Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to what is really a group of conditions that affect the structure and functions of the heart and has many root causes.

Your heart is a muscle and its job is to pump blood around the body. Your heart pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins.

For most types of heart disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle (healthy eating, physical activity, avoiding tobacco misuse) is a key part of preventing these conditions.

Heart disease conditions:

Angina:

Angina is another word for chest pain. People with angina describe the pain as a squeezing, suffocating or burning feeling.

Arrhythmia:

There are many types of arrhythmia. But they all stem from a heart that beats too quickly or too slowly.

Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up on the inside wall of an artery, making them thick and hard. This restricts the flow of blood and can lead to a blockage.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib or AF):

Atrial fibrillation is when your heart beats fast or irregularly. This type of arrhythmia affects some 350,000 Canadians.

Cardiac arrest:

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. Death will occur within minutes after the heart stops.

Cardiomyopathy:

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces its ability to pump blood.

Congenital heart disease:

Congenital heart disease is a heart condition you're born with. There are many types of congenital heart conditions and defects.

Coronary artery disease:

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It happens when arteries in the heart are blocked.

Heart attack:

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart slows or stops because of a blockage.

Heart failure:

Heart failure is when your heart isn't strong enough to pump your blood effectively. This can cause fluid to pool in your lungs or your ankles and legs.

Valvular heart disease:

Valve disorders include several conditions that range from mild to severe.