Tuesday, March 24, 2015

What Is Heart Disease And How Can It Be Prevented?

By Lena Stephenson


Heart disease is used to describe a number of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system in the body. While some of conditions can be detected at birth, others affect blood vessels and the rhythm. It is important to understand what is heart disease and its symptoms to facilitate early detection which minimizes risks associated with the condition.

The dangerous conditions associated with the cardiovascular system include blockage or narrowing of blood vessels. These conditions easily lead to stroke, heart attacks and chest pains. Conditions affecting related rhythm, valves and muscles form part of cardiovascular diseases. With good lifestyle choices, these conditions can be treated or effectively managed.

A patient will exhibit symptoms depending on the condition that is manifested. Narrowing, stiffness and blocking of blood vessels means that crucial organs like the brain are denied adequate blood supply. The signs in men might differ slightly with what women display. What is observed in women in most of the cases is nausea, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.

Cardiovascular defects can be identified through numbness and weakening feet. The most common cause of cold feet is narrow blood vessels. You should report to the doctor in case you experience pain on such areas as the neck, throat, jaw and abdomen. Most patients will be diagnosed with heart failure and attack, angina and stroke before the doctor can detect cardiovascular conditions.

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 detected at birth. The affected children display such symptoms as short breath during exercise or activity, easily getting tired and swelling of hands, ankles and feet. Some of these conditions are not immediately life threatening but require attention to ensure normal growth. They can be corrected at an early age, but they get complicated over time.

The causes of weak cardiovascular muscles include stiffness or thickness of the muscles or vessels. It might not be easy to detect the signs at an early age but these signs will become clear as the condition worsens. You are likely to observe dizziness, swollen legs, feet and ankles as well as shortness of breath at rest or with exertion. The head feels light and the patient may occasionally faint.

Infections affecting the cardiovascular system require medical attention. They affect surrounding and connected muscles, membranes and tissues. A patient will display particular symptoms depending on the condition he or she is suffering. The common ones are weakness, fatigue, short breath, dry and persistent cough, unusual spots and skin rashes.

Valvular diseases are caused by damage leading to narrowing, leakage or improper closing. Symptoms will be different in each case depending on the affected valve. You can expect such symptoms as short breath, fatigue, chest pains and fainting.

The common symptoms that should send you to a doctor are short breath, fainting, fatigue and chest pains. Successful treatment can be achieved with early detection. There are lifestyle choices that help to reduce the risk. Discuss your condition with the doctor if your have a family history of cardiovascular diseases.




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