The terms, diseases of the coronary arteries (CADs), heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases tend to be used interchangeably. The cardiovascular system is a closed system that carries oxygen, electrolytes and nutrients to the body parts. Heart disease was responsible for about one in three deaths in 2006 in the United States. That total of more than 831,000 deaths was the leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries, is the primary cause of the three types of CADs, grouped as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as heart failure and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Angina
Angina, or chest pain, can progress from a somewhat stable condition controlled by medication, to the more serious, unstable angina, wherein chest pain occurs more often, feels worse and lasts longer than stable angina. This form of ACS can lead to a heart attack, whereby heart muscle is damaged, and should be treated as a medical emergency. The narrowing or blockage comes from plaque buildup in blood vessels related to cholesterol. The AHA warns that ruptured plaque can cause a blood clot, blocking blood to the heart. The blockage triggers the angina that can become unstable and lead to a heart attack. Mid-Atlantic Surgical Associates state that angina may be either a temporary condition, or a symptom of a heart attack.
NSTEMI Heart Attack
The Non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack occurs when damage to the heart muscle isn't registered in an electrocardiogram (ECG). The Cleveland Clinic Foundation states that this form of ACS heart attack tends to be a less severe heart attack, creating minimal heart damage. It is diagnosed by a blood test that reveals chemical markers to show that there has been heart muscle damage.
STEMI Heart Attack
A more severe form of heart attack is the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this ACS heart attack, a prolonged blockage of blood to the heart affects a large area of the heart and registers both in an ECG and blood test. All three ACSs are medical emergencies, but this is the most severe.
Heart Failure
Heart failure may be diagnosed when your heart doesn't pump enough blood through your body. Both congestive heart failure and chronic heart failure conditions are serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns either condition needs immediate attention. Medication may be administered, but the only cure is a heart transplant.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Plaque buildup in the arteries may result in peripheral arterial disease (PAD), commonly called hardening of the arteries. Swelling of your arms and legs is one symptom due to low blood flow too your appendages. The CDC states the disease is one result of atherosclerosis. Other symptoms include numbness and tingling in your extremities, as well as pain in your legs and swelling in your ankles and feet.
