Heart damage leads to heart disease, which is the number one killer worldwide of both men and women. Heart disease is responsible for 40 percent of deaths in the U.S. Types of heart damage include arrhythmias, heart defects you are born with, cardiomyopathy, heart infection and damage to the heart valves. Many of these conditions can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and awareness of risk factors.
Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia refers to a fast, slow or abnormal heartbeat. Other arrhythmia symptoms include a fluttering heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting. Arrhythmias are often caused by birth defects, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, smoking, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, drug abuse, stress, valvular heart disease and some over-the-counter medications.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart defects refers to heart damage you are born with. The defect may show up during infancy through pale gray or blue skin; swelling in the legs, abdomen or around the eyes; or shortness of breath while feeding. Later in life, the defect may show through becoming fatigued easily during activity; a build up of fluid in heart or lungs; or swelling in hands, ankles or feet. These conditions usually develop while the baby is in the womb. Researchers do not know what causes these defects, but they suspect it has to do with medical conditions, medications and genetics.
Cardiomyopathy
Another type of heart damage, cardiomyopathy is a thickening or constricting of the heart muscle. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include breathlessness; swelling of legs, ankles and feet; bloating; fatigue; irregular heartbeat; or dizziness. The cause of cardiomyopathy is not known.
Infection
Heart damage caused by infections can result in a fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs or abdomen, changes in heart rhythm, dry or persistent cough, or skin rashes. Heart infections result from bacteria, viruses or parasites getting into the bloodstream, which is sometimes due to poor hygiene. Medications that cause an allergic or toxic reaction such as penicillin as well as illicit drugs like cocaine can also cause infection to the heart. Diseases such as lupus, connective tissue disorders, inflammation of blood vessels and inflammatory conditions such as Wegener's granulomatosis also cause heart infection.
Valve Damage
Heart damage caused by valve damage can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, a heart murmur, swollen feet or ankles, chest pain and fainting. You may be born with valvular heart damage or it can be caused by conditions such as rheumatic fever, infections, connective tissue disorders or medications and radiation treatments for cancer.
Risk Factors
As you get older, you become more susceptible to heart damage. Also, men and postmenopausal women are more likely to be affected. Unhealthy diet, excessive drinking and smoking increase your risk of heart damage. Those who have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, high stress levels, poor hygiene and obesity are more likely to suffer from heart disease.
Prevention
The key to preventing heart disease is to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Eat foods that are low in fat and low in sodium, and get 30 minutes of exercise a day. Stop smoking and drink in moderation. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely. Maintain good hygiene by regularly washing your hands, stay away from those who are sick and get a flu shot.
