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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Common Heart Problems
Introduction
The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for pumping blood and supplying oxygen throughout the body. Unfortunately, heart conditions are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Understanding common heart problems can help in their early detection and prevention.
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
What is it? CAD occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.
Symptoms: - Chest pain (angina) - Shortness of breath - Fatigue
Risk Factors: - High cholesterol - Hypertension - Smoking - Diabetes
Prevention & Treatment: - Healthy diet (low in saturated fats and high in fiber) - Regular exercise - Medications (statins, aspirin, beta-blockers) - In severe cases, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be needed.
2. Heart Failure
What is it? Heart failure happens when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and body tissues.
Symptoms: - Swelling in legs, feet, or abdomen - Shortness of breath, especially when lying down - Fatigue and weakness
Common Causes: - Uncontrolled hypertension - Damage from a heart attack - Valvular heart disease
Treatment & Management: - Medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors - Lifestyle changes (reducing salt, exercise, managing weight) - In severe cases, heart transplant or implanted devices may be required
3. Arrhythmia
What is it? Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast, too slow, or erratic.
Types: - Atrial fibrillation (AFib) - Bradycardia (slow heart rate) - Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Symptoms: - Palpitations - Dizziness - Fainting
Treatment: - Lifestyle modifications (reducing caffeine and stress) - Medications (anti-arrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers) - Medical procedures such as catheter ablation or pacemakers may be recommended
Conclusion
Heart diseases can have serious consequences, but they are often preventable through diet, exercise, and medication. Regular check-ups with a doctor and early detection remain key to managing heart health effectively.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/how-to-help-prevent-heart-disease-at-any-age
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/prevent-heart-disease-and-stroke
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejhf.2333
3. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation Management
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.