Heart disease is a term for numerous conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. It is one of the biggest contributors to death in the world. With education and intervention, there is so much to help you manage many forms of heart disease, and even some prevention potential. Here is a brief summary of the main types of heart disease.

1. Coronary Artery Disease
   Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It happens when the coronary arteries (blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood) become narrowed or blocked from plaque (atherosclerosis).
   Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain (angina).

• Shortness of breath.

• Fatigue.

• Heart attack (severe).

2. Heart Failure
   Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood adequately. It does not mean that the heart has stopped beating, but that it cannot keep up with the body’s needs.
   Common causes include: CAD, high blood pressure and history of heart attacks.
   Signs:

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in the legs and/or abdomen

• Fatigue and weakness

3. Arrhythmia’s (Irregular Heartbeat)
   An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of battery or the heart — either too slow, too fast, or irregular. An arrhythmia will affect the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently.
   Types of arrhythmias include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)

• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)

• Ventricular fibrillation – (life-threatening)

4. Valvular Heart Disease
   This occurs when the heart’s four valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, or pulmonary) are either damaged or not functioning properly. The valves can be:

• Steno tic (narrowing)

• Regurgitate (leaking)
  This can cause impaired blood flow and strain on the heart.

5. Congenital Heart Defects
   Congenital heart defects are one or more heart abnormalities that a child is born with. Many defects are minor and have no symptoms, while others can be life threatening and require surgery.
   Examples include:

• Hole in the heart (septal defects)

• Abnormal heart valves

• Defects in the heart muscle, walls or blood vessels

6. Cardiomyopathy
   Cardiomyopathy is the name given to diseases of the heart muscle. The heart becomes enlarged, thickened, or stiff, causing the heart to not pump blood as well as it should.
   Three types of cardiomyopathy include:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

• Restrictive cardiomyopathy

7. Pericardial Disease
   This is inflammation or infection of the pericardium or the sac surrounding the heart. Pericarditis is the most common type. Inflammation of the pericardium can cause sharp chest pain as well as a fever.

Final Thoughts
Heart disease can happen to anyone, and while smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and lack of exercise can all increase your chances significantly. Early diagnosis, appropriate habbit changes, and medical care can help alter your prognosis.

Prevention is key! In general, eating well, exercising, avoiding smoking and getting regular checkups can help have a healthy heart.