Heart Disease





Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and globally.

It has been the top killer in the U.S. since 1950, causing over 900,000 annual deaths, more than the next two leading causes combined.


Rather than a single disease, it is a collection of syndromes or conditions that compromise cardiac function


Heart disease is diagnosed via:


Medical/Family History Review

Physical Examination

MRI/CT Scan

Blood Tests

EKG



Heart disease is managed by:


Lifestyle Change

Monitored Exercise

Medications

Surgery

















Arrhythmias



an arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm where the heart beats too fast (tachycardia, >100 bpm), too slow (bradycardia, <60 bpm), or irregularly, often caused by faulty electrical impulses.





Coordinated heart contraction is dependent upon specialized myocytes.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common, often chronic, arrhythmia characterized by a rapid, irregular heartbeat caused by disorganized atrial electrical signals.


Instead of beating regularly the atria may intermittently flutter disrupting delivering blood to ventricles.

Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) is less common but potentially life threatening.







Valvular Heart Disease
(VHD)





Valve dysfunction includes:


Stenosis: Valves become stiff or thick, narrowing the opening and reducing blood flow.

Regurgitation: Valves do not close properly, causing blood to leak backward.


Prolapse: Valve flaps are floppy and bulge backward.


Atresia: The valve is not formed properly, blocking blood flow.





CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
(CHF)





Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious and chronic condition that occurs when the heart becomes weak or damaged.

This results in an inability to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body.


As the kidneys receive less blood, they are able to filter out less fluid.


In turn, the body begins to retain this fluid.


This fluid may build up in the lower limbs, in the abdomen, around the liver, and around the lungs. This “congestion” of fluid gives CHF its name.





Symptoms


Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Occurs during activity, at rest, or while lying flat.


Fluid Retention (Edema): Swelling in legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen.


Rapid Weight Gain: Caused by fluid buildup (e.g., gaining >3 lbs in a week).


Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired often, even with minimal exertion.


Persistent Cough or Wheezing: May produce white or pink-tinged mucus.


Reduced Exercise Ability: Difficulty performing daily tasks.


Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat: A feeling of pounding in the chest.


Reduced Appetite or Nausea: Abdominal swelling can cause feelings of fullness.


Cognitive Issues: Confusion, forgetfulness, or decreased alertness.

Types


Left-Sided Failure

The most common type, where the left ventricle fails to pump blood to the body, causing fluid backup in the lungs (shortness of breath).

Right-Sided Heart Failure

Usually caused by left-sided failure, the right ventricle fails to pump efficiently to the lungs, causing fluid to back up in the veins, leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen.


Biventricular Heart Failure

Both sides of the heart are affected.