Heart disease is a term used to describe a constellation of conditions that can affect the heart and/or its valves, vessels, structure, electrical system, or coronary arteries. Though each disease affects the heart differently, the ultimate problem with all varieties of heart disease is that they can disrupt the vital pumping action of the heart.
According to the British Heart Foundation, heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK, which is more than 160,000 deaths each year, or an average of 460 deaths every day or one every three minutes in the UK. There are around 7.6 million people living with a heart or circulatory disease in the UK: 4 million men and 3.6 million women.
Heart and circulatory diseases affect millions of people in the UK.
Who gets heart disease?
Heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It’s the leading cause of death for several populations, including white people, Hispanic people, and Black people. Almost half of people in the United States are at risk of heart disease, and the numbers are rising.
While it can be deadly, it’s also preventable in most people. By adopting certain lifestyle habits early, you can potentially live longer with a healthier heart.
What are the different types of heart disease?
Heart disease encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular problems. Several diseases and conditions fall under the umbrella of heart disease.
Types of heart disease include:
- arrhythmia
- atherosclerosis
- cardiomyopathy
- congenital heart defects
- coronary artery disease (CAD)
- heart infections
The term “cardiovascular disease” may also refer to heart conditions that specifically affect the blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Different types of heart disease can cause a variety of symptoms.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The symptoms you experience may depend on the type of arrhythmia you have, such as a heart rate that’s too fast or too slow.
Learn more about the symptoms of arrhythmia.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis reduces blood supply to your extremities. In addition to chest pain and shortness of breath, symptoms of atherosclerosis include fatigue and muscle weakness in the legs from poor circulation.
Learn more about the symptoms of atherosclerosis.
Congenital heart defects
Congenital heart defects are heart problems that develop when a fetus is growing. Some heart defects are never diagnosed. Others may be detected when they cause symptoms.
Learn more about the symptoms of congenital heart defects.
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
CAD is plaque buildup in the arteries that move oxygen-rich blood through the heart and lungs.
Learn more about the symptoms of CAD.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscles to grow larger and turn rigid, thick, or weak.
Learn more about the symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
Heart infections
Heart infections include the conditions endocarditis and myocarditis.
Read more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease.
There are several types of heart conditions that can affect people of all ages. Here are some of the most common ones:
Coronary artery disease: This is a condition where the heart’s blood vessels become blocked or narrowed due to a build up of fatty substances. The main symptoms of coronary heart disease are chest pain, shortness of breath, and feeling faint.
Arrhythmia: This is a problem with the rate and/or rhythm of the heartbeat, where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Symptoms of arrhythmias include palpitations, feeling dizzy, fainting, and being short of breath.
Congenital heart defect: This is a range of birth defects that affect the normal way the heart works. Symptoms of congenital heart disease can include rapid heartbeat, swelling, fatigue, and cyanosis.
Cardiomyopathy: This is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, where the walls of the heart chambers have become stretched, thickened, or stiff. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can include rapid heartbeat, swelling, fatigue, and cyanosis.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart condition, it’s important to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
