Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common health problems today. They refer to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, and can have serious consequences if not treated properly. In this article, we will explore the seven most common types of cardiovascular diseases, as well as their characteristic symptoms.
1. Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is one of the most common and dangerous cardiovascular conditions. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed due to plaque buildup, which can cause angina, heart attack, and even sudden death.
Symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina pectoris)
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
2. Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage or death to that tissue. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Symptoms:
- Intense pain in the chest that may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw or back
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
3. Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can be due to various causes, such as a previous heart attack, high blood pressure or heart valve disease.
Symptoms:
- Oedema in the legs, ankles or abdomen
- Shortness of breath when lying down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sudden weight gain
4. Cardiac arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are heart rhythm disorders, which can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be serious and increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Symptoms:
- Palpitations or a feeling of irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain
- Feeling short of breath
5. Carotid artery disease
Carotid artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked, increasing the risk of stroke. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye
6. Peripheral vascular disease
Peripheral vascular disease affects the blood vessels that supply the arms, legs, and organs outside the heart and brain. It is often caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause pain in the extremities and increase the risk of amputation.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the legs legs when walking (claudication)
- Ulcers or lesions on the legs that do not heal
- Cold skin on the extremities
- Muscle weakness in the legs
7. Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart diseases are conditions present at birth that affect the structure and function of the heart. They can range in severity from minor heart defects that do not require treatment to severe, life-threatening malformations.
Symptoms:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish color of the skin, lips and nails)
- Poor growth in babies
- Easy fatigue during physical activity
In conclusion, cardiovascular diseases encompass a wide variety of conditions that can affect people's health and well-being. It is essential to know the characteristic symptoms of each type of cardiovascular disease to be able to identify them in time and receive appropriate treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, do not hesitate to consult a health professional to receive an evaluation and an appropriate management plan.