Module 7: The ASEAN World of Medicine

Table of Contents

Reading Text & Presentation

7.2 The human heart

7.2.6 Heart diseases:


  • Coronary artery disease
    Coronary artery disease is caused by a build-up of plaque along the inner walls of the arteries. This narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart. It is also known as ischemic heart disease (IHD), and more usually as atherosclerosis. It is globally the most common form of heart disease and death, and accounts for a large number of hospital admissions. Often, the only treatment option is coronary artery bypass surgery, which is performed to improve the blood supply to the heart.
  • Valvular disease
    Should the valves of the heart begin to malfunction, regurgitation or backflow of blood is usually the result. This valvular heart disease can occur in one or more of the heart valves. When the pulmonary and tricuspid valves are involved it’s known as right heart disease. Left heart disease is more usual and involves the aortic and mitral valves. Valvular heart disease can often be caused by rheumatic fever, and is usually called rheumatic heart disease; the mitral valve has a common complication of this with a thickening and consequent stenosis or narrowing. Valve repair, or valve replacement are common treatments.

  • Heart failure
    If the heart pumps insufficiently and cannot meet the need of blood flow required by the body, heart failure or congestive heart failure can happen. Shortness of breath and leg swelling (peripheral edema) are common symptoms; heart attack, valvular heart disease and hypertension are common causes. If the body becomes congested with fluid due to insufficient pumping (which does not always occur with heart failure) it is described as congestive heart failure. The chronic condition of heart failure can often be managed by drugs, minimal stress, little exertion and diet.

  • Cardiac tamponade
    An abnormal build-up of fluid in the pericardium is known as cardiac tamponade (also pericardial tamponade). It is a condition which can adversely affect the function of the heart.

  • Lifestyle and heart health
    Heart disease is a major cause of death and obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of occurrence. However, those people with normal cholesterol levels can also suffer heart disease. To decrease the risk people should be aware of factors such as exercise, a good diet, and overall well-being, including both emotional and physiological components.

 

Language Focus 7.2

Language Focus 2