CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

What is it?

Congenital heart disease includes various diseases that affect the heart and the circulatory system. They include:

Coronary artery disease or CAD – most common variety; main cause of heart attacks; arteries narrow and harden; difficult for blood to reach the heart; can cause angina

Angina – a chest discomfort or pain (squeezing or pressing; indigestion) that warns that the heart is not getting enough blood; can cause heart attacks; pain located in chest, shoulders, back, jaw, neck and arms

Heart attack – the severe blockage of an artery, preventing blood from reaching the heart for over 20 minutes

Heart failure – heart stops pumping, but does not stop working; is unable to properly pump blood around body; other organs are starved of blood also; patients can have shortness of breath, swollen legs/feet/ankles, fatigue

Heart arrhythmias – changing heart beats; usually harmless; flutters are however dangerous combined with dizziness and shortness of breath

General symptoms to watch for:

Sometimes the on set of heart disease comes in as a silent killer. There may be no warnings or symptoms at all. However, it is important to take notice of these:

Chest pains

Arm pains

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Nausea

Heartbeat abnormality or fluttering

Extreme tiredness

Mention these to your doctor and get tests done. In families with a history of heart disease, the risk of having it is higher.

Emergency symptoms to watch for:

Note that these factors may indicate a heart attack in men or women. Women may only get one or even mild versions of these. Immediate emergency medical attention is essential. These symptoms can include:

Discomfort or pain in central chest

Discomfort or pain in arms, neck, back, jaw, stomach and upper body

Shortness of breath

Cold sweats

Nausea

Faintness

Wooziness

Extreme tiredness – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Sleeping difficulties – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Mild breathing problems – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Indigestion – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Anxiety – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Heart disease prevention:

Take care of your health

Test your own blood pressure for high blood pressure – high levels need medical attention, diet and exercise changes, and/or possible medication

Reduce salt intake

Exercise – combined aerobic (improves circulation) and weight training strengthens heart, body and mind, and keeps weight down

Quit smoking – smoking prevents oxygen from getting to the heart, and causes plaque build up inside arteries, veins and capillaries

Get a diabetes test – a positive result needs medical attention, medication and/or a possible diet change

Get a cholestrol test – high levels need medical attention, diet change and/or possible medication

Get a triglyceride test – high levels need medical attention

Know your body mass index

Keep your weight down

Eat healthy foods

Walk daily

Lower alcohol consumption to one drink per day only

Lower stress levels