Index
- Knowing the main heart diseases
- Coronary heart disease
- Myocardial infarction
- Angina pectoris
- Heart valve diseases
- Endocarditis
- Cardiac valvulopathies
- Diseases of the heart muscle
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart Failure
- Pericardial disease
- Pericarditis
- Diseases of heart conduction or rhythm
- Syncope of cardiovascular origin
- Heart rhythm disorder
- Cardiac conduction disorders
- Vessel diseases
- Aneurysm
- Arteriopathy of the lower limbs
- Rarer diseases
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Thromboembolic disease
- Acute aortic dissection
- Coronary heart disease
Knowing the main heart diseases
Cardiovascular system disorders are not only limited to the all-too-famous heart attack. Unfortunately, heart disease can come in many different forms. In this article, we will introduce you to the main pathologies of the heart and blood circulation.
Coronary heart disease
Myocardial infarction
It is a necrosis (cell death) of part of the heart muscle due to a lack of oxygen. Myocardial infarction is most often referred to as a heart attack or simply infarction in everyday language. Heart diseases such as this one affect the heart muscles. It occurs when one or more coronary arteries become blocked. The heart muscles (myocardial cells) that are supplied with oxygen by these artery(ies) are no longer supplied with oxygen. This causes pain and can lead to the death of these tissues. The symptom of a heart attack is chest pain behind the sternum. Violent and often intense in nature, the pain can be prolonged and radiate into the jaw, back, arms, shoulders, left hand and stomach. Hence the difficulties in breathing, the phenomenon of oppression and anguish.
Angina pectoris
It manifests itself as chest pain resulting from a lack of oxygen supply. In heart disease, this is often due to reduced blood flow in a coronary artery. The pain typically occurs during exertion and stops when it stops. This is precisely what can help differentiate angina from other types of chest pain.
Heart valve diseases
Endocarditis
This is an infection or inflammation of the endocardium (the envelope and internal structure of the heart, including the heart valves). This disease is quite rare, but usually serious.
Cardiac valvulopathies
Cardiac valvulopathies refer to several dysfunctions of the heart valves. These are common diseases that are the main focus of heart surgery. All heart valves can be affected. However, the most frequently affected are the mitral and aortic valves. It is possible that the patient does not have any symptoms and does not complain or experience heart failure: shortness of breath at rest or during exercise, or even pulmonary oedema.
Diseases of the heart muscle
Cardiomyopathy
It is also one of the heart diseases that affect the heart muscle (myocardium). It is responsible for a dysfunction of this muscle.
Heart Failure
It is the result of reduced heart function. This leads to the inability of the myocardium to correctly ensure sufficient cardiac output. Generally speaking, this failure is a reflection of an abnormality in the contraction of the cardiac muscle. Heart failure most often manifests itself by severe fatigue, shortness of breath and the appearance of oedema in the legs.
Pericardial disease
Pericarditis
It is an inflammation of the pericardium (membrane that surrounds the heart). It is usually viral in origin and manifests itself as chest pain that intensifies on inspiration or when lying down. Sometimes a fever may also occur.
Diseases of heart conduction or rhythm
Syncope of cardiovascular origin
This pathology manifests itself by a sudden loss of consciousness of short duration.
Heart rhythm disorder
Tachycardia occurs when the heart rate is fast and bradycardia when the heart rate is slow. In addition, it is important to know that the heart rate varies permanently, depending on physical activity, emotional state or certain medications.
Cardiac conduction disorders
These heart diseases typically manifest themselves in a slow heart rate. Cardiac conduction disorders are caused by damage to the heart's conduction pathways.
Vessel diseases
Aneurysm
It is a localised dilation of the wall of an artery which can lead to a rupture of an aneurysm. This accounts for about 10% of strokes. When an aneurysm occurs suddenly, death is usually unavoidable. However, there are warning signs that can attract attention in the hours or even days before the stroke. These include eye or neck pain, unusual headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation and confusion.
Arteriopathy of the lower limbs
It is an obstructive artery damage in the lower limbs, which favours the formation of thrombosis. This disease starts with pain (cramp) when walking. The pain can then become permanent and often occurs at night.
Rarer diseases
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
It is manifested by an increase in blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary arterial hypertension can be the result of a pulmonary embolism or lung disease. It causes breathing difficulties.
Thromboembolic disease
It manifests itself by the formation of blood clots in the arteries or veins. These clots can then migrate to the lung (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke).
Acute aortic dissection
Acute aortic dissection is often secondary to an aortic aneurysm. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. In addition, it manifests itself as acute transfixiant abdominal or thoracic pain.
