The human heart is a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. However, heart problems can occur and lead to serious medical conditions.

Therefore, it is essential to be able to identify potential heart problems early on to seek appropriate medical attention. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various heart problems and their potential signs and symptoms, accompanied by images for better understanding.

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

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Coronary Artery Disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked due to the deposition of plaque. This restricts blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain or angina, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

It can lead to heart attacks and other serious complications if left untreated.

2. Arrhythmia

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An arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat rhythm. It can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and chest discomfort.

3. Heart Failure

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Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles, legs, and abdomen, fatigue, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.

4. Hypertension

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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, refers to the force of blood against the walls of the arteries being consistently too high. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications if left uncontrolled.

Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

5. Valvular Heart Disease

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Valvular heart disease occurs when the valves in the heart fail to function properly, leading to the inadequate flow of blood. Symptoms may include chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath.

6. Cardiomyopathy

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Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged. This affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, swelling in the legs and ankles, and irregular heartbeat.

7. Congenital Heart Defects

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Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities in the heart present at birth. These defects can vary in severity and may cause symptoms such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, bluish skin coloration (cyanosis), and delayed growth and development.

8. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

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Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. This can cause severe chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back.

Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases.

9. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

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Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when there is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, typically in the legs and arms, restricting blood flow. Symptoms may include leg pain, leg cramps, numbness, and weakness.

10. Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysm is the bulging or ballooning of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Symptoms are often absent until the aneurysm ruptures, leading to severe pain, dizziness, low blood pressure, and potentially life-threatening internal bleeding.