Monday, March 16, 2015

What Is Heart Disease And How Can I Prevent It?

By Lena Stephenson


Heart disease is a general name used for conditions affecting the entire cardiovascular system. The areas affected include the rhythm and blood vessels. There are conditions affecting children and can be detected at birth. A look at these conditions will demystify what is heart disease. The other name used is cardiovascular conditions.

The conditions related to the cardiovascular system include narrowing of blood vessels or blockage. These conditions are likely to lead to heart attacks, pain and even stroke. This description also captures conditions that affect muscles, valves and the rhythm. The best treatment for these conditions is making the right lifestyle choices.

The systems that are manifested depend on the condition affecting the patient. Stiff, blocked or narrow muscles and blood vessels lead to poor supply of blood to crucial organs like the brain. This will lead to such signs as nausea, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. It is worth noting that the symptoms may vary depending on whether it is a woman or a man who is affected.

Numbness and weak feet as well as cold limbs are indications of a cardiovascular problem. Coldness is a particular indication of narrow blood vessels. Other symptoms to watch-out for include pain in the neck, upper abdomen, jaw and throat. Angina, stroke, failure and attack are some of the diagnosis situations that indicate that you have a cardiovascular condition.

Abnormal heartbeats are a sign of cardiovascular problems. They include slow, fast and irregular heartbeats. Other signs that should be a source of concern include chest pains, discomfort, lightheadedness and racing heartbeats. Fainting, near fainting and dizziness should be a cause for alarm.

Congenital defects are conditions in children and can be detected at birth. Some of the signs to be observed include short breath during an activity or exercise, swollen ankles, feet and hands as well as getting tired easily. Most of them are not an immediate threat to life but should be given medical attention to ensure that the child develops normally. They easily get complicated when not corrected in good time.

Stiff and thick surrounding muscles and blood vessels cause a weak cardiovascular system. As the condition gets worse, these signs begin to emerge. The patient experience breathlessness at rest or with exertion, has swollen feet, ankles and legs and may also feel dizzy lightheaded and faint easily.

There are infections that affect the cardiovascular system leading to such symptoms as pericarditis, myocarditis and endocarditis. These conditions affect surrounding tissues, muscles and membranes separating different chambers. The symptoms depend on the type of condition and may include shortness of breath, skin rashes and unusual spots, dry-persistent cough and fatigue or weakness.

The damage caused by valvular diseases leads to narrow, leaking or improper closing of the chambers. The affected chamber and level of attack will determine the difference in symptoms. The most common ones are chest pains, fainting, fatigue and shortness of breath.

It is advisable to see the doctor if you experience such common cardiovascular related symptoms as shortness of breath, fatigue or fainting and chest pains. Early detection leads to successful treatment in most cases. There are steps that you can take to reduce risks or slow the development of a condition. People with family history are most susceptible and should therefore see a doctor.




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