There are many disorders that can affect the heart, which can be broadly categorized into structural, electrical, and circulatory issues.
Some common heart disorders include
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Cause: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis).
Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, increased risk of heart attack.
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Cause: Blocked blood flow to part of the heart, usually by a blood clot.
Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, damage or death of heart muscle cells, life-threatening arrhythmias.
3. Heart Failure
Cause: The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, often due to heart damage from a heart attack or high blood pressure.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention.
4. Arrhythmias
Cause: Abnormal heart rhythms due to issues with the heart's electrical system.
Types:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
Irregular rhythms
Symptoms: Palpitations, dizziness, fainting.
5. Valvular Heart Disease
Cause: Problems with one or more heart valves (e.g., regurgitation or stenosis).
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue.
6. Cardiomyopathy
Cause: Disease of the heart muscle due to genetic factors, infections, toxins, or other conditions.
Symptoms: Weakened heart muscle, inefficient blood pumping, potential heart failure.
7. Congenital Heart Defects
Cause: Heart abnormalities present at birth, such as holes in the heart or malformed structures.
Severity: Can range from mild to severe; may require medical or surgical intervention.
8. Pericarditis
Cause: Inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart).
Symptoms: Chest pain, potential fluid accumulation affecting heart function.
9. Endocarditis
Cause: Inflammation of the heart's inner lining and valves, usually due to bacterial infection.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, potential heart valve damage.