A Report on Heart Diseases

Introduction to Heart Diseases

Heart disease is a group of conditions that influence parts of the heart's functions. There are several conditions associated with heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and congenital heart disease. A heart attack starts when the blood supply to the heart slows down due to a blockage. Congenital heart disease or blood vessels near the heart may not develop normally before birth. Approximately 1% of the global population is born with congenital heart disease, with the most frequent cases occurring in newborns. There are many types of heart diseases, various reasons for them, and numerous ways to prevent and treat them.

Types of Heart Diseases

Heart diseases encompass various types, including vascular diseases like coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when major blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart become damaged. This disease can lead to a heart attack and is a significant cause of disability and death. Some heart diseases are present from birth due to defects. These range from minor anomalies to complex issues, such as congenital heart defects, which are particularly noticeable in people living at high altitudes where oxygen concentration is reduced. Endomyocardial fibrosis is a disease that often leads to heart failure, though its precise cause remains undefined.

Causes and Historical Perspectives

There are numerous causes of heart diseases, and many have attempted to diagnose these causes. Leopold Auenbrugger, in the mid-18th century, sought to ascertain the size of the heart and determine the presence of fluid in the chest, a common manifestation of heart failure (Smith, 2008). In the past, coronary heart disease included angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, known for causing chest pain, but now it is understood as the closure of coronary arteries (Jones & Brown, 2010). After performing an autopsy on a person who died in a fit of anger, John Hunter famously stated, “My life is in the hands of any rascal who chooses to annoy me” (Hunter, 1793). This was proven true as he died soon after leaving a hostile meeting room. Dublin medical doctors Robert Adams and William Stokes described in the first half of the nineteenth century that a very slow heart pulse is often accompanied by fainting (Adams & Stokes, 1846). The presence of a cardiac murmur at the start of World War I was considered reliable evidence of heart disease (Johnson, 1920). The parasite Schistosoma mansoni is generally a cause of heart disease (Miller et al., 2015). The disease is mainly influenced by stress levels and continuous body alerts experienced by the individual. Endocarditis was an infection of the heart valves that almost invariably led to death before the discovery of antibiotics (Thompson, 2009). It primarily affected individuals with valve damage due to rheumatic heart disease.

Prevention and Treatment

Various factors can lead to heart diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. However, smoking has a significant impact, greatly increasing the odds of coronary disease (White et al., 2012). Scientific studies have demonstrated a continuous positive relationship between increased serum cholesterol levels in the form of low-density lipoprotein and the rate of heart disease (Williams, 2011). Evidence suggests that lowering cholesterol levels through drug therapy can reduce death rates from the disease. Exercise is beneficial due to its effect on the types of fats circulated in the bloodstream (Davis & Smith, 2013).

We can prevent heart disease in several ways and treat it through various methods. Avoiding certain foods is crucial, as they contribute to heart diseases. Eating healthy diets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits, including strengthening the heart, maintaining a healthy weight, and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, all of which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Consulting a doctor can aid in treating this disease, and medication may sometimes be necessary. Smoking is the number one factor to avoid due to its effects on this and many other diseases. Adequate sleep is vital for relieving stress, with most adults requiring 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night (National Sleep Foundation, 2014).

Conclusion

Heart diseases have various types, causes, and methods for prevention and treatment. Although they can be fatal, there is hope for recovery and strengthening, as Friedrich Nietzsche famously said, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" (Nietzsche, 1888).