Main cardiovascular diseases and what to do

Cardiovascular diseases are diseases that usually arise with age or due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as high-fat diet and lack of physical activities, such as hypertension, heart failure and infarction, for example. However, cardiovascular diseases can be diagnosed right at birth, in the case of congenital heart disease for example.

In addition, cardiovascular diseases can happen as a result of infections by viruses, fungi or bacteria, leading to inflammation of the heart, as in the case of endocarditis and myocarditis.

Main cardiovascular diseases

1. Hypertension

Hypertension is characterized by an increase in blood pressure, usually above 130 x 80 mmHg, which can influence the proper functioning of the heart. This situation can happen due to aging, lack of exercise, weight gain or excessive consumption of salt, for example however hypertension can also happen as a result of other situations, such as diabetes or kidney diseases, for example.

The increase in blood pressure does not normally cause symptoms, but in some cases it can be noticed through some of them, such as dizziness, headache, changes in vision and chest pain, for example. Learn how to identify hypertension.

What to do: It is important that blood pressure is controlled to prevent the occurrence of other cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, for example. Thus, it is recommended that the person follow the treatment guided by the cardiologist who usually involves the use of medications, in addition to a low salt diet.

It is also important to practice physical activities, avoid smoking, drink at least 2 liters of water a day and check the pressure daily. If the pressure remains high even with the recommended treatment, it is recommended to return to the cardiologist so that a new evaluation and the modified treatment can be made.

2. Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) or heart attack happens due to the interruption of blood flow to the heart, most of the time due to the accumulation of fat in the blood vessels. The most characteristic symptom of a heart attack is chest pain that can radiate to the arm, but there may also be dizziness, cold sweat and malaise.

What to do: In cases of infarction, the most recommended is that the person be taken to the nearest hospital to start treatment, which can be done with the use of drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots and favor blood flow., surgery or angioplasty, which is a procedure whose objective is to restore blood circulation. Understand how the treatment for infarction is done.

In addition, after emergency treatment, it is important to follow medical guidelines, regularly take medications, adopt healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and a diet low in fatty foods and rich in fruits and vegetables.

3. Heart failure

Heart failure is more common in people who have high blood pressure, which can lead to weakening of the heart muscle and, consequently, difficulty in pumping blood to the body. The main symptoms associated with heart failure are progressive tiredness, swelling in the legs and feet, dry cough at night and shortness of breath.

What to do: The treatment for heart failure should be indicated by the cardiologist, with the use of drugs to lower blood pressure, such as Enalapril and Lisinopril, for example, associated with diuretics, such as Furosemide, being generally indicated.

In addition, regular exercise is recommended, when duly indicated by your cardiologist, and reduce salt consumption, controlling pressure and, consequently, avoiding decompensating the heart.

4. Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart diseases are those in which the heart changes during the development process even during pregnancy, which can result in changes in the function of the heart that are already born with the baby. These heart diseases can be identified even in the maternal uterus, using ultrasound and echocardiography and can be mild or severe. Know the main types of congenital heart disease.

Mild congenital heart diseases usually have no symptoms and the person can lead a normal life. However, in the case of severe heart disease, surgery may be required as soon as the baby is born to correct the structural defect, or even perform a heart transplant.

What to do: The treatment of congenital heart disease varies according to severity, and it is recommended, in the case of severe congenital heart disease, to perform surgery or heart transplantation in the first year of life. In the case of mild heart disease, treatment is done with the aim of relieving symptoms, and the use of diuretic and beta-blocker medications may be indicated by the cardiologist, for example, to regulate heart rate.

5. Endocarditis

Endocarditis is the inflammation of the tissue that lines the heart internally, being usually caused by a microorganism, usually fungus or bacteria, that reached the bloodstream and reached the heart, being then called infectious endocarditis. Although infection is the main cause of endocarditis, this disease can also happen as a result of other diseases, such as cancer, rheumatic fever and autoimmune diseases, for example.

The symptoms of endocarditis appear over time, with persistent fever, excessive sweating, pale skin, muscle pain, persistent cough and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the presence of blood in the urine and weight loss may also be noticed.

What to do: The main form of treatment for endocarditis is the use of antibiotics or antifungals to fight the microorganism responsible for the disease, and the treatment should be done according to the cardiologist's guidance. In addition, it may be necessary to change the affected valve.

6. Cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmia corresponds to the change in heartbeat, which can make the heartbeat faster or slower, resulting in symptoms such as tiredness, pallor, chest pain, cold sweat and shortness of breath, for example.

What to do: The treatment indicated by the cardiologist varies according to the symptoms presented by the person, but aims to regulate the heartbeat. Thus, the use of medications, such as Propafenone or Sotalol, for example, defibrillation, pacemaker implantation or ablation surgery may be indicated. Understand how treatment is done for cardiac arrhythmia.

It is also important to avoid the consumption of alcohol, drugs and caffeinated beverages, for example, as they can alter the heart rate, in addition to practicing regular physical activities and having a balanced diet.

7. Angina

Angina corresponds to the feeling of heaviness, pain or tightness in the chest and usually happens when there is a decrease in blood flow to the heart, which is more common in people over 50, who have high blood pressure, decompensated diabetes or who have unhealthy lifestyle habits, resulting in the interruption of blood flow due to the accumulation of fat in the vessels. Know the main types of angina.

What to do: Treatment for angina is recommended by the cardiologist according to the type of angina, and rest or use of medications to control symptoms, improve blood flow, regulate blood pressure and prevent the formation of clots may be recommended.

8. Myocarditis

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle that can happen due to infections in the body, which can happen during a virus infection or when there is an advanced infection by fungi or bacteria. This inflammation can lead to several symptoms in more severe cases, such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, excessive tiredness, shortness of breath and swelling in the legs, for example.

What to do: Usually myocarditis is resolved when the infection is cured by using antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals, however if myocarditis symptoms persist even after treating the infection, it is important to consult the cardiologist so that the treatment, and the use of drugs to reduce pressure, decrease swelling and control heartbeat may be recommended.

9. Valvulopathies

Valvulopathies, also called heart valve diseases, appear more frequently in men over 65 years and women over 75 years and it happens due to the accumulation of calcium in the heart valves, hindering blood flow due to their hardening.

In some cases, the symptoms of valvulopathy may take time to appear, however some symptoms that may indicate problems with the heart valves are chest pain, heart murmur, excessive tiredness, shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and feet, for example.

What to do: It is recommended that people over the age of 60 consult the cardiologist regularly to check for any changes in the organ, including heart valve diseases. When there is confirmation of valvulopathy, the doctor indicates the treatment according to the valve that was reached and the degree of impairment, and the use of diuretic, antiarrhythmic drugs or even valve replacement may be indicated.