Heart Disease Welcome to the Affordable Drugs heart disease information page. Here you can learn about heart disease risk factors, heart disease causes, heart disease treatments and more. You can also find the best available heart disease medication prices. The information contained on this page is not intended to replace the professional advice of your physician.
What is Heart Disease? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. For that reason alone, it is worth learning more about. The name heart disease is a broad label that actually encompasses various types of diseases, all related to the heart. Some of the conditions that affect the heart and fall under this umbrella include coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital heart disease. The good news is that there are steps you can take to keep your heart healthy and potentially ward off heart disease. A healthy heart not only allows you to do more physical activities, but heart health is also linked to your emotional well-being. Having a healthy heart helps to stave off stress and depression.
The terms heart disease and cardiovascular disease are often used interchangeably. Both terms refer to conditions or diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease more specifically refers to a disease caused by narrowed, blocked, or stiffened blood vessels. This severely restricts blood flow to all parts of the body including the heart and brain, potentially leading to a stroke. A heart defect that someone is born with is known as congenital heart disease. An infection in the heart causes damage to the tissues and muscle layers of the heart. Cardiomyopathy is the thickening and stiffening of the cardiac, or heart, muscle. Arrhythmias are caused by abnormal heartbeats that may be either too quick, too slow, or sporadic and irregular. Valvular heart disease is when there is damage to any or all of the four major valves that make up the heart.
The earlier that heart disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of heart disease. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, chest pain, and abnormal swelling in the abdomen, legs, ankles, feet, or hands. It is important to notify a doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur persistently. Tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), exercise stress tests, echocardiograms, nuclear scans, or magnetic resonance angiography are used to help detect the presence of heart disease.
Genetics and family history play a rather significant role in determining the risk level for heart disease, but lifestyle choices and behavioral habits can also be a strong determining factor as well. Common causes of heart disease include a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet high in fat and cholesterol, obesity, consistently high levels of stress, and smoking.
While some forms of heart disease, such as defects, cannot be controlled, the chances for avoiding heart disease dramatically increase just by making some simple lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, controlling other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, effectively managing stress, becoming physically active, and consuming a well-balanced diet that includes heart-healthy foods are great ways to control and possibly prevent heart disease.
Educate yourself and take proactive measures to protect this vital organ.
Heart Disease Statistics Americans should be concerned about heart disease. Why? Because, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's heart disease statistics, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and has been since 1900. How Many People Die From Heart Disease
According to heart disease statistics, 652,091 Americans died in 2005 from heart disease. As many women die as men from heart disease each year; however, on average, men are ten years younger than women when they fatally succumb to heart disease.
Heart Disease crosses all racial boundaries and is the number one cause of death in all racial/ethnic groups, except among Asians and Pacific Islanders. Among Asians and Pacific Islanders, cancer causes more deaths; heart disease is number 2 on the list of death causes.
Unfortunately, many heart disease deaths could have been prevented if only the patients could have received professional health care more quickly. Health care statistics disclose that almost 47 percent of heart disease deaths occur because symptoms were not recognized and emergency health care was not solicited in time.
Risk Factors of Heart Disease
Heart disease statistics show there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.
� Hypertension
� High blood cholesterol
� Diabetes
� Obesity
� Smoking
� Inactivity
Heart disease statistics reveal that 37 percent of Americans adults have at least two of these risk factors. However, research studies have disclosed that those at-risk adults without heart disease who lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure can decrease the chance of developing heart disease.
In addition, those adults who already have heart disease can lessen the risk of dying of heart disease, needing surgery to unblock arteries, or even suffering a minor heart attack by lowering high cholesterol and high blood pressure. This lowering of risk factors can be achieved through changes in diet, activity levels, or through medication. To quit smoking will also eliminate risk.
The Cost of Heart Disease
Besides the cost of human life, there is the cost of lost productivity, health care services, and medications. Health care statistics estimate that the cost of heart disease in 2009 will be $304.6 billion.
Heart Disease Risk Factors There are many heart disease risk factors, both controllable and uncontrollable. Many of the following conditions are largely controllable, and with some lifestyle changes heart disease can be prevented in many cases. Following is a list of the most common heart disease risk factors. Heart Disease Risk Factors Which Are Controllable
Diet: People who eat diets with high levels of saturated fat and sodium have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Since diets such as this lead to high cholesterol levels and cause atherosclerosis, both of which are primary factors in the development of heart disease, diet is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease.
Tobacco Use: Smokers have a higher risk of developing heart disease due to the fact that smoking causes atherosclerosis. Nicotine raises blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.
Hypertension: High blood pressure is the most frequently seen of the heart disease risk factors. Adults who have systolic blood pressure that is over 140, and/or diastolic blood pressure that is over 90 are at a much increased risk for heart disease.
Lack Of Physical Activity: People with very low levels of physical activity tend to be at higher risk for developing heart disease. Because a lack of exercise can contribute to higher cholesterol levels, raised blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, it can eventually translate into heart disease.
Alcohol Usage: Excess alcohol consumption is linked to hypertension, which as noted above increases the risk for heart disease. Alcohol use has also been found to increase the chances of atherosclerosis.
Heart Disease Risk Factors Which Are Not Controllable
While all of the heart disease risk factors above can be controlled through positive lifestyle changes, there are also some factors which cannot be controlled. Factors in this group include: Age over 40, being male, family history of heart disease, being post-menopausal, and membership in races including African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican Americans.
Even though the above factors are not all controllable, people who have these risk factors can still make lifestyle changes which will help lower their overall risk for developing heart disease. While it may not be possible to completely eradicate heart disease, positive action will help people to make huge strides in the battle.
Heart Disease in Women When it comes to heart disease, women need to heed medical warnings. Heart problems are the number one killer of women in the United States. Fortunately, women are learning to take this threat seriously, especially since the alternative is death or disability. When told they have heart disease, women are often shocked. It is a scary diagnosis. Still, it's better to know than to ignore this important problem. The arteries that allow blood to flow to the heart become blocked over time. These blockages are due to a combination of dietary choices, genetic background and even smoking. Other causes include valve failure due to a birth defect.
Coronary artery disease, as it is called officially, causes heart attacks. Calling 911 and getting immediate hospitalization are key to surviving a heart attack. Immediate treatment greatly improves the chances that women can avoid permanent disabilities.
Whether or not a doctor has ever diagnosed them personally with heart disease, women should know the signs of a heart attack. Some are well-known such as chest pain and acute arm pain. Common symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses include jaw pain, nausea, and lightheadedness. Patients sometimes report terrible pain in their neck, back or abdomen. Due to the low blood flow, constant fatigue can also be a symptom of a major heart problem. Women should never ignore the symptoms because they consider heart attacks to be more of a man's disease.
The best way for women to avoid heart attacks is, of course, to find out risk factors. Doctors can recommend a special diet and proper medications to lower cholesterol and/or blood pressure. These are major factors in heart disease. Getting on an exercise plan, approved by a doctor, is also recommended. Of course, smokers must give up smoking, which is a high risk factor for heart attacks.
Younger women can reduce their risks for the future by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and ending any cigarette addiction. Every woman should know her family's heart health history and should share that information with her doctor.
For heart disease, women may need a blood test, which looks for the presence of certain markers or the absence of oxygen. An echocardiography looks for structural heart problems. An electrocardiogram is used to detect irregular heartbeat rhythms. MRIs, PET scans, CTs, and Chest X-rays are other tests that doctors may use to diagnosis the extent of heart disease.
Heart Disease Symptoms Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type of disease and the gender of the person. Because of this, the symptoms of heart disease often go unnoticed until the heart muscle has already sustained damage. Knowledge of the signals which herald impending heart trouble can lead to early detection and treatment, which can ultimately save a life. The most well-known symptom of heart disease is chest pain, but many heart attacks occur without any precipitating pain. While some victims do have severe chest pains, others refer to this symptom of heart disease as indigestion or intense pressure through the upper part of the body. Some experience the pain or squeezing sensation in their shoulders, arms, or along the jaw.
Heart palpitations are another warning symptom of heart disease. These are caused when the heart gets out of rhythm and usually signal cardiac arrhythmia. Patients suffering from any type of arrhythmia, including supraventrical tachycardia, premature atrial complexes, premature ventrical complexes, and atrial fibrillation, generally describe the feeling as the heart skipping a beat or racing away. Sometimes the heart rhythm becomes so erratic that it causes faintness or a loss of consciousness.
One of the symptoms of heart disease that is often associated with other conditions is dizziness. People who feel drunk or lightheaded should see a doctor to ensure that these feelings are not related to heart problems. Often fainting is a sign of reduced blood flow which may be related to a heart blockage. Even when patients don't faint, many with heart disease report feeling lethargic and weak. Chronic tiredness or fatigue unassociated with rigorous activity is a symptom of heart disease that often goes unrecognized.
Shortness of breath can also be a signal that the heart isn't functioning properly. People who have difficulty getting enough air during both exercise and rest may be experiencing heart failure or may have the first stages of coronary artery disease. Struggling to take in enough oxygen or awakening at night panting for breath could be serious indications that a dangerous heart condition is present.
The only way to be sure that these symptoms are related to heart disease is to have the appropriate tests done. Many other health issues have symptoms that mimic those of heart disease, but a doctor should be consulted if any of these symptoms are present.
Heart Disease Causes When the subject of the causes of heart disease is raised, many people think of unhealthy behaviors that contribute to its development. We know, for instance that avoiding fatty foods, getting off the couch, and kicking the cigarette habit reduces our risk. But the causes of heart disease are numerous and more complex than lifestyle factors alone suggest. Heart disease causes can be categorized according to the part(s) of the heart each condition affects. One type of heart ailment affects either the inside (endocarditic) or the outside (pericarditic) cardiac lining. This inflammatory condition develops as a result of bacterial or fungal infection. Postoperative heart patients and people undergoing dental procedures are susceptible to endocarditis. Lung or bladder infections can spread to the outside cardiac lining, particularly when the immune system is compromised by the HIV virus or AIDS.
Cardiac arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are caused by disruption of the cardiac electrical system. In many cases, damage to part of the heart muscle causes the heartbeat to quicken, slow, or become irregular. Tachycardia, a rapid pulse, can result from thyroid dysfunction, insufficient oxygen, blood clot in the lung, diminished red blood cell count, use of diet pills, excessive caffeine intake, or electrolyte imbalance.
A third cause of heart disease originates in the valves. Some people are born with defective valves. There is no known cause of these congenital defects. Valve-related decrease of blood flow, leaking of blood in the wrong direction, and poor function is associated with advancing age. Enlargement of the heart and high blood pressure can also lead to valve damage. Untreated strep throat infection that develops into rheumatic fever harms the valves, as does radiation therapy for cancer. People with weakened immune systems such as lupus patients experience valve problems.
A final very common type of heart disease affects the arteries. Coronary artery disease is characterized by the weakening, hardening, blockage, and/or rupture of the vital arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Lifestyle factors like consuming a high-cholesterol diet, smoking, sedentary habits, and exposure to excessive stress can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. Uncontrollable risk factors include advancing age, having a family history of the condition, and being male.
The biological cause of artery disease is the same regardless of which risk factors precipitate it. Artery injury causes its walls to weaken. The body produces chemicals to heal the tissue. These substances form plaque, which blocks the artery. Plaque hardens and sometimes cracks, leaving the patient vulnerable to blood clots, constriction of the artery, and heart attack.
Most people are aware of some of the more common causes of heart disease. But if your knowledge is limited to that, you might benefit from taking a closer look at this topic. An adequate education about heart disease includes not only its diagnoses and symptoms, but also its multiple and complex causes.
Heart Disease Diet For those wishing to prevent heart disease, or maintain health after being diagnosed with heart disease, dietary changes are often a major part of treatment. A heart disease diet can help keep heart disease at bay, and can even reverse some symptoms and prevent heart disease from leading quickly to heart attack or other cardiac problems.
Basics of a Heart Disease Diet
A heart disease diet should include plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, polyunsaturated fats, and much needed vitamins and minerals. It should not include saturated fat, processed foods, white sugar, or junk food. The processed foods so common in today's world are hard on the heart and detrimental to overall health, and should be avoided.
The following guidelines can help form the base of an effective heart disease diet:
*Reduce saturated fat, trans fats and cholesterol. Keep fats at a minimum, but use monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in small amounts.
*Increase fruit and vegetable intake. Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals and fiber to keep the diet heart healthy.
*Choose low fat protein. Instead of steak or hamburgers, use skinless chicken, fish, and nuts and beans to provide necessary protein.
*Eat less salt, and reduce sodium intake overall. Packaged foods and fast foods are particularly high in sodium.
*Replace refined grains, such as white bread, with whole grains. Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help regulate blood pressure.
While these might seem like simple steps, these changes in the diet can have a profound effect on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other issues related to heart disease.
Planning a Heart Disease Diet
As with any lifestyle change, planning ahead can increase the likelihood of success. Take a look at existing diet habits and see where substitutions can be easily made. Use these substitutions to gradually change over to a heart disease diet. Make meal plans and be sure there is enough of the right kind of food available in the refrigerator and cupboards to support the plan. Construct a grocery list to increase the number of heart healthy foods in easy reach.
Meal planning can also help guard against overeating and situations where it seems more convenient to eat quickly than to eat well. Overeating, even when healthy changes have been made to the diet, can cause weight gain that results in excessive strain on the system, which can then lead to high blood pressure and other issues. Resorting to high sodium, high fat fast food instead of sticking to a healthy diet plan can reverse any health improvements and put excess strain on the heart and body.
While a heart disease diet is aimed at those suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other symptoms of cardiovascular problems, this dietary approach can be used by anyone who wants to increase overall heart health, decrease cholesterol and/or blood pressure, or even to lose weight. A heart healthy diet is also a general healthy diet, so even for those without symptoms that need to be controlled, a heart disease diet can be an excellent guide for everyday eating.
Smoking and Heart Disease Most people are aware that smoking causes breathing problems like emphysema and lung cancer, but less commonly known is the fact that 20 percent of all deaths related to heart disease are caused by cigarette smoking. People who smoke drastically increase their chance of heart conditions and heart attacks. The longer someone smokes, the greater the risk. For instance, someone smoking one pack of cigarettes a day more than doubles their chances of having a heart attack as someone who doesn't smoke.
There is a strong connection between smoking and coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. What causes smoking to have such an affect on heart health?
1. Cholesterol - Smoking any form of tobacco can have a negative affect on cholesterol levels. It is known to increase the level of LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. These levels should be lower than the HDL, or "good" cholesterol. This means that smoking is causing LDL and HDL cholesterol levels the be the absolute opposite of what they should be. Cholesterol levels that are out of whack are directly related to coronary artery disease.
2. Atherosclerosis - When cholesterol levels are consistently above normal, a build up of fatty substances can occur in the coronary arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. This build up causes the artery walls to thicken which inhibits the flow of blood to the heart. This is the beginning of a risky domino affect. Less blood to the heart means less oxygen to the heart, which can result in chest pain. The more coronary arteries that become blocked, the greater the chance for a heart attack. Peripheral artery disease occurs when the atherosclerosis affects arteries that are responsible for blood flow to the arms and legs. This can cause cramping and put a smoker at risk for a stroke.
3. Chemicals - Each cigarette contains approximately 4000 harmful chemicals. The more cigarettes someone smokes, the more of these chemicals that are ingested. The two chemicals that are most harmful to the heart are carbon monoxide and nicotine. Carbon monoxide reduces the supply of oxygen to the heart, while nicotine elevates heart rate and blood pressure, thus constricting all of the arteries in the body.
4. Circulation - Anyone who smokes increases the risk that blood clots will form in their body. Blood clots cause circulatory problems. Circulation issues can also help to clog the coronary arteries. Clots and clogs make the heart try to work harder, requiring more oxygen.
Switching to cigarettes that are lower in nicotine and tar has a minimal affect on lowering the chances of heart disease. The only option that may help is to quit smoking. Someone who stops smoking when they are 35-39 years old can add about 9 years to their life. Giving up cigarettes can lower the risk of repeat heart attacks or heart disease related deaths by one-half. It can also lower risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Cholesterol and Heart Disease Cholesterol is important to the body, as it is used to produce hormones, insulation for nerve tissue, and other important functions. However, too much cholesterol in the system can cause serious problems, including heart disease. It is important to have the appropriate levels of cholesterol in the blood, as well as the right balance between the different types of cholesterol, in order to maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
How Cholesterol Affects the Heart
When too much cholesterol builds up in the bloodstream, it can collect along the walls of the arteries. Buildup up of cholesterol in the arteries leads to a form of heart disease called atherosclerosis. If too much cholesterol collects, it can partially or completely block the arteries, causing chest pain or even a heart attack.
There are two basic kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or High-Density Lipoprotein, and LDL, or Low Density-Lipoprotein. As implied by the name, HDLs contain a larger percentage of protein than LDLs. LDLs are often known as "bad" cholesterol, because this is the type of cholesterol that collects along the arterial walls. HDLs, also called "good" cholesterol, actually help clear cholesterol out of the system.
Reading Your Cholesterol Numbers
Because of the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol, it's important to know what the numbers mean when a doctor performs a cholesterol test. A cholesterol test, or lipid panel, measures the following:
*Total cholesterol
*LDL levels
*HDL levels
*Triglycerides
Ideally, the total cholesterol level should be under 200. LDLs should be under 100, and HDLs should be at least 60 (an HDL level lower than 40 increases the risk of heart disease). The level of triglycerides, another type of fat found in the bloodstream, should be below 150.
If cholesterol numbers are higher than the ideal levels (or lower in the case of HDLs), a doctor will probably suggest dietary changes, increases in activity level, and possibly a medication to reduce cholesterol. Doctors also sometimes use an ultrasound procedure to examine the aorta for signs of inflammation--an indicator that high cholesterol levels are beginning to create problems in the arteries. Decreasing cholesterol levels through diet, exercise and/or medication can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Hypertension and Heart Disease Hypertension refers to when a patient's blood pressure remains at elevated levels for extended periods, which may range from months to years to an entire lifetime. There are many environmental and genetic factors which contribute to hypertension including stress, poor diet and the use of steroids. Hypertension increases the strain experienced by the heart and primary arteries and if left untreated it will result in the rupture or failure of these essential organs. As such, hypertension is considered to be very serious as it can cause damage to the heart. Hypertension is commonly linked to heart disease, whether because damage to the heart causes hypertension, or because hypertension places strain on the heart and arteries. While heart disease and hypertension can occur independently of one another, many types of heart disease do not cause hypertension, and a perfectly healthy heart may be suffering from hypertension due to environmental concerns like obesity and stress. Therefore it is important not to jump to conclusions when hypertension is detected and claim that it must be due to a bad heart. Most cases of hypertension exhibit no outward symptoms, and must be diagnosed by a doctor who is monitoring blood pressure. Higher degrees of hypertension are known to exhibit signs such as headaches, impaired vision, nausea and vomiting. These are generally linked to other ill health factors such as obesity and diabetes. Hypertension also appears in may patients with thyroid or hormonal disorders. The vast majority of persons suffering from hypertension, however, are those with a high body weight and sedentary lifestyle. Indeed, 85% of cases of hypertension occur in persons who are overweight or obese, with most of the remainder taken up by persons with genetic or chemical disorders which trigger increased blood pressure.
As the most common risk factor associated with heart disease, hypertension has been exhaustively studied and many drugs now exist for it on the market. The most common drugs are designed to relieve high blood pressure. In most cases, high blood pressure is relieved by inducing the blood vessels to relax, but in some cases the high blood pressure is relieved by modifying the way the heart pumps. Due to the great number of hypertension drugs on the market today, it is possible for doctors to try several alternatives or pick specific drug regiments in order to maximize the effectiveness. The vast majority of these drug regimens are supplemented with exercise, improved diet, and other lifestyle changes.
Aspirin and Heart Disease Aspirin therapy has been a well-known and effective therapy for heart disease since the 1970s. In fact the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that patients who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), unstable angina, ischemic stroke (stroke caused by a blood clot), or transient ischemic attacks (also known as little strokes) take daily aspirin therapy. The AHA's recommendations are based upon evidence gathered to through clinical trials which show that aspirin does indeed help prevent the recurrence heart attack, second strokes, and hospital stays to deal with recurrent angina; and the studies have also shown that for people who are at high risk, aspirin also helps these life-threatening events from happening in the first place.
How does aspirin help?
The benefits of aspirin for the heart include:
*Pain and inflammation management�aspirin blocks the action of an enzyme known as cycloxygenase making the body less able to produce prostaglandin, the chemical that triggers pain as an injury signal.
*The inhibition of blood clots. Some prostaglandins in the blood can spark a series of events which will cause blood platelets to form blood clots. Blood clots are dangerous because they have the capacity to clog the arteries leading to the heart, thus increasing stroke and heart attack risk. When the aspirin inhibits the production of prostaglandins as described above, the formation of blood clots is inhibited as well.
*Reduction in the risk of death�the research surrounding aspirin therapy is related to a marked reduction of death, especially among the elderly, those with heart disease, and people who are in poor physical condition.
Aspirin therapy requires caution
While the benefits of taking aspirin are plentiful, there are instances where aspirin therapy may be contraindicated based upon the physiology of an individual which is why aspirin therapy should not be started without the advice of a physician. In addition, there are other cautions that patients should be aware of, including:
1. If you're scheduled for even a minor surgical procedure, including dental extractions, it's imperative that you tell dentist, oral surgeon, or surgeon how much aspirin you're taking and at what frequency.
2. Aspirin can cause stomach problems for people who take it regularly; alcohol consumption can increase this risk. It's therefore wise to check with your doctor to ensure it's safe for you to drink alcoholic beverages moderation.
3. Contrary to the commercials on TV, taking aspirin during a heart attack or stroke may not be a good idea. Calling 911 for emergency medical assistance should be the first priority; and aspirin should absolutely not be taken to treat a stroke. This is because not all strokes are caused by blood clots. Some are actually caused by a ruptured blood vessel and in these cases aspirin could make the situation worse.
Heart Disease Treatments Heart disease treatments can often mean the difference between life and death. The term "heart disease" covers a number of ailments that affect the heart, or the cardiovascular system around the heart. These diseases can often lead to angina, heart attack and stroke due to problems with blood circulation like blocked blood vessels. Heart disease is the leading killer of people throughout the world. Treating heart disease can vary widely and ranges from lifestyle changes to mediation and surgery. Generally treating heart disease will involve bringing the blood circulation system back to a more normal, healthy state. This can include lowering blood pressure or cholesterol. High blood pressure makes it more difficult for the heart muscle to pump blood throughout the system. High cholesterol contributes to the clogging of blood vessels and the hardening of blood vessel walls.
Other problems can include low blood pressure, weakened blood vessel walls, blood clots, and problems with the rhythm and strength of the heartbeat. There can also be damage to, or congenital defects of the heart.
Changing lifestyle
One of the treatments that will be recommended for most heart ailments will be lifestyle changes. Such changes will include a heart healthy diet and a regular moderate exercise program. Diet changes should include cutting down on sodium and fat. There should also be at least 30 minutes of exercise several times a week. Quitting or cutting down on smoking, alcohol and stress are also important in treating heart disease.
Medicine for heart disease
Medications to lower blood pressure can include beta blockers that relax the heart and blood vessels, and diuretics that expel excess fluid from the system. Aspirin may be recommended to help thin the blood, and other medications like statins help lower cholesterol levels.
Emergency heart treatment
One complication of heart disease is a heart attack. In such cases, the first course of treatment is cardiovascular resuscitation (CPR). CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing. In some cases, there is an aberrant heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation (VF). When there is VF, the heart is unable to pump blood, and an electric shock to the heart, known as defibrillation, helps restore a normal heartbeat.
Heart surgery
Treating heart disease often involves surgical procedures. Usually surgery is only resorted to in emergency situations or in cases when lifestyle changes, medication and other less drastic forms of treatment have failed. The most common reason for heart surgery is the need to clear blockages that have formed in the heart. A coronary angioplasty involves the insertion of a catheter into the patient's groin or arm from which they will access the heart. A tiny balloon is inflated near the blockage to reopen the blood vessel, and a metal device known as a stent is often implanted to help maintain the opening.
A more serious type of heart disease surgery is the bypass procedure in which the blocked artery is removed and replaced with a vein from another part of the patient's body.
Heart infections
Heart disease treatments for infections involved antibiotics, heartbeat regulators and, sometimes, corrective surgery. Pericarditis is a common type of heart infection that causes the pericardium, a sac surrounding the heart, to swell. Myocarditis is an infection of the heart muscle. Bacterial heart infections will be treated with IV antibiotics. If the heart rhythm is abnormal, special drugs are given to normalize the heart beat. When the heart is damaged or the infection is widespread, then surgery may be needed to remove or treat the infection, and to repair any damages.
Pacemakers
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are often used in treating heart disease. A pacemaker uses an electrical current to speed up your heartbeat when it slows down excessively. An ICD also uses electrical impulses but to normalize an excessively fast heartbeat. In cases involving extreme problems with heart rhythm, surgery may be required. Such surgery involves opening the heart and thus can be quite risky and involves several months for the patient to recover.
Treating heart defects
Heart defects can be treated with medication, catheters, surgery and in extreme cases with full heart transplants. Many heart defects are relatively minor and do not require treatment. Some heart defects involve placing a tube known as a catheter into the heart to compensate for the defect. Surgical repair of heart defects is an open-heart procedure and takes requires months of recovery. A heart transplant is used when the heart defect cannot be repaired using other methods. The last two options are to be used only as a last resort.
Valve disease
Treating valve disease with medication involves drugs that lower your cholesterol, like statins and selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors; that dilate your blood vessels (vasodilators); that expel water from system (diuretics); and that thin the blood, like warfarin, plavix and aspirin. A condition known as valve stenonis is treated with the balloon valvuloplasty procedure. A tube is run through a vein in your leg up to your heart. The balloon is inflated in the affected heart valve opening it up to increase blood circulation.
In some cases, the valve damage is so great that surgical repair or replacement is required. Valve surgery is open-heart and requires several months of recovery.
Alternative medicine
Many people prefer to use alternative and herbal treatments whenever possible for treating heart disease or other ailments. Foods and supplements like oatmeal, omega-3 fatty acids, seafood, flaxseed oil, brown rice and coenzyme Q-10 are often used for this purpose. Alternative heart disease treatments can sometimes interact with conventional medical treatment, so you should discuss such options with your doctor before starting.
Heart disease treatments can vary depending on the exact condition involved and the severity of the condition. Often choosing the right treatment, involves careful discussions with your health care provider. Each treatment has its own benefits, but also side effects, consequences and risks. Generally you will want to avoid the more extreme measures like surgery until after you have exhausted other forms of treatment.
Heart Disease Medications When you are diagnosed with heart disease the list of heart disease medications can be as overwhelming as the diagnosis itself. To begin with, there are several different types of drug categories, or classes. Each drug class has a number of different medications. If you can make sense of what each drug class is for, it will be easier to determine with your physician what heart disease medications are right for you. The first drug class we will cover is the ACE inhibitor. An ACE or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor is used to lower your blood pressure. Angiotensin Converting Enzymes in the blood cause narrowing of the blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise. An ACE inhibitor interrupts that chemical process which then dilates the blood vessels, thereby lowering the blood pressure. These heart disease medications, such as Altace or generic know Ramipril, Mavik or its generic counterpart Trandolapril and Zestril or Prinivil or generic named Lisinopril, all work by lowering the blood pressure making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Easing the load on a diseased heart can make a tremendous difference in treating heart disease.
ARB or Angiotensin II Reception Blockers work essentially the same way as an ACE inhibitor. These heart disease medications block the Angiotensin II's ability to narrow the blood vessels, keeping them dilated. They are prescribed to lower blood pressure to make it easier of the heart to function properly. Candesartan cilexetil or it brand name Atacand, Irbesartan or the brand name Avapro, and Losartan or its brand name equivalent Cozaar are all examples of ARBs and are generally prescribed when ACE inhibitors are not well tolerated by the patient.
Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or aspirin in low doses has been shown to reduce the risks of heart attacks. Heart attacks are usually caused by clots that form a blockage in the arteries of the heart. ASA makes platelets, making it harder for the blood to clots. A small dose of no more than 81 mg a day, about what you would find in one baby asprin, has been recommended as part of a regular daily regimin for those at risk of a heart attack.
Digoxin is created from the leaves of the plant digitalis lanata. Digoxin and the brand named Lanoxin have a couple of beneficial properties as heart disease medications. First they make the heart contractions stronger by inhibiting an enzyme that increases calcium into the heart. Increased calcium levels make the contractions of the heart stronger. Digoxin also interferes with the conduction of electricity between the heart's ventricles and atria which is useful in treating many disorders associated with rapid heartbeat.
One of the greatest contributors to heart disease is high cholesterol, so many heart disease medications are statins. Statins work by blocking the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production by the liver. This lowers the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Also referred to as enzyme blockers, there are several statins widely prescribed as a treatment for heart disease. Lipitor (Atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Crestor (Rosuvastatin), Zocor (Simavastatin), Mevacor (Lovastatin), Pravachol (Pravastatin) and Livalo (Pitavastatin) are all statins that have been approved for usage in the United States.
Beta Blockers are another drug class of heart disease medications. Beta Blockers, or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, work by blocking the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, slowing down the heart rate and dilating vessels to lower blood pressure. There are different types of beta blockers as well. Selective beta blockers like Lopressor, Toprol XL or Metoprolol block mainly B1 receptors. This will slow the heart rate, but have little effect on vessels and no effect on air passages. Non-selective beta blockers, such as Inderal or Propranolol, on the other hand, block B1 and B2 receptors which will affect the heart rate, blood vessels and air passages. Drugs like Normodyne, Trandate (generically called Labetalol) and Coreg (Carvedilol) also block alpha-1 receptors which will boost the dilating effect on the blood vessels. Then there are some beta blockers that have ISA. Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity in beta blockers such as Visken (Pindolol) actually replicate the norepinephrine and epinephrine effects so there is less on a decrease in heart rate than with beat blockers that do not have ISA's.
Calcium Channel Blockers work by dilating the arteries of the heart making it easier for the heart to pump blood. When it is easier for the heart to pump, it requires less oxygen. CCBs are also helpful in lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rates. Of calcium channel blockers, some like Isoptin, Calan (Verapamil) and Cardizem (Diltiazem) are most effective in reducing the heart rate, so these are generally used in conditions where the heart is beating too fast. In cases of heart failure or bradycardia (slow heart rate), Norvasc (Amlodipine) are calcium channel blockers without much effect on the heart rate, so they are safer to use with these patients.
Nitroglycerin, and all of its brand name counterparts such as Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, Minitran to name a few, all belong to the drug class of nitrates. Nitrates are believed to dilate the arteries and veins in the body, correcting any imbalance in the flow or oxygen or blood to the heart. The widening of arteries and veins makes it easier for the heart to work which requires less blood and oxygen. In addition to that, Nitroglycerin also dilates blood vessels ensuring that oxygen is getting to all of the areas of heart tissue that need it the most.
Platelets are the remains of cells that circulate in the blood stream, initiating the formation of clots by clumping together. Antiplatelet drugs prevent this process from happening. Aspirin, which we have already discussed, is one type of antiplatelet agent. Additionally there are thienopyridines and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Platelets naturally produce adenosine diphosphate (ADP). ADP sticks to the surface of the platelets, which promotes the clotting of the platelets. Thienopyridines block ADP from attaching to the platelet, therefore preventing the platelets from clotting. Plavix (Clopidogrel) and Ticlid (Ticlopidine) are both examples of thienopyridines. Drugs like Reopro (Abciximab) and Integrilin (Eptifibatide) are glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. These drugs are administered intravenously and prevent blocking a different receptor for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, which also prevents clumping.
Antiarrhythmic medications are used to correct irregularities or disturbances in the hearts rhythm. There is Quinidine, which goes by the brand names Quinidine Gluconate or Quinidine Sulfate, Procainamide or Pronestyl, and Disopyramide or Norpace all of which are classified as Class 1 Antiarrhythmic. These drugs interfere with sodium's ability to pass into cells. This decreases the electrical stimulation of muscle cells. Class 2 antiarrhythmics are anti-sympathetic agents; all of these agents are beta blockers. Class 3 agents work by affecting the influx of potassium. Class 4 agents include verapamil and diltiazem. These are considered to be slow calcium channel blockers, decreasing conduction through the AV node. Digoxin and adenosine are classified as Class 5 antiarrhythmic agents.
A diagnosis of heart disease can be frightening. Gaining an understanding of the drug classes and all of the heart disease medications can help you to feel more in control while facing the changes that come with living with heart disease.
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