Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women, causes about 25 percent of deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. A number of different disease processes can cause heart disease, which can occur at any time of life from before birth to old age.
Types
Congenital heart disease, the most common type of major birth defect, according to the National Institutes of Health, affects eight out of 1,000 newborns. Congenital defects range from minor problems needing no treatment to life-threatening malformations requiring immediate surgery. Coronary heart disease, the major type of heart disease in adults, according to eMedTV, causes blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Congestive heart failure affects the chambers of the heart and interferes with the ability to pump blood to the body. Heart disease of the valves that keep blood flowing through the heart can occur at any time in life. Problems in the electrical conduction of impulses that control the way the heart beats can also occur at any time in life. The lining of the heart also can become damaged.
Causes
Congenital birth defects may be related to maternal medications or may occur spontaneously. Damage to the coronary arteries and to the heart chambers often occurs from inherited tendencies and lifestyle issues. Damage to the lining of the heart often results from infection. Valve disease can be inherited or can occur as a result of other types of heart damage.
Risk Factors
Nine out of 10 people with heart disease have at least one risk factor for heart disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. People who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes develop heart disease more often than those who don't. Being overweight, eating poorly or drinking too much alcohol also increase the risk of heart disease, as does not getting enough exercise.
Symptoms
Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the severity and cause. Chest pain often occurs from coronary artery disease, while congestive heart failure can cause shortness of breath, fatigue and fluid retention. Valve disease can lead to congestive heart failure, with similar symptoms. Electrical conduction problems can cause rapid heartbeat, palpitations, slow heartbeat, fatigue, anxiety or fainting. Congenital heart disease symptoms vary depending on what the disease is, but can include any of the above.
Treatments
Treatments for heart disease can range from surgery for severe congenital heart defects or blocked arteries to medications for congestive heart failure or pacemaker implantation for electrical conduction issues. Heart transplantation may become necessary in cases of severe heart damage.
