# Heart Diseases ## Introduction Heart diseases are conditions that affect the heart's structure and function. In this material we focus on three common types: **heart attacks**, **heart failure**, and **high blood pressure**. Understanding these helps you recognize risks, prevention strategies, and when to seek medical help. > **Definition:** Heart diseases are disorders that affect how the heart works, including its ability to pump blood and maintain normal rhythm. ## 1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) ### What it is High blood pressure means the force of blood pushing against artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this damages blood vessels and the heart. > **Definition:** High blood pressure (hypertension) is a long-term condition where systolic pressure or diastolic pressure, or both, are elevated above normal ranges. ### Key concepts broken down - **Blood pressure numbers:** A typical reading is written as systolic/diastolic in mmHg, for example $120/80$. - **Ranges (general school-level guide):** - Normal: systolic less than $120$, diastolic less than $80$. - Elevated or high: systolic $120$ or higher, diastolic $80$ or higher (doctors use more precise categories). - **Why it matters:** High pressure strains the heart, damages arteries, and increases risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. ### Causes and risk factors - Family history, age, diet high in salt, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and some medical conditions. ### Prevention and management - Healthy diet, regular exercise, maintain healthy weight, reduce salt intake, avoid tobacco, and follow medical advice. Did you know that high blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is called a "silent killer"? ## 2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) ### What it is A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, often by a blood clot forming on a ruptured plaque in a coronary artery. Without oxygen-rich blood, that part of the heart can be damaged. > **Definition:** A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked and heart muscle tissue is damaged or dies from lack of oxygen. ### How it happens (step-by-step) 1. Atherosclerosis: fatty plaques build up in coronary arteries. 2. Plaque rupture: the surface cracks. 3. Clot formation: blood clots form at the rupture and block the artery. 4. Heart muscle damage: cells deprived of oxygen begin to die. ### Common signs and symptoms - Chest pain or pressure (may spread to arm, neck, jaw) - Shortness of breath - Nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweat - Symptoms can differ between people and may be less typical in women, older adults, or people with diabetes. ### Immediate actions (what to do) 1. Call emergency services right away. 2. Chew aspirin if advised and not allergic (it can slow clotting). 3. Follow dispatcher instructions and get to a hospital quickly. Did you know that quick treatment can limit heart muscle damage and improve survival after a heart attack? ## 3. Heart Failure ### What it is Heart failure means the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, or it cannot fill properly. It does not mean the heart has stopped working, but it is weaker or stiff. > **Definition:** Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart's ability to pump blood or fill with blood is reduced, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid buildup. ### Types and causes - **Left-sided heart failure:** often causes shortness of breath and lung fluid. - **Right-sided heart failure:** often causes swelling in legs and abdomen. - **Causes:** long-term high blood pressure, prior heart attacks, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, infections. ### Symptoms to recognize - Shortness of breath during activity or when lying down - Swelling in ankles, legs, or abdomen - Persistent coughing or wheezing - Tiredness and reduced ability to exercise ### Treatments and daily management - Medications to reduce