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