Heart Disease Facts

Author: Ray Kelly

It is estimated that approximately 7% of the population has some form of heart disease or damage to their heart. Most people associate heart disease with arteriosclerosis, which leads to heart attacks. However, there are other forms of heart disease, which are just as deadly. Knowing the facts about arteriosclerosis as well as the other primary forms of heart disease can enable you to recognize the symptoms both in yourself and loved ones. And early recognition is one of the most important factors in surviving heart disease.

Arteriosclerosis is the most common type of heart disease. This disease is characterized by a hardening of the arteries, including the coronary arteries, which surround and nourish the heart. Many believe that this process begins early in life. It is so common that it is found present in over half of Americans at death. Though the exact process is unknown, it is understood that the build up of plaque in blood vessels eventually causes the arteries to harden. Thus, the plaque seems to be the precipitating factor. Luckily, this can be controlled through a proper diet and regularly exercise. Eventually the build up is enough that the blood flow becomes seriously constricted. When this happens, the result may be a myocardial infarction, which we commonly call a heart attack. Another possible result of this same problem is when the fatty deposits form a clot that eventually cuts off the blood supply to the heart or some other vital part of the body. These two possibilities amount to the most frequent cause of death for the average American.

Cardiomyopathy is the next most common form of heart disease. This disease takes the form of impaired function of the heart itself. What has happened is that somehow the heart has been damaged and weakened to such an extent that the pumping actionis impaired and in the process of compensating the muscle grows larger and larger. As the damage increases the danger of clotting and cardiac arrhythmia increases as well.

Cardiomyopathy often results in damage to the heart's electrical system and is the primary factor in later developing arrhythmias. Many patients with Cardiomyopathy are the prime candidates for heart transplants, which has a chance of saving their lives.

The final form of heart disease is when damage takes place on or near the heart valves themselves. This damage is usually a result of a congenital defect or an infection. Often it is a strep throat infection, which untreated, leads to rheumatic fever and eventually direct damage to the heart valves. Rheumatic fever has been well controlled in the United States

but it is still responsible for approximately 7000 deaths per year. As far as congenital defects, it is estimated that only a portion of the 25,000 babies born yearly with heart defects have damage to the heart valves. One known cause is when the mother contracts German measles during late term pregnancy.

Regardless of the type of heart problem encountered it is

helpful to know the common warning signs for a heart attack.

They are:

• A feeling of pain or slight pressure to the chest or a crushing sensation behind the breastbone. This may radiate to the shoulder, arm or legs.
• The feeling usually lasts for alength of time.
• OTC medication or rest does not reduce the pain though it will respond to a narcotic drug. - The face often turns ashen gray and a cold sweat develops. Often this is accompanied by nausea and shortness of breath. - Retching, belching or vomiting may occur which is often confused with indigestion.

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms get to a doctor !

Tags :Congenital Heart Defects,Heart Diseases

Heart Diseases: UK Has the Highest Heart Disease Rates of the World

Author: Hector Milla

One of the highest rates of death due to heart disease in the world affects the United Kingdom (UK). According to statistics, one British adult dies from the disease every three minutes; meanwhile stroke ranks third as the country's biggest killer, causing the death of 70,000 men and women each year.

Experts explain that heart attacks happen when blood flow is closed, often because a blood clot occurs, while strokes when a blood tube in your brain suddenly are caused by blocked or burst of blood vessels.

There exist various and different heart conditions, such as heart attack, heart failure, heart muscle disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, angina, hardened arteries,

high blood pressure and disturbed heart rhythm.

These conditions -such as heart failure, when blood is not pumped around the body in a proper way, along with congenital heart defects- can cause long term problems and death for

sufferers.

The importance of heart is vital. This body organ pumps blood through the body carrying oxygen and other nutrients to the areas that need it. However, serious illness and even death can result when this process is interrupted or does not work correctly.

Although men are more likely to suffer from heart disease than women, people with poor diet, who smoke and do not exercise, are in greater risk for developing a heart related disease.

In order to alleviate symptoms or save the lives of sufferers there exist different tests and treatments, including drugs, heart bypass surgery and transplants.

congenital heart defects, heart diseases

Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias

Author: Lindsay Fox

Heart has a rhythmic capability to beat and pump blood to our body and remarkably, does so without fail, throughout our life. The rhythm has been destined to beat in certain prefixed numerical limits and with certain regularity. Arrhythmias are disorders characterized by abnormal beating of the heart. Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. At the same time they may co-exist with diseased heart and may be life-threatening or may cause, stroke, heart failure or sudden death.

An arrhythmia occurs when the normal electrical cycle of the heart is disturbed. Normally, tiny currents activate the upper part of the heart, just before the bottom part of the heart, which are the muscular chambers that pump blood around the body. Fast arrhythmias are referred to as 'tachyarrhythmias'. When the heart goes too slowly due to a failure of electrical activation, it is referred to as a brady arrhythmia. Most arrhythmias arising from the top of the heart are troublesome but not life-threatening. Many arrhythmias arising from the lower of the heart, are life-threatening.

Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Some cardiac arrhythmias result from congenital heart defects that run in families. Others arise from a variety of diseases that develop in individuals over a period of years. Others still result from sudden events such as heart attack. They may also be the result of excessive alcohol, smoking or certain drugs. Rarely despite extensive investigations no cause is found of their occurrence. Cardiac arrhythmias may be symptomatic or may cause a variety of warning symptoms such as palpitations or rapid thumping in the chest, feeling tired or light-headed, getting unconscious, having shortness of breath or chest pain.

Types of Arrhythmias

1. Following are the different types of cardiac arrhythmias:

2. Atrial fibrillation: The heart beats too fast and irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires treatment and canincrease risk of stroke.

3. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: The heart has episodes when it beats fast, but regularly. This type of arrhythmia may be unpleasant but is usually not dangerous.

4. Ectopic beats: The heart has an extra beat. Treatment usually is not needed unless you have several extra beats in row and/or other problems with your heart - such as heart disease or congenital heart failure.

5. Ventricular tachycardia: The heart beats too fast and may not pump enough blood. These types of arrhythmias are very dangerous and need immediate treatment.

The Remedy

Treatment depends on the type of cardiac arrhythmia you have. Some mild arrhythmias require no treatment. Other arrhythmias can be treated with medicines. In more serious cases, other treatments are available:

1. Drugs.

2. A pacemaker: An electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly.

3. Implantable cardiac defibrillation: Can be used to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.

4. Surgery: Can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be controlled by bypass surgery. When an cardiac arrhythmia is causes by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of the heart can be destroyed or removed.

Tags:congenital heart defects,heart diseases,Cardiac Arrhythmias

Down syndrome- Tracing it to the extra DNA

Author: Nilutpal Gogoi

The Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21 or Down's syndrome. A patient ffected by Down syndrome suffers from acute abnormalities in body functioning which arises from the person's abnormal body structure. The root cause of Down syndrome is the 21st chromosome (DNA). This dysfunction can occur due to the presence of just a portion of the chromosome or the entire genetic material. The Down syndrome symptoms were first documented in detail by the English physician, John Langdon Down, way back in 1866. Hence, it is in his name that the ailment is named. The chromosomal abnormalities insofar as its shape or number is concerned were clearly identified in the 1950s following the discovery of the special karyotype methods.

It was in 1959 that the cause of Down syndrome was traced to the presence of the extra DNA. But it was only in the 21st century that the chromosome was labeled and the ondition termed as trisomy 21. Thus we see that the medical detectives and researchers were unable to pin down the exact cause of Down syndrome till the 20th century. The Down syndrome was found to affect people in all the races. What is more, the Down syndrome was found to attack the women in their advanced years. Another significant aspect of Down syndrome that attracted the attention of the researchers was the rarity of its recurrence. Till the middle part of the last century, the common medical perception on Down syndrome was that it takes place due to several aspects that were basically in herited. Even then the intensive searches for these factors were eluding results. The fact that the Down syndrome was particularly noticed among the mothers after they reach an advanced stage led a school of medical thought to trace the cause of the dysfunction to some shock(s) undergone by the expecting mother. The commonly reported symptoms of Down syndrome are a facial layout that remains as it was during that person's birth, and total impairment in the development of that person's physical appearance. Besides, the Down syndrome affected child fails to have the learning capability, and have retardation besides below par cognitive aptitude. His/her social and emotional abilities are largely dependent on the mental retardation of the child affected by Down syndrome. The child's

mild IQ ranges from 50 to 70 while the moderate IQ ranges from 35 to 50. Those affected by Mosaic Down syndrome have IQ range that may go up by 10-30 points higher. The Down syndrome kids can also develop serious health problems like thyroid

dysfunctions, sleep apnea (obstructive), recurring ear infections, gastroesophageal (reflux) disease, and heart defects that are congenital in nature. Mentionably, there are instances of people possessing the usual sets of DNA also suffering from

the Down syndrome symptoms. The signs are enlarged tongue, speech impairment, shorter limbs, almond (shaped) eyes, and a single crease across one or both palms (simian crease). Depending on the child's disability in the cognitive sphere,. It is of necessity that kids affected with Down syndrome are provided immediate medical attention. Despite the fact that many Down syndrome dysfunctions stays on for life, yet the patient can be taught to adjust with the prevailing physical conditions. For this, the parents or guardians of any child must always be attentive about any such abnormalities in their children. If any such signs are noticed, the physician must be immediately consulted, and the required medical screenings carried out. The initial tests pertain to the thyroid among others. The growing child can be provided vocational training The foremost thing to

remember that Down syndrome patients require a homely environment to recuperate whatever he/she can.

Tags: congenital heart defects,heart diseases,Down syndrome

acyanotic

Congenital heart defects are heart defects that are present at birth.

In a congenital condition, the problem is present before or shortly after birth thus causing problems for the newborn infants. Some infants with severe acyanotic varieties of congenital heart disease may fail to thrive and may have breathing difficulties.
What is Acyanotic Heart Disease?

Acyanotic heart disease is a broad term for any congenital heart defect in which all of the blood returning to the right side of the heart passes through the lungs and pulmonary vasculature in the normal fashion. The common forms of acyanotic congenital heart defects are those where there is a defect in one of the walls separating the chambers of the heart, or obstruction to one valve or artery.

Types of Acyanotic Heart Disease

The main types of acyanotic heard disease are:
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Coarctation of the Aorta

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)
Aortic Stenosis (AS)
Pulmonary Stenosis (PS)
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of the Great Vessels (TGA)
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR)
Truncus Arteriosus
Tricuspid Atresia
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrom (HLHS)

Tags: congenital heart defects,heart diseases,Acyanotic

cyanotic

Congenital heart defects are heart defects that are present at birth. There are many types of congenital heart defects. The American Heart Association states that there are at least thirty-five distinct forms of Congenital Heart Defects. The main types are categorized into either acyanotic or cyanotic categories. Within these two categories are separate types.
What is Cyanotic Heart Disease?

Cyanotic Heart Disease occurs when there is mixing of pure oxygen-rich blood with venous blood. Infants suffering from cyanotic conditions usually have blue nail beds and lips due to the excess deoxygenated blood in their systems. In the cyanotic defects, a shunt bypasses the lungs and delivers venous (deoxygenated) blood from the right side of the heart into the arterial circulation. In general, cyanotic heart birth defects are more complex than acyanotic defects, and have a combination of defects. There are many types of Cyanotic Congenital Defects. The different types are listed below.

Types of Cyanotic Heart Disease

The most common types of cyanotic heart disease are:

* Tetralogy of Fallot
* Transposition of the Great Vessels
* Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
* Truncus Arteriosus
* Tricuspid Atresia
* Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

cyanotic

Types of Cyanotic Congenital Defects

Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot, or TOF, is the most common forms of complex congenital heart defects that causes cyanosis, also known as "a blue baby". It accounts for approximately 10% of all congenital heart disease.

Tetralogy of Fallot is comprised of four different components. The first component is a ventricular septal defect (VSD). The second component is pulmonary stenosis (PS). The third component is right ventricular hypertrophy, which is an increase in the size of the right ventricle. The final component is an overriding aorta (Ao), which means that the aorta lies directly over the ventricular septal defect.

The ventricular septal defect is usually large. Blood flows from the right ventricle through this VSD into the left ventricle. This occurs because of the resistance of blood flow through the pulmonary valve. Once the blood flows into the left ventricle, it is ejected into the aorta and delivers de-oxygenated blood into the body. Because there is de-oxygenated blood being delivered to the body, these babies may appear cyanotic, or "blue". Cyanosis may increase in severity with crying, agitation or bowel movements.
Open heart surgery is needed to correct this defect.

Transposition of the Great Vessels

In this congenital heart defect, the aorta (the main artery that carries blood to the body) originates from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle, resulting in two separate circulation’s.

In this condition, the arteries are reversed and the aorta carries blood from the right ventricle. In order for the infant to survive, they must have some communication between the right and the left sides of the heart to allow oxygen rich blood to reach the body. This mixing of blood is possible through any of the following: ASD, VSD, PDA. Even though there is mixing of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood, it is often not adequate to sustain life for an extended period of time. Babies with transposition are extremely blue at birth.

The most common surgical procedure to correct this defect is called an arterial switch operation. That is, the major arteries are "switched". The aorta is connected to the left ventricle. This allows oxygen rich blood to be pumped to the body. The pulmonary artery is connected to the right ventricle. This allows low oxygen blood to go to the lungs where it can be oxygenated. Other surgical defects may also be needed to correct the communication between the left and right sides of the heart.

This is the second most common congenital heart disease encountered in early infancy.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

In total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, the pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium instead of the left atrium. In order for the infant to survive, they must have communication between the right and left sides of the heart. This communication is needed to allow oxygenated blood to reach the body. This disrption in communication is always an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), although a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) may be present as well. Because the oxygenated blood is so dilute, the infant may appear blue or "cyanotic".

There are three main types of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venus Return. The different types depend on where the pulmonary veins drain. They are referred to as supracardiac, intracardiac, and infracardiac. There may also be a mixed type, in which two or more types may coexist.

In order for the infant to survive, open heart surgery is needed in early infancy. The surgery involves removal of the pulmonary veins from the right atrium and anastomosis to the left atrium. The ASD is also closed, along with the division of any abnormal connections that may be present.

Truncus Arteriosus

In Truncus Arteriousus, only one artery originates from the heart. This originating artery forms both the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The truncus arises above a Ventricular Septal Defect that is almost always associated with this defect.

The truncus receives low oxygen blood from the right ventricle and oxygen rich blood from the left ventricle. This mix of high and low oxygen blood is sent out to the body and the lungs.

Open heart surgery in infancy is needed to correct this defect. The surgery involves closure of the Ventricular Septal Defect and removal of the pulmonary arteries from the truncus. The pulmonary arteries are then connected to the right ventricle with a prosthetic tube. This prosthetic tube usually needs to be replaced as the infant grows.

Tricuspid Atresia

Tricuspid atresia means that the tricuspid valve in the heart didn't develop normally. As a result, the right ventricle may also not develop, and hence there is usually only a single ventricle.

Because there is no tricuspid valve, blue blood returning to the heart from the body cannot enter the right ventricle. This blue blood then shunts across an atrial septal defect to the left atrium, and mixes with the red blood returning from the lungs. The mixture of blue and red in the left atrium enters the single ventricle, and from there is ejected into both the aorta and the pulmonary artery.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS, means that the entire left side of the heart did not develop normally. Therefore, the mitral and aortic valves are tiny or absent, as are the the left ventricle and the first part of the aorta.

HLHS is not a survivable lesion without major open heart surgery. There are two types of heart surgeries that will help this condition: cardiac transplantation and staged palliation. In cardiac transplantation, the entire heart is replaced by a donated heart. Staged palliation is a little more complexed. Your doctor should advise you about the risks and benefits to each of these two options.

For HLHS, staged palliation involves three operations. They are Norwood operation, Bidirectional Glenn Operation and Fontan Operation. The Norwood operation is performed immediately after birth, and converts the right ventricle into the main, or systemic ventricle. The bidirectional Glenn operation is done next, and diverts half of the blood returning from the body to the lungs. It is typically done at about six months of age. The Fontan operation is the last stage of the staged palliation, and diverts all of the blood returning from the body to the lungs. It is typically done around 2 years of age. The timing of these operations is variable, and depends on many clinical and social factors.

Staged palliation for HLHS is one of the great achievements of congenital heart surgery in the 90's. In what used to be a uniformly fatal disease, consider the following: Survival following a Norwood operation is around 80%, following a bidirectional Glenn operation around 100%, and following a Fontan operation around 95%. Overall, survival at 5 years of age is around 70 - 75%. Most patients who get through the three stages do quite well: Very few are on medications, almost all have normal growth and development, and very few have any exercise or other kinds of limitations.

Tags :congenital heart defects,heart diseases,cyanotic