There are a wide range of diseases that can affect the heart and many causes. Heart disease often results from the narrowing or blockage of arteries that lead to the heart and interfere with blood flow. Heart disease is the top worldwide killer of men and women, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and is the leading cause of heart attacks, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. It occurs when the arteries become narrow and hard, blocking blood flow to the heart. The disease called atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is often responsible for the blood flow interference, depriving the body's cells of enough oxygen. The heart loses its efficiency.
Angina
Angina is chest pain caused by the heart having to work harder because of decreased blood flow. The pain is sometimes described as pressure or squeezing on the chest. The pain can spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. Angina puts people at increased risk for heart attack, which occurs when an artery is nearly or completely blocked.
Arrhythmias
Heart arrhythmias are changes in the heart rate. The heart may beat too fast, too slow or have an irregular beat, according to the National Institutes of Health. Causes may include heart conditions, chemistry imbalances, a past heart attack or various substances and drugs from caffeine to amphetamines. Symptoms may also include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting. Medication can return the heart rate to normal. In some cases, pacemakers are implanted to interrupt arrhythmias.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart defects are present at birth, according to Shands Children's Hospital. The defects can range from holes between chambers of the heart to missing chambers or valves in the heart. Heart problems that develop in childhood include rheumatic fever, which damages the heart valves, and infective endocarditis, an inflammation of the lining of the heart's cavities.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump away blood fast enough. This can cause congestion in the veins. People suffering from heart failure may experience shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. Emergency treatment is necessary.
Myocarditis
Inflammation of the heart muscle or surrounding tissue is called myocarditis, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. Medications are used to treat the disease.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a decline in the function of the heart that may bring on heart palpitations, abnormal heart rate, arrhythmia or shortness of breath. It can be caused by various factors such as high blood pressure, heart valve impairment, reduced blood supply or heavy alcohol use.
