There are certain diseases and condition that you wish you never have the misfortune of suffering from. Diabetes is one such condition, often termed as the ‘mother of all diseases’. The next in line for this notorious title are the diseases and conditions of the heart.
Which are the more common heart diseases and conditions?
Heart diseases and conditions affect a large part of the world population. It is in fact estimated that around $304.6 billion dollars will be spent over the next few years to treat heart diseases and conditions. There are many diseases and conditions that affect the heart;s health and many of these when left untreated can turn to be life-threatening.
1. Atrial Septal Defect -Atrial septal defect is a congenital heart condition. The diseases and conditions of the heart that are related to this are caused due to a hole in the upper chambers of the heart. A child born with this condition is often referred to as a ‘blue baby’ as the symptoms include cyanosis (blue lips, fingers and toes), poor growth and heart murmur. Once detected, atrial septal defect can be treated by using an implant device to cover and close off the hole. Diseases and conditions of the heart similar to this is the ventricular septal defect that refers to a hole in the lower chambers of the heart.
2. Bundle branch block – This condition refers to the disruption caused that blocks the pathway of the electrical impulses to your heart. This condition too is congenital, however, it is more difficult to detect. The symptoms are similar to those suffering from atrial or ventricular septal defect and an implant device needs to be used as a treatment option here too.
3. Mitral valve prolapse – This is one of those diseases and conditions of the heart that causes one the valve between the upper and lower chambers to close improperly. This condition affects women more than men. Although benign, severe cases of mitral valve prolapse may require medication or surgical treatment.
Diseases and conditions of the heart are many and varied and any research may feel like the tip of the iceberg to you. However, it is only increased awareness about the different heart diseases and conditions that shall help you prevent yourself from these and opt for the right treatment option