Numerous conditions affect heart health. Some of the most serious conditions are related to lifestyle choices and are, therefore, preventable. In other conditions, genetics and age play a part. Whatever the case, knowing which conditions cause potentially harmful effects could help patients and their families make better choices for long-term health and effectively partner with their healthcare providers to evaluate options for treatment and care.
Arrhythmias
Irregular heart rhythms and high heart rates characterize arrhythmias. Over time, arrhythmias may weaken and damage heart muscle. Dangerously high heart rates create heart rhythms that need immediate medical intervention or sudden cardiac death may result. These rhythms usually require a shock to the heart to return to normal. After correction, a doctor will advise whether medication or a procedure is needed to correct the problem permanently. In the best-case scenario, healthy hearts can tolerate slight variations in rhythm with very little consequence or disruption in day-to-day living.
Heart Attack
When heart attacks occur, the heart muscle becomes damaged due to a deficiency of oxygen, according to Dr. Simeon Margolis in "The Johns Hopkins Complete Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies." Ischemia, or permanent muscle death, may occur in only a small part of the heart, but over time, the rest of the heart weakens due its compensation for the damaged portion. Some heart attacks are minor, but damage increases the risk for a subsequent heart attack.
Heart Failure
Sometimes called "congestive heart failure" or "CHF," heart failure means the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the rest of the body, according to the American Heart Association. Sometimes caused by an illness such as rheumatic fever or bacterial infection; heart failure may also occur as a result of genetics or age. No matter the case, the heart fills with blood that it cannot pump out, hence the "congestion." As time goes on, the heart weakens even more, and all body systems suffer the consequences of not receiving enough newly oxygenated blood.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque build-up---usually resulting from poor diet and high cholesterol---clogs the inside of the arteries and narrows the passage for blood flow. Reduced blood flow to the heart increases its workload. High blood pressure may also result as the blood is pushing against the plaque. The highest risk associated with CAD comes from a piece of plaque breaking off and causing a clot, according to Judith A. Schiling McCann in "Pathophysiology." A heart attack may result and further weaken the already overworked heart.
References
- "Pathophysiology: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses"; Judith A. Schilling McCann, RN MSN; 2005
- "The Johns Hopkins Complete Home Guide to Symptoms & Remedies"; Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D; 2004
- American Heart Association: Diseases and Conditions
