Common Heart Problems
Coronary Artery Disease
The heart receives oxygen through the coronary arteries. These arteries are on the outside surface of the heart (figure 3). There are two main coronary branches, the left branch and the right branch. The left branch has three arteries, the left main, which then branches into the left anterior descending (LAD) and the left circumflex (LCx). The right branch only has one artery called the right coronary artery (RCA).
Blockages can form in the coronary arteries from long-term damage to the inside lining of the artery. When the inside of the artery is damaged, it allows fat and cholesterol to stick to it (figure 4). Over time, this process narrows the artery, causing blockages. As the blockage gets bigger, less blood and oxygen flows to the heart muscle. The blockage can also break off and cause a clot, completely blocking the artery.
Heart Valve Disease
Valve problems can happen because of age, heart failure, or coronary artery disease. There are two common valve problems, stenosis and regurgitation.
Stenosis
Valves can become stiff and may not open all the way. The heart muscle must then work harder to pump blood through the stiff valve. Stenosis is usually treated by repairing or replacing the damaged valve or treating the symptoms with medicines.
Regurgitation
A valve that does not close correctly allows blood to move backward through the heart. The heart then has to work harder to move more blood forward. Regurgitation is usually treated by repairing or replacing the damaged valve or treating the symptoms with medicines.
Abnormal Heart Rgythms
Abnormal heart beats occur when an irritable area of the heart, other than the nodes, sends a signal telling the heart to contract.
Atrial Tachycardia and Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Atrial tachycardia and SVT are abnormal rhythms,starting in the upper chambers (atria), which make the heart beat too fast. You may feel dizzy, sweaty, have chest pain, or feel your heart racing. These rhythms can be controlled by medicine or an ablation.
Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter
In atrial fibrillation (a-fib) and atrial flutter, the rhythm is not only too fast, but also irregular. You may feel dizzy and tired or feel your heart racing . A-fib and flutter should be treated as soon as possible because they can lead to a clot that may cause a stroke. The faster heart rates can also wear out the heart overtime.
A-fib is difficult to treat and medicines may be needed to slow the heartbeat and thin the blood. Atrial fibrillation may be treated with a small shock (cardioversion), medicines, or an ablation.
Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia (v-tach) and ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) are life-threatening rhythms where the bottom chambers (ventricles) of the heart beat too fast. These rhythyms can be caused by heart attack. If you have v-tach or v-fib, you will usually feel light-headed and pass out. If this rhythm is not quickly treated, it will lead to death. The only way to treat v-tach or v-fib is by being shocked immediately (figure 5). Call 911 if you or someone around you has these sythoms, and then start CPR.
