Common Types of Cardiac Conditions You Should Know

Cardiovascular issues have significantly impacted many individuals worldwide over recent decades. While some are born with specific heart problems, others develop these conditions over time. The prevalence of heart-related illnesses has surged, making them a leading cause of mortality globally. Although all these diseases fall under the broad category of cardiovascular disorders, they differ in their symptoms and severity. Recognizing the various types is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Here are five common cardiac disorders affecting many patients:

Hypertensive Heart Disease
High blood pressure, whether idiopathic or secondary to other conditions like infections, can strain the heart and blood vessels. Persistent hypertension, stress, and anxiety may lead to serious heart complications over time.

Rheumatic Heart Disease
Often resulting from episodes of rheumatic fever, this condition damages the heart valves. It commonly occurs during childhood and may be followed by streptococcal infections that weaken and scar heart tissues, sometimes impairing valve function.

Congenital Heart Defects
Present from birth, these abnormalities include holes in the heart, abnormal valves, or abnormal connections between chambers, such as atrial or ventricular septal defects, or patent ductus arteriosus.

Arrhythmia
This disorder causes irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast or too slow, potentially affecting blood circulation and overall heart function.

Atherosclerosis
Characterized by plaque buildup in coronary arteries, this disease narrows arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.