Did you know that one out of every three adult men has some form of heart disease?
Although it may appear that something as serious as heart disease should have warning symptoms, it is possible to acquire any of the conditions without ever knowing it.
Heart disease can be of different types, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment regimen. Read on to understand the most prevalent forms of heart disease in men.
5 Most Common Types of Heart Diseases in Men And Their Symptoms
1. Coronary Artery Disease
This type of heart problem develops when the vessels that supply blood to your heart are blocked due to the accumulation of plaque (cholesterol and other substances).
This plaque reduces blood flow to your heart muscle, preventing it from receiving the oxygen it requires, and at times, leading to a heart attack.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Chest pain
Radiating pain to the arm, neck, or back
Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest
Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeat
Sweating
Nausea
2. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. It occurs when the electrical impulses that coordinate your heartbeat fail to function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast or too slow.
Arrhythmias usually do not cause any symptoms, and a doctor may notice the abnormal heartbeat incidentally while examining you for another health condition.
Symptoms of Arrhythmia
Fluttering heart
Chest pain
Lightheadedness
Slow pulse
Shortness of breath
3. Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease means that you are born with a heart problem.
Some heart abnormalities do not manifest as symptoms and thus go undiagnosed. Doctors will often diagnose these problems during a routine medical check.
You may not notice any symptoms until you reach adulthood, or notice them when they cause symptoms, such as:
Abnormal heart rhythms
Shortness of breath
Extreme swelling in the legs and around the eyes
Blue-tinged skin
Fatigue and low energy
4. Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that develops when a hereditary problem affects your heart muscle. The heart muscle thickens and impairs your heart's ability to efficiently pump blood to the rest of your body.
There may be no symptoms of cardiomyopathy initially, but as the disease progresses, it can result in symptoms such as:
Chest pain
Rapid heartbeat
Lightheadedness and dizziness
Weakness and fatigue
Shortness of breath
Fainting
5. Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when your heart is still working but does not pump blood as well as it should. All major body functions are disrupted when there is insufficient blood flow, which can lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and other conditions.
The symptoms of heart failure can range from none to mild or severe. They may come and go or worsen with time.
Some common signs and symptoms of heart failure are:
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Shortness of breath
Persistent dry coughing
Leg and ankle swelling
Weight gain
Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of Heart Diseases
Your doctor may ask about your family and medical history. They may also recommend you undergo some tests such as electrocardiogram, CT (computed tomography) scan, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan to evaluate your heart's condition.
Treatment of Heart Diseases
Treatment for heart disease primarily depends on its type and the severity of your condition. It includes lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery, which may be required to open the blocked blood vessels.
For timely treatment, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms of heart disease.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. Men and Heart Disease. [online] Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/men.htm> [Accessed 8 October 2021].
2. Mayo Clinic. 2021. Heart disease - Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118> [Accessed 8 October 2021].
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