Heart Disease

Heart disease is a complex and multifaceted health condition that affects the cardiovascular system, primarily the heart and blood vessels.

It encompasses various disorders, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and valvular heart diseases.

As the leading cause of death worldwide, heart disease demands diligent attention from medical professionals.

Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, and family history contribute to its development. Understanding the pathophysiology is essential in managing this pervasive disease.

The underlying mechanisms involve atherosclerosis formation due to the accumulation of plaque in coronary arteries leading to reduced blood flow and subsequent myocardial ischemia or infarction.

Diagnosis often involves physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, stress testing or cardiac catheterization for precise identification of blockages.

Treatment varies depending on severity but may include lifestyle modifications (dietary changes and exercise), medications (such as anti-hypertensives or statins), or invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Early detection combined with an integrated prevention approach is crucial in combating heart disease effectively.