as well as dizziness, lightheaded feeling and fainting.

There are infections that affect the cardiovascular system leading to such symptoms as pericarditis, myocarditis and endocarditis. These conditions affect surrounding tissues, muscles and membranes separating different chambers. The symptoms depend on the type of condition and may include shortness of breath, skin rashes and unusual spots, dry-persistent cough and fatigue or weakness.

Valvular diseases damage muscles and vessels leading to narrow chambers, improper closing or leakage. The symptoms displayed depend on the valve that is affected. Common symptoms are fainting, chest pains, fatigue and short breath.

It is advisable to see the doctor if you experience such common cardiovascular related symptoms as shortness of breath, fatigue or fainting and chest pains. Early detection leads to successful treatment in most cases. There are steps that you can take to reduce risks or slow the development of a condition. People with family history are most susceptible and should therefore see a doctor.




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