Technical Names of Various Heart Diseases

Published: 24th May 2010
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Heart Disease describes any disease that has an adverse effect on the heart. The heart is a major organ made up of primarily muscle and blood vessels that pumps blood all over the body. Heart disease is a prominent cause of death in many western countries and is said to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Coronary heart disease is the most widespread form of the disease and has been estimated to be responsible for up to 70% of deaths annually. Names of heart diseases are inclusive of: ischaemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory heart disease and heart failure.

Ischaemic Heart Disease

Ischaemic Heart disease (IHD) or myocardial ischemia is typically promoted by coronary artery disease and causes in an obvious reduction in the blood supply to the heart muscle. It may exhibit symptoms such as angina pectoris (chest pain) and reduced ability to undertake moderate exercise. The chances of developing IHD is increased with advanced age, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, a family history of the disease and is primarily much more likely to affect men.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) refers to the condition which gradually narrows the artery and blood vessels that feed the heart with blood and oxygen. This results from an accumulation of plaque which is made up of calcium, fatty material and scar tissue in the vessels. Once this occurs the heart is not provided with enough blood to perform normal functioning.

Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease is specific to any disease that affects one or more valves of the heart. Valvular heart disease may occur because of a congenital factor (being born with the condition) or it may be acquired over the course of a lifetime.

Hypertensive Heart Disease

Hypertensive heat disease is any heart disease that occurs as a result of hypertension or high blood pressure. It may often progress into the potential development of left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, hypertensive congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that is characterized by an associated deterioration of the myocardium (heart muscles) for several reasons. Individuals who are afflicted with this condition are at an elevated risk of arrhythmia (which may cause abnormal heart beat and or more seriously cardiac arrest) or sudden cardiac death.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease describes diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (arteries or veins). It is most commonly associated with atherosclerosis (arterial disease) though the condition is becoming more prevalent and is considered to kill more people than cancer.

Inflammatory heart disease

Inflammatory heart disease manifests when the heart and surrounding tissues become inflamed. Conditions related to this disease include: myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), Endocarditis (inflammation of the internal layers of the heart) and inflammatory cardiomegaly.

Heart Failure or Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure manifests when the the heart is unable to provide sufficient blood to achieve the body's needs. It may display several associated symptoms including: lowered ability to carry out physical activities, shortness of breath, or swollen ankles. It may be treated with surgical intervention, maintaining some lifestyle changes and or with medication. It is a lethal disease that has a high mortality rate.

Please visit this link for more information on Names Of Heart Disease and this link for more information on Human Circulatory System Diseases.

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