The largest artery in the body is the aorta. Blood rich in oxygen enters the aorta and the heart pumps the blood out of the aorta where it passes into the smaller arteries that branch out from it to the rest of the body. The aorta can split (dissection) or dilate (aneurysm) when compromised by the disease and, in either case, the rupture could have fatal effects.
During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm. Arrhythmia is caused by changes in heart tissue and activity or in electrical signals. Often there are no symptoms, but some people feel an irregular heartbeat. You may feel faint or dizzy or have difficulty breathing. The most common test used to diagnose an arrhythmia is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) Your doctor will run other tests as needed to help diagnose arrhythmias.
Cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) in your coronary arteries and inflammation are usually to blame for coronary artery disease. A buildup of plaque can narrow these arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. A healthy lifestyle can make a big impact, and it's possible to prevent and treat the disease.
When the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it can, heart failure occurs. Some disorders, such as your heart's narrowed arteries (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, eventually make your heart too weak or rigid to fill and pump effectively. Treatments will strengthen your heart failure signs and symptoms and allow you to live longer. Changes in lifestyles will boost your quality of life.
Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart problems that are caused by elevated blood pressure. Certain distinct heart diseases are caused by the heart functioning under increased pressure. Hypertensive cardiac disease entails heart failure, heart muscle thickening, coronary artery disease, and other disorders. Severe health complications can be caused by hypertensive heart disease. It's the leading cause of high blood pressure death.
A common circulatory disorder in which narrowed arteries limit blood flow to your limbs is peripheral artery disease. Your legs don't receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand when you experience peripheral artery disease (PAD). This causes symptoms while walking, most noticeably leg pain. It is also possible that peripheral artery disease is a symptom of a more common accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. This condition can reduce the flow of blood to your heart, to your brain, and your legs.
One or more of the valves in your heart do not function properly during heart valve disease. There are four valves in your heart which keep blood flowing in the right direction. One or more of the valves don't open or close properly in some situations. This can create a disturbance to the blood supply from your heart to your body. Treatment for the heart valve disorder depends on the damaged heart valve and the form and nature of the valve disease.
Venous disease is a condition caused by the improper operation of the valves in the veins of the legs, or venous insufficiency. These valves close to keep blood flowing back into the heart in healthy veins. Blood will collect in the legs when they do not close properly , causing high venous pressure and many symptoms of venous insufficiency. Varicose veins are the most known symptom of venous disease, but the condition can also cause thick, achy, tired legs, as well as swelling or leg cramps.
