The heart, the hardest-working muscle in the body, pumps blood through the veins to ensure that nutrients and oxygen reach all areas in the body. A variety of cardiac complications may occur when the heart stops functioning as it should. Conditions and risk factors that contribute toward these complications include smoking, obesity, unhealthy eating habits, diabetes and high blood pressure. Genetics and birth defects may also play a role in heart damage.
Heart Attack
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarcation, may occur when a blood vessel leading to the heart experiences a blockage, usually caused by a blood clot. This cardiac complication blocks the flow of blood to the heart, which can cause injury to the heart and may even destroy a portion of the heart. Symptoms of having a heart attack include pressure or pain in the chest, pain that radiates down the arm or back, pain in the upper abdomen that won't go away, sweating, shortness of breath, fainting, nausea and vomiting. MayoClinic.com recommends seeking immediate medical attention if a heart attack is suspected, as this condition may be fatal.
Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia, a cardiac complication also known as an irregular heart beat, may result from coronary artery disease, abnormal heart valve function, heart failure, atypical nerve impulses, hormones in the body that regulate the rate of the heartbeat, excessive alcohol use, smoking, caffeine, stress or exercise. Arrhythmias can cause symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. FamilyDoctor.org indicates that while some arrhythmias can indicate a dangerous medical condition that needs immediate treatment, most incidences of irregular heartbeat do not present a serious problem. In more severe cases, medical treatment for arrhythmias include a pacemaker to control the rate of the heartbeat or an electrical shock issued to the heart to reset the heartbeat to a normal rhythm.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the atria of the heart, the two upper chambers, do not beat as it should. This cardiac complication prevents blood from emptying entirely from the chambers, which may result in the formation of blood clots. These clots put the sufferer at risk of a stroke if a clot exits the atria and blocks an artery in the brain. Approximately 2.2 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include a racing or irregular heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, confusion, decreased blood pressure, chest pain and shortness of breath. If the sufferer experiences chest pain, this could indicate a medical emergency. In most cases, though, physicians recommend making an appointment to determine a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
