Heart disease is one of the scariest and most prominent causes of death in our country. One in four people dies from heart disease every year. Although there are many factors that play a role in the development of heart disease, any race or gender can develop heart disease.
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There are different types of heart disease making more than half of the population of the United States vulnerable to it. What’s even scarier is that these different types of heart disease deaths are rising – making us wonder what are the steps for prevention and how can I point out heart disease symptoms to reach an early diagnosis. Continue reading to learn about the various types of heart disease and prevention.
Types of Heart Disease
You may be wondering what types of heart disease are out there. The different types of heart disease can include a large range of problems with the heart making an umbrella that they fall under. These are the most common types of heart disease:
- Infection in the Heart – This type of heart disease can be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses
- Coronary Artery Disease – This is known as CAD and can be a result of the buildup of plaque in the arteries of the heart. It also can be known as ischemic heart disease.
- Arrhythmia – This is when the heart has an abnormal rhythm.
- Congenital Heart Defects – This is a type of heart disease that is found at birth and are known as heart irregularities.
- Atherosclerosis– This is when the arteries in the heart harden.
- Cardiomyopathy – This is a condition in which the muscles of the heart become weak or harden.
Each of these different types of heart disease has its own symptoms. Continue reading to find out these specific heart disease symptoms. It is important to point out that the best way to find a diagnosis and treatment is to speak to your doctor about any concerns that may be prevalent.
Heart Disease Symptoms
Each type of heart disease has its own symptoms and can be noted as follows:
- Infection in the Heart – certain heart infections can include myocarditis or endocarditis
- Pain in the chest
- Congestion in the chest
- Coughing
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash noted on the skin
- Coronary Artery Disease – this type of heart disease affects the blood flow through the heart and lungs
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Pressure in the chest – squeezing feeling
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Indigestion / gas
- Arrhythmia – Because this type of heart problem has to do with irregular rhythms in the heart the symptoms may vary by case and person
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fluttering heart
- Racing heart
- Low pulse
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Pain in the chest
- Congenital Heart Defects – Although not all heart defects are found at birth, the symptoms may be noted as follows
- Swelling of the outer limbs
- Fatigue / low energy
- Blue colored skin
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Atherosclerosis– Atherosclerosis limits the blood supply to the outer limbs
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coldness in the outer extremities
- Numbness in the outer extremities
- Unusual pain
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Cardiomyopathy – Cardiomyopathy causes the muscles of the heart to become enlarged and turn thick and weak
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Swollen lower legs
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid pulse
Many of the heart disease symptoms can be similar but the rule of thumb is that if you notice anything odd about your chest or your breathing, speak to your doctor about your concerns to receive an accurate diagnosis and rule out any problems.
Sources: Healthline.com – What are the different types of heart disease?