Learn to Identify the Signs of Cardiac Issues
Many people believe that cardiovascular ailments refer to heart diseases. However, cardiovascular refers to multiple parts of the system, including blood, blood vessels, heart, veins, artilleries, and capillaries. A problem in any of these components in the system can lead to heart disease, which can consequently result in complications in other parts of the body. As a result, it is vital to stay on top of your health and identify the signs of cardiac issues.
Types of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiac issues include many different conditions involving one or more parts of the cardiovascular system. Heart diseases refer to the diseases affecting the heart, while cardiovascular diseases include diseases that affect the heart, arteries, veins, and blood vessels.
The different cardiovascular diseases are:
Angina
Arrhythmia
Congenital heart disease
Coronary heart disease
Heart attack and heart failure
Cardiomyopathy
Regurgitation and prolapse of mitral valve
Stenosis of pulmonary artery
Rheumatic heart disease
Issues affecting the veins, arteries, and capillaries:
Peripheral artery disease
Aneurysm
Atherosclerosis
Renal artery disease
Raynaud’s disease
Peripheral venous disease
Ischemic stroke
Major causes of cardio diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are an umbrella term for diseases that affect the heart, blood vessels, veins, and arteries.
Some of the major causes of cardio issues include:
Accumulation of plaque in the arteries
Thickening of heart muscles
Infections and fevers
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Lifestyle
Poor meal regime
Excessive use of tobacco
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Lack of dental hygiene
Stress
Complications of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases can impact the structure and functioning of the heart and blood vessels. If that happens, the heart may not be able to function normally and pump the required amount of blood that the body requires. The most common and predictable impact on untreated cardio issues is heart failure.
Other complications from cardio issues include:
Heart attack
Stroke
Aneurysm
Peripheral artery disease
Sudden cardiac arrest
Diseases in other organs like kidneys, eyes, brain, and liver
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is common among people over the age of 65 and those who have ignored or not treated any symptoms of cardio diseases. Heart failure is not sudden and takes many years to develop. As existing heart issues remain untreated, the heart continues to become weak. The muscles in the heart wall start weakening and begin to enlarge. As a result, the heart is unable to pump the blood necessary for the body and its organs to function. It is a progressive condition and worsens over time, leading to death if not treated on time.
Symptoms of heart failure
Though some symptoms like discomfort, pain, or pressure in the chest may be common for many cardiovascular diseases, some conditions may not give out any symptoms. Similarly, the intensity of the symptoms may differ for men and women. In the case of heart failure, the symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. Doctors classify heart failure into four stages: A, B, C, and D. As the disease progresses to each stage, the chance of survival reduces.
Stage A
If there is no dysfunction of the heart, but a person is at high risk of heart failure due to pre-existing conditions, like hypertension or other cardio issues, doctors describe it as Stage A of heart failure.
Symptoms
The symptoms may include shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, and swelling in extremities like hands, feet, and ankles.
Treatment
Doctors focus on managing the underlying disease or risk factors.
Stage B
Changes in the heart’s structure, like enlargement of the left ventricle, begin at this Stage.
Symptoms
There may be no specific or new symptoms except what they have in Stage A.
Treatment
Doctors use ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers to manage and prevent the worsening of symptoms.
Stage C
At this stage, problems may occur in the heart’s pumping and squeezing function of the left ventricle.
Symptoms
Apart from the existing symptoms, you may feel breathless and fatigued.
Treatment
Doctors use combination diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, beta-blockers, and SFLT2 inhibitors and consider devices, implants, and other therapies to manage the symptoms.
Stage D
There will be advanced structural heart changes and intensive and significant symptoms even when the muscles are resting. This is also called end-stage heart failure.
Symptoms
Breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Weight gain
Nausea
Edema in legs, hands, arms, and ankles
Persistent cough
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Treatment
Doctors may recommend advanced treatment with mechanical support that make the heart squeeze harder. Other options are cardiac transplant.
It is advised to have a balanced meal plan, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and indulge in physical activities like brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. These can help in the long run to maintain cardiovascular health.