Heart diseases include many diseases that can affect heart health, and heart disease causes vary depending on the disease. Coronary heart disease is considered the most common. It becomes difficult to send enough blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the body when a heart problem occurs, and this affects the function of body systems as the heart provides the fuel with which the body’s organs operate.
There are some signs that indicate the presence of a heart problem, and symptoms vary according to the type of disease. A change in lifestyle and the use of some medications determined by the doctor help in maintaining heart health and reducing the chances of infection with the disease. In this article, we explain the causes of various heart diseases with Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam, Consultant of Heart and Chest Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgical Intervention.
What are the Causes of Heart Diseases?
Heart disease causes are divided into non-modifiable causes such as age, family history, and gender, and modifiable causes such as obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of activity, and psychological stress. Atherosclerosis is the most important cause of coronary heart disease, while the causes of palpitations, muscle enlargement, and clots vary from one case to another, and early periodic examination with a cardiologist remains the basis for prevention and diagnosis.
What are Heart Diseases?
Heart diseases can be defined as a group of health conditions that can affect how the heart works. Likewise, they can include blood vessel problems, so they are called cardiovascular diseases. There are some common types of heart diseases such as:
- Coronary Artery Disease: One of the most common heart problems, and usually starts as a result of atherosclerosis, where an obstruction occurs in the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Heart Rhythm Irregularity: Occurs when the heart beats in an irregular pattern, whether too fast or too slow. Some cases are harmless and some may cause major problems such as cardiac arrest or stroke.
- Heart Failure: The heart does not pump blood as the body needs, and usually occurs because of coronary artery diseases, or the thyroid gland, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.
- Heart Valve Diseases: It may be difficult to open and close the valve correctly if a defect occurs, and they occur as a result of infection such as rheumatic fever, high blood pressure, congenital heart diseases, and heart attack damage.
- Pericardial Disease: Any disease affecting the sac surrounding the heart, the most famous of which is pericarditis, and its cause is usually a viral infection or inflammatory diseases such as lupus.
- Cardiomyopathy: Affects the heart muscle so it becomes thick or stiff, and it may weaken until it does not pump blood well. It occurs because of hereditary diseases, viral infections, or toxins such as alcohol.
Causes of Heart Palpitations and Rapid Heartbeats
Heart palpitations and rapid heartbeats are among the most common complaints, and they mean the feeling of strong, fast, or irregular heartbeats. Heart palpitations causes and high heart rate and rapid pulse causes are numerous, and include simple causes and other pathological ones that need medical evaluation. Among the most prominent recurrent heart palpitations causes and rapid heart pulse and increased heartbeat causes:
- Extreme physical effort or practicing violent sports.
- Stress, anxiety, psychological pressure, and emotion.
- Excessive caffeine (coffee, tea, and energy drinks) and smoking.
- Thyroid gland disorders, especially hyperthyroidism.
- Anemia and deficiency of some minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
- Dehydration and low blood sugar.
- Fever and high temperature.
- Heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia.
- Heart diseases such as heart failure, valve diseases, and cardiomyopathy.
- Some medications, stimulants, and hormonal changes.
While many of the causes of rapid heartbeats are simple and transient, the persistence or recurrence of palpitations or their accompaniment by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness necessitates evaluation with Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam to determine the cause via ECG, Holter device, and Echo.
Causes of Heart Muscle Enlargement and Swelling
Heart muscle enlargement (or heart muscle swelling) is an increase in the thickness or size of the heart muscle as a result of it exerting additional effort to pump blood, or as a result of hereditary causes. Heart muscle enlargement is one of the conditions that require follow-up because it may affect the efficiency of heart pumping. Among the most prominent causes of heart muscle enlargement and swelling:
- Chronic high blood pressure, which is one of the most common causes, as it forces the heart to exert more effort, so its wall enlarges.
- Heart valve diseases such as aortic or mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation.
- Hereditary cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic).
- Coronary artery diseases and heart muscle weakness after clots.
- Thyroid gland diseases and chronic anemia.
- Practicing very violent exercises for long periods (athlete’s heart).
- Congenital heart defects.
Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam diagnoses the causes of heart muscle enlargement via heart ultrasound (Echo), ECG, and X-rays, then treats the underlying cause such as adjusting pressure or treating the affected valve to protect the heart muscle from deterioration.
Causes of Heart Clot
Heart clot (heart attack) occurs when one of the coronary arteries is blocked by a blood clot, so the flow of blood and oxygen to part of the heart muscle stops. Among the most prominent heart clot causes and risk factors:
- Atherosclerosis and the accumulation of fat and cholesterol on the walls of coronary arteries.
- Chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- High level of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
- Smoking, which accelerates blood platelet clotting and atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes, especially uncontrolled.
- Obesity and lack of physical activity.
- Psychological pressure and chronic stress.
- Family history of early heart disease.
Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam emphasizes that controlling these risk factors and early detection significantly reduce the risk of a heart clot, and that rapid intervention with catheterization and stent when it occurs saves the heart muscle and life.
Causes of Heart Artery Blockage
Heart artery blockage (obstruction) means narrowing or closing of the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle as a result of the accumulation of fat and deposits, limiting blood flow to the heart. Among the most prominent heart artery blockage causes:
- Atherosclerosis and the accumulation of fatty plaques on their walls over time.
- High harmful cholesterol and triglycerides.
- High blood pressure that damages artery walls.
- Smoking, which damages the lining of arteries and accelerates their hardening.
- Diabetes, which accelerates coronary artery atherosclerosis.
- Obesity, lack of movement, and a diet rich in fat.
- Hereditary factor and advancing age.
Heart artery blockage leads to angina and may develop into a heart clot if neglected. Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam treats artery blockage with medications, catheterization, and stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery according to the degree of obstruction. You can learn more about angina and the difference between it and a clot.
What are the Most Prominent Heart Disease Causes?
Heart disease causes are divided into two basic types: non-modifiable causes, and modifiable causes:
Causes of Heart Diseases Out of Control (Non-Modifiable)
- Age: Men aged 45 and over, and women aged 55 and over, enter the circle of increased risk of heart disease.
- Family History: Men and women who belong to families with a hereditary tendency for heart disease are in the danger circle.
- Diabetes Patients: Especially those who are irregular in taking diabetes treatment, leading to coronary artery atherosclerosis and coronary artery insufficiency disease.
It is important to understand that out-of-control risk factors necessitate continuous follow-up and periodic examination for early detection of heart diseases.
Modifiable Heart Disease Causes
- Excessive Obesity: Excess weight and fat around the waist area increase the risks of heart disease. It is recommended to follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber, and fish with practicing physical activity.
- Hyperlipidemia: Increase in bad cholesterol and triglycerides causes fat accumulation on vessel walls and atherosclerosis. It is recommended to reduce animal fats such as red meat and fatty cheeses.
- Smoking: Causes blood platelet clotting and accelerates blood coagulation and coronary artery atherosclerosis, leading to angina or heart clots.
- Psychological Stress and Work Exhaustion: Leads to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart artery narrowing. It is recommended to organize work hours and take a rest.
Most Dangerous Types of Heart Diseases
Coronary artery disease is considered one of the most dangerous types of heart diseases. Untreated coronary heart disease may lead to chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and heart failure.
What are the Early Heart Disease Symptoms?
Heart disease symptoms may vary according to the type of disease. The following are the most important heart disease symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, neck and jaw pain, heart rhythm disturbance, dizziness, exhaustion and weakness, swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs, persistent cough, sweating, fainting, heartburn or indigestion, nausea or vomiting, appearance of blue color on the skin due to low oxygen, and difficulty sleeping.
Early Heart Disease Symptoms in Women
Heart disease symptoms in women differ from men in many cases, as they may be less obvious. Among the most prominent early signs is feeling extreme and persistent exhaustion, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, and pain in the upper abdomen or back. Symptoms such as nausea or sudden anxiety may appear, making diagnosis important.
Unfamiliar Heart Disease Symptoms
Heart diseases do not always appear with the known traditional symptoms. Some people may suffer from extreme unexplained fatigue, nausea, frequent vertigo, or pain in the jaw, back, or neck instead of the chest. Cold sweating or sleep disturbances may also appear as early signs. Ignoring these uncommon symptoms may delay diagnosis, so it is recommended not to underestimate any persistent physical change without a clear reason.
Relationship Between Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases
The heart pumps blood through blood vessels, and these vessels transport blood to and from the heart. A defect can occur in the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body, leading to serious problems such as heart attack and stroke.
Heart and Artery Disease Causes
Heart and artery disease causes are not entirely clear, but there are many risk factors that can increase the chance of cardiovascular disease, including: high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, lack of activity, obesity, and having a family history of the disease. In addition to other factors such as age (over 50 years), gender (men are more susceptible at an early age), unhealthy diet, and alcohol.
Heart Disease Causes in Women and Children
Heart Disease Causes in Women
Heart disease causes in men and women are similar, but there are some factors that increase infection in women such as: smoking, lack of physical activity, psychological stress and depression, diabetes, menopause, high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, family history, and some autoimmune diseases such as lupus and scleroderma.
Heart Disease Causes in Children
Heart disease causes in children are divided into congenital heart diseases and acquired heart diseases. Congenital heart disease causes can include hereditary factors, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, and medications the mother takes before or during pregnancy.
Neurogenic Heart Disease Causes
There is no doubt that the psychological state is reflected in the health of the body as a whole, and among the most important organs affected by the psychological situation is heart health. Therefore, we find neurogenic heart disease, which is a state of psychological disorder affecting the nerves regulating heart function, and causes symptoms similar to heart attacks including heart rhythm irregularity, vertigo, heart pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and fatigue. Among the most prominent neurogenic heart disease causes are stress, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure due to stress. Psychological support, practicing sports, and a healthy lifestyle are among the most important treatment methods.
Heart Disease Diagnosis with Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam
Heart diseases are initially diagnosed by examination by the doctor and listening to the heart using a stethoscope, and asking about the family’s health history and the patient’s medical history. Then the patient undergoes some tests such as:
- Blood Tests: For cholesterol, sugar, and protein levels associated with artery inflammation and heart attacks.
- Chest X-rays: To show if the heart is enlarged.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To record electrical signals and the rate and rhythm of heartbeats.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): To make a detailed image of the heart during movement and blood flow through its valves.
- Stress Tests: Using a treadmill or stationary bike while checking the heart.
- Cardiac Catheterization: In case of blockage in the heart arteries, by inserting a thin flexible tube and guiding it to the heart with dye injection to show the arteries.
Heart Disease Complications
Heart diseases can lead to other types of heart diseases and serious complications, including: heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, cardiomyopathy, heart stoppage, heart rhythm disturbance, cardiogenic shock, heart valve disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, and kidney or liver damage.
What are the Best Heart Disease Treatment Methods?
People who suffer from heart diseases need to make some changes in their daily lifestyle, as well as taking medications or performing surgery. Heart treatments include:
- Lifestyle Change: By stopping the intake of saturated fats, refraining from smoking, and practicing sports, especially walking.
- Taking Medications: To lower blood pressure and cholesterol and treat heart rhythm irregularity and heart failure, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Surgical Operations: Such as open-heart surgery or minimally invasive surgeries, or catheterization and stent placement, or cardioversion, which are the specialty of Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: Under supervision to strengthen the heart after a heart attack through nutritional counseling and monitored exercises.
Best Heart Disease Consultant in Egypt
Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam, Consultant of Heart and Chest Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgical Intervention, is one of the best heart doctors in Egypt. He obtained a fellowship from the University of Liverpool and James Cook University in England, and holds the position of Director of the Heart Academy at Ain Shams University. Heart diseases are considered a common health problem and their causes vary between hereditary and acquired problems. Attention should be paid when heart disease symptoms appear and heading to Professor Dr. Mohamed El-Ghannam for continuous follow-up, while following a healthy diet and practicing sports to prevent heart diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heart Disease Causes
What are the causes of heart palpitations and rapid heartbeats?
Heart palpitations and rapid heartbeats causes include effort, stress, anxiety, excessive caffeine and smoking, thyroid gland disorders, anemia, dehydration, fever, heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, and heart diseases such as heart failure and valve diseases. Persistence of palpitations or their accompaniment by chest pain or shortness of breath necessitates medical evaluation.
What are the causes of heart muscle enlargement and swelling?
Among the most prominent causes of heart muscle enlargement and swelling are chronic high blood pressure, heart valve diseases, hereditary cardiomyopathy, coronary artery diseases, thyroid gland diseases and anemia, very violent exercises for long periods, and congenital defects. It is diagnosed by Echo and ECG, and the underlying cause is treated to protect the heart muscle.
What are the causes of heart clot?
A heart clot occurs by obstruction of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Among its causes and risk factors are atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of activity, psychological pressure, and family history. Controlling these factors and rapid intervention with catheterization and stent when it occurs saves the heart muscle.
What are the causes of heart artery blockage?
It results from atherosclerosis and the accumulation of fatty plaques on their walls, and is increased by high cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of movement, and hereditary factor. It leads to angina and may develop into a clot, and is treated with medications, catheterization, and stents or coronary artery bypass according to the degree of obstruction.
When is heart pain dangerous?
Heart pain is considered dangerous if it is severe or sudden, or lasts for several minutes and does not disappear with rest, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, excessive sweating, vertigo, or pain extending to the left arm or jaw, or appears during effort or stress. In these cases, medical help must be requested immediately without delay.
