Do I Have Heart Disease?

The heart is a muscular organ responsible for pumping oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. Its two atria receive de-oxygenated blood and discharge oxygenated blood through the two ventricles. The heart is the hardest working muscle in the body beating at an average of around 72 beats per minute.

Heart disease (cardiopathy) is an affliction weakening the heart muscle. There are two primary causes of heart disease: 1) clogged arteries and 2) direct damage to the heart muscle itself due to other factors. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people in the United States - almost 2,000 Americans die of heart disease each day.

"Clogged Arteries"

Heart disease is also referred to as cardiovascular disease because it requires the entire network of arteries and veins to move the blood through the body. Over time, fatty material (plaque) collects in the blood vessels; this process is called atherosclerosis. It reduces the amount of blood that can flow through the body.

As the blood vessels become clogged, added pressure is placed on the heart muscle pump. When it becomes overburdened, it becomes weaker and less capable of pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of heart disease.

"Damaged Heart"

A damaged heart can be due to a number of other causes, including bacteria and viruses.

These are specific types of damaged heart conditions:

+ Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection - Stretching and rupture of aorta

+ Arrhythmia - Irregular heartbeat (Tachycardia is too fast and Bradycardia is too slow)

+ Atrial flutter - Abnormal heart rhythm occurring in atria

+ Cardiomyopathy - Deterioration of myocardium function

+ Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - Heart cannot pump blood throughout the body

+ Coronary Vasospasm - Smooth muscle constriction of the coronary artery

+ Dilated Cardiomyotrophy - Abnormal heart expansion

+ Hypertrophic Cardiomyotrophy - Heart enlargement

+ Marfan Syndrome - Genetic disorder of the connective tissue

+ Restrictive Cardiomyopathy - Heart stiffness prevents chambers from filling completely

+ Stable Angina - Chest pain during physical activity

+ Unstable Angina - Chest pain while resting

+ Valvular heart disease - Damage to heart valves

"Signs of Heart Disease"

If you feel light-headed, have shortness of breath or pain in your jaw, neck, back or chest while resting and can discern no other cause, this might be a sign of heart disease. If a blockage slows or stops the coronary blood supply, this could lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack). A doctor can determine if you have abnormal heart rhythms, which might be a sign of heart disease. If you have any concerns, see your medical professional immediately.

When a heart attack occurs, time is of the essence because heart muscle cells die without an adequate blood supply. Emergency medical personnel must be called when a heart attack occurs to prevent permanent heart damage or death.