Question

Briefly explain four heart conditions that occur commonly.

Answer 1

Four commonly occurring heart conditions are:

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque (fatty deposits). This reduces blood flow to the heart, which can lead to chest pain (angina) and increase the risk of a heart attack.

• Causes: Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries due to cholesterol, smoking, or high blood pressure.
• Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and risk of heart attack.

2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, it can damage the arteries, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

• Causes: Genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and obesity.
• Symptoms: Often has no symptoms but may cause headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds in severe cases.

3. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, causing tissue damage or death.

• Causes: Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to a blood clot in a coronary artery.
• Symptoms: Chest pain, pain in the arms or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, and cold sweats.

4. Heart Failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body's needs. It can develop from other heart conditions, such as CAD or hypertension, that weaken or damage the heart over time.

• Causes: Weakened heart muscle due to CAD, hypertension, or previous heart attacks.
• Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen ankles or legs, and fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.