4 Common Types of Cardiovascular Disease (and How to Treat Them)

Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. Hence, it’s crucial to gain more knowledge on how to keep it healthy, especially when cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death among Americans. You can lower your odds of developing heart problems by discovering more about different types of cardiovascular disease, acknowledging their symptoms, and making heart-healthy lifestyle changes.  

Read on to discover the four most common types of cardiovascular disease and the ways they can be treated. 

1. Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is one of the most common types of cardiovascular disease. It develops when the walls of your coronary arteries become narrowed due to plaque accumulation, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This can eventually result in a heart attack if untreated. 

A typical symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, a pain that feels like tightness in the chest, arms, neck, shoulders, back, or jaw. Angina can also mimic symptoms of indigestion. It usually worsens with physical activity and subsides with rest. Experts say that mental stress and anxiety can also trigger angina pain. Consider visiting a coronary artery disease specialist, if you experience any of these symptoms.

Common risk factors for coronary artery disease include hypertension, high-LDL cholesterol, low-LDL cholesterol, use of tobacco products, a family history of heart disease, and diabetes. If you’re above 45 years of age and have excessive weight, your risk of having this condition is also higher. Coronary artery disease also has a higher chance of affecting postmenopausal women.

2. Arrhythmia

The proper pumping function of your heart is controlled by electrical impulses initiated by certain areas in your heart. An arrhythmia occurs when these impulses are abnormal. Your heart can pump too slow, too fast, or irregularly, leading to a wide range of symptoms. 

Arrhythmia is among the most common cardiovascular problems. It’s characterized as a flattering sensation that occurs in the chest or a feeling as though your heart keeps skipping beats. If you have such symptoms, inform your doctor right away so they can identify if an in-person consultation is needed. Treating arrhythmia is only necessary when your symptoms worsen. Exercises, medications, ablation therapy, maze procedure, and coronary bypass surgery can all be used to treat your symptoms. 

3. Heart valve disease

Your heart consists of four valves that function together to pump the blood in the proper direction. Heart valve disease develops when one or a few of these valves function improperly. Typical culprits of this condition include stenosis, regurgitation, and the congenital absence of a valve. Stenosis causes the valve flaps to thicken or fuse, stopping it from fully opening. Regurgitation means leakage in the valve, which causes blood to travel back into your heart. The congenital absence of a valve opening stops blood from traveling through the valve. 

Common symptoms and signs of heart valve disease include:
- Heart murmurs (whooshing or swishing noises that your doctor can hear when they listen to your heart using a stethoscope)
- Exhaustion
- Inflammation in the legs, feet, and ankles 
- Increased blood pressure in neck veins
- Shortness of breath (which worsens with activity)

Conservative treatment options for heart valve disease include medicines, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking. If your symptoms worsen, you may need surgical treatment. 

4. Heart failure
Heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart completely fails to function. This term refers to a condition in which your heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. This problem can be caused by various conditions that can weaken your heart. These include congenital heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart muscle disease, and heart valve disease. Typical symptoms of heart failure include difficulty breathing, exhaustion, high blood pressure in neck veins, difficulty concentrating, heart palpitations, and dry cough. This condition can be treated with medications, including beta-blockers, digoxin, diuretics, and anticoagulants. In severe cases, you may require surgery.