Heart Disease

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Heart Disease

Heart Disease (pronunciation: /hɑːrt diːˈziːz/) refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), and congenital heart defects, among others.

Etymology

The term "Heart Disease" is derived from the Old English heorte meaning "heart" and the Latin disease which means "lack of ease".

Types of Heart Disease

  • Coronary artery disease - This is the most common type of heart disease in many industrialized countries. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque on the inner walls or lining of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
  • Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) - Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
  • Congenital heart defects - These are problems with the heart's structure that are present at birth. Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.

Related Terms

  • Atherosclerosis - A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
  • Arrhythmia - A condition in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
  • Angina - A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
  • Myocardial infarction - Also known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle.
  • Cardiomyopathy - A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body.
  • Heart failure - A condition in which your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

See Also

External links

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