Your heart works tirelessly to pump blood from your heart and deliver oxygen to every cell in your body. It’s one of your body’s most essential organs, but did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States?
Heart disease encompasses a variety of conditions affecting your heart function. It can significantly impact your quality of life and overall health — but the good news is that most types of heart disease are treatable, especially when diagnosed in early stages.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute work with patients of all ages to help them understand heart disease and its treatment options. When you know what to look for, you can recognize warning signs early and take proactive steps to protect your cardiovascular health. Here are five of the most common types of heart disease.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. It develops when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. Over time, this buildup narrows and hardens your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to your heart.
CAD can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue as it progresses. In severe cases, a complete blockage in an artery can lead to a heart attack.
Despite its name, heart failure doesn't mean your heart has stopped working. Instead, it means your heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should. Heart failure develops gradually, often as a result of other conditions that weaken your heart over time, such as high blood pressure or CAD.
If you have heart failure, you might notice swelling in your legs and ankles, persistent fatigue, or difficulty breathing, especially when you’re lying down.
A healthy heart beats in a steady, regular rhythm. But when you have an arrhythmia, your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It might feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping beats.
Some arrhythmias are harmless and don't require treatment, while others can be serious or even life-threatening. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types of arrhythmia, and it increases your risk of stroke if left untreated.
Your heart has four valves that open and close with each heartbeat to keep blood flowing in the right direction. When you have heart valve disease, one or more of these valves doesn't work properly.
The valve might not open fully, forcing your heart to work harder to pump blood through a narrowed opening. Or it might not close completely, allowing blood to leak backward.
Symptoms of valvular heart disease include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness as your heart struggles to compensate for valve dysfunction.
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself. If you have cardiomyopathy, your heart muscle becomes thick, rigid, or weak, which makes it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.
You might not notice any symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, you may experience shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, some inherited and others caused by conditions like high blood pressure, infections, or even alcohol abuse.
Heart disease is serious, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a full, active life. Dr. Patel and our team partner with you to understand your health needs and develop a treatment plan that fits your life.
Whether you have a heart disease diagnosis, risk factors for heart disease, or you’re simply taking a proactive approach to heart care, we’re ready to help. Our Heart Smart Program gives you the tools to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, avoid smoking, and keep conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes under control.
It includes regular checkups to monitor your progress, and we work with you to adjust your treatment plan as needed. By staying informed and proactive, you give yourself the best chance for a long, heart-healthy life.
Learn more about heart disease, your risk, and how to protect your heart with a personalized consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute. Call us at 201-866-7000 or send us a message online now.
