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 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.

The type of condition will determine the symptoms that will be manifested. When the vessels are blocked, narrow or stiff, other parts of the body like the brain cannot receive enough blood. Men may display signs and symptoms that are different from women. The most common symptoms in women are extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and nausea.

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.

Infections on the cardiovascular system will still lead to diseases and fall under the cardiovascular category. These infections affect surrounding muscles, tissues and membranes. The patient will display different symptoms depending on the condition. Common symptoms are dry persistent cough, fatigue, weakness, short breath, unusual spots and rashes on the skin.

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.

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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