Information on Heart Disease: The Many Faces of this Condition
Information on heart disease is plentiful today, including facts on the different types of heart disease that you might be diagnosed with. This general condition incorporates a wide range of more specific conditions, and your precise diagnosis will be essential in finding the most effective treatment options. If you are interested in collecting additional information on heart disease, we can get you started with a brief rundown on the different types of diagnoses you might hear.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a common type of heart disease that occurs when the arteries around the heart become blocked so blood cannot flow through freely. This blockage can lead to other problems like increased risk of heart attack and chest pain. Information on heart disease cites coronary artery disease as the leading cause of heart attacks. If you receive this diagnosis, it is essential that you find effective treatment for the condition as soon as possible. Treatments might include medication or surgery to open up the arteries and allow blood to flow freely once again.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is another form of heart disease, only this time the affected area is the heart itself. This condition stems from a diseased heart muscle, which may be the result of genetics or unknown causes. Cardiomyopathy is often seen as an enlarged heart without a known cause for the condition. Most cases of this condition can be treated with medications like beta blockers, but some will require surgery.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common condition that can raise your risk of more serious problems like heart attack or stroke. Information on heart disease offers plenty of treatment options for high blood pressure, including lifestyle changes like diet modifications and exercise. It might also include a variety of medications if the lifestyle changes are not sufficient to bring the numbers down to a healthy level. By keeping high blood pressure under control, you can greatly reduce your risk of other heart-related problems.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease refers to conditions that were present prior to birth. Many of these might actually be diagnosed in the womb through an ultrasound, and others will be detected sometime after birth. Some are not realized until a child is a few years old, depending on the type of disease it is. Congenital heart disease can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the specific diagnosis. These treatments might include surgery or medication.
Heart disease is a general term that incorporates a number of different conditions under this umbrella. By collecting information on heart disease, you and your doctor can come to a specific diagnosis that will offer different treatment options.
