Heart Health Test (II)
Different reasons
First of all it should be noted that diseases affecting the heart muscle are very different, but it may be classified into three categories:
a) Power. The steady, rhythmic beat of the heart depends on a system that works with small electrical currents, so that when fault is generated irregular rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be annoying, but not life threatening, or become unsafe and cause sudden death. Some of the most common ailments in this group are:
Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Affect the top of the heart (atria) and are characterized by the generation of abnormal electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats, and fast (up to 300 per minute). Cause fatigue, heart failure (inadequate blood circulation) and ruptured blood vessels in brain (stroke).
Ventricular fibrillation. In this case the problem appears at the bottom of the heart (ventricles), which causes rapid and chaotic heartbeat that alter the body and may even make it stop. Also known as cardiac arrest, and can be fatal.
Abnormal function of the sinus node. This small group of cells is the natural “pacemaker” of the heart, so is the function of regulating electrical impulses, and such beats. When fault can alter the pulse, making it slow (bradycardia), fast (tachycardia) or use both.
Long QT syndrome. It is due to a problem that prevents electrical conduction pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. Ventricular fibrillation can also generate medium to long term and is due to hereditary factors or antidepressant medication.
Syncope. Loss of consciousness or fainting caused because the heart does not pump adequate oxygen to the brain.
b) Circulatory. The heart also needs nutrients and oxygen, so it pumps blood to itself through the coronary arteries when they suffer obstruction, the power flow is reduced or stopped completely, generating:
Angina pectoris. It is due to partial blockage of the blood stream, generating a feeling of heaviness, shortness of breath and chest pain, but can also be experienced in the stomach area, back, jaw and left arm.
Heart attack or myocardial infarction. Happens when the obstruction is quite serious and the blood flow is completely blocked, the heart dies without nutrient supply and difficulties in distributing blood throughout the body are remarkable. Your symptoms are like those of angina pectoris, and can be fatal. It is synonymous with cardiac arrest, since this term corresponds to ventricular fibrillation.
c) Structural problems. Groups diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and congenital abnormalities affecting the blood supply. They are most common:
Heart failure. It happens when the heart muscle is too weak to pump blood effectively.
Problems with heart valves. May be hereditary or develop during the course of life, and keep the heart pump blood both inside and into the body.
credit to: María Elena Moura