The study of cardiovascular conditions is called cardiology. It is a branch of the medical sciences that studies disease about any part, structure, or function of the heart. The cardiac muscles are made up of four chambers, where the upper two chambers are referred to as atria while the lower two are referred to as ventricles. Cardiology studies the heart’s performance as a pump and how it interacts with blood vessels.
Cardiovascular conditions can either be congenital or acquired. Congenital ones are those which have been present from birth, while acquired ones arise later in life. The most common cardiology condition is hypertension, which leads to elevated blood pressure in the arteries. Other conditions may involve the heart muscle, valves, rhythm, and conduction of electrical impulses. If you have cardiovascular disease of any kind, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Soffer in Aventura or a cardiologist near you for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In this article, we look at the different cardiovascular conditions you may develop.
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Angina
Angina is a cardiovascular condition that occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the heart due to coronary artery disease. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. The intensity of these symptoms varies from one individual to another. A mild anginal episode may feel like indigestion, while a more severe attack can feel like an intense squeezing in the chest.
Angina is usually a temporary condition, but you may need to take prescription medication or undergo surgery if it becomes chronic. Angina can be induced by physical activity and stress. It can also occur at any time without warning. Read this article to learn about angina causes.
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Valve Dysfunction
There are four valves in the heart, each one controlling blood flow to different chambers. Valves become dysfunctional when they do not open and close properly, leading to valve insufficiency or stenosis. Symptoms of valvular dysfunction include fatigue, shortness of breath after exertion, dizziness on standing up suddenly, swelling in legs that are not relieved by putting the legs up, chest pain, and loss of appetite. When valvular dysfunction occurs, blood can clog in the valves, causing reduced circulation to the heart muscles. Treatment of valvular dysfunction involves medication or surgery depending on the severity of symptoms.
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Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s requirements. Symptoms usually develop slowly and progressively get worse over time. Initially, you may feel shortness of breath after regular physical activity, and your legs and feet may swell up due to fluid accumulation. The swelling can also occur around the face and hands. You may also experience fatigue and weakness.
Congestive heart failure is usually a chronic condition, but you will need a pacemaker fitted if it becomes severe. This is because an increased demand on the heart can result in irregular heartbeats or atrial fibrillation. Treatment options include medication, pacemakers, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
In summary, cardiovascular conditions are any conditions that affect the cardiac system. They can either be congenital or acquired, and they all come with different symptoms and levels of severity. Common cardiovascular conditions include angina, valve dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. If you experience any symptoms related to cardiovascular conditions, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist as soon as possible.
