1. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.
It is typically caused by a diet high in fat, which leaves fatty deposits on the lining of the blood vessels. These fatty deposits stick together and make the arteries hard and less flexible.
Atherosclerosis leads to high blood pressure, which can damage the heart and kidneys and even lead to strokes.
2. Heart attack
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the technical term for a heart attack. A heart attack can occur when the blood supply is cut off from the heart, often by a blood clot. Some heart attacks are minor, but others can be life-threatening.
3. Mitral valve prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse means the mitral valve bulges out or prolapses because it does not close evenly. The mitral valve pumps freshly oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body.
4. Mitral valve regurgitation
Mitral valve regurgitation happens when the mitral valve does not close all the way and causes a leak, allowing some of the oxygenated blood to flow backward.
5. Mitral stenosis
Mitral stenosis means the mitral valve is abnormally narrow which can prevent the blood from flowing smoothly or quickly through it.
6. Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris means “pain in the chest” and occurs if the heart is not receiving enough blood. People often describe it as a crushing sensation or feeling like their chest is in a vice.
People with angina pectoris may also feel breathless, tired, and nauseated.
7. Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia
Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia are often used interchangeably, and both refer to abnormal heart rates and rhythms. In general, arrhythmia means “no rhythm” and dysrhythmia means “abnormal rhythm.”
8. Cardiac Ischemia
Cardiac ischemia may cause similar pain to a heart attack.
Cardiac ischemia means the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen to function properly. A person with cardiac ischemia will usually experience angina-like pain and may feel as though they are having a heart attack.
9. High cholesterol
High cholesterol is usually caused by a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthful diet. Some people can also be genetically at risk of high cholesterol.
People need cholesterol, but too much cholesterol can form a thick layer on the inside of the vessels, blocking blood flow.
10. Heart failure
Heart failure means that the heart is not pumping blood around the body as efficiently as it should. It can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Some people with heart failure find it difficult to do things such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.
11. High blood pressure
High blood pressure means the force or pressure of the blood flowing through the vessels is consistently too high. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, loss of vision, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, and reduced function.
12. Stroke
A stroke can happen when one of the vessels that lead to the brain either becomes blocked by a blood clot or bursts. This stops blood flow and prevents oxygen from getting to the brain.
13. Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) refers to narrowing of the arteries that lead to the legs, stomach, arms, and head. This reduced blood flow can damage the cells and tissues in the limbs, organs, and brain. PAD tends to occur more often in older people.
14. Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that gets stuck in a vein, blocking the flow of blood. It is a serious condition that needs emergency medical attention.
15. Aortic aneurysms
Aortic aneurysms affect the main artery in the body. It means the artery wall has weakened, allowing it to widen or “balloon out.” An enlarged artery could burst and become a medical emergency.
