Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is a change from the normal rhythm of heartbeats, which can be too slow, too fast, or erratic. As a result, blood cannot be pumped properly throughout the body. This may cause damage to the lungs, brain and other organs due to this irregular blood flow. The two types of arrhythmia are tachycardia, where the heart beats more than 100 beats per minute (too fast), and bradycardia, where the heart beats less than 60 beats per minute (too slow). Symptoms of arrhythmia include chest pain, a racing or slow heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The most common treatment is the placement of a pacemaker, which sends impulses to stimulate the heart to achieve a steady heart beat. Other surgeries such as a catheter ablation or maze procedure may be used as forms of treatment as well, but are less common. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight can prevent the possibility of having an arrhythmia, and is the best treatment option for preventative care.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure occurs when the heart becomes too weak or too stiff to pump blood properly. It can be characterized as being chronic (ongoing) or acute (sudden). As a result, patients experience shortness of breath, fatigue, abdominal swelling, persistent cough or wheezing, and swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles. Heart failure is most often caused by coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, or if the heart muscle becomes weakened or damaged, stretching the ventricles so that they are unable to pump blood efficiently. Although heart failure cannot be cured altogether, symptoms can be appeased through medication and other treatment such as a coronary bypass surgery or cardiac valve replacement. In extreme cases, a heart transplant may be necessary to improve the chance of survival and quality of life of the patient, even though finding a donor that is a match is often times difficult.
Eisenmenger Syndrome
Eisenmenger Syndrome occurs when a hole develops between the two chambers of the heart, causing an abnormal circulation of blood in the heart and lungs. As blood flow to the lungs increases, pressure builds, leading to damage of important blood vessels. Blood flows in the wrong direction, and deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart flows into the left side and then throughout the rest of the body. This poses a problem as the organs and tissues of the body do not receive enough oxygen, causing them to shut down over time. A patient with Eisenmenger Syndrome often has a blue or gray skin color, big rounded fingernails and toenails, and may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain, among other symptoms. Treatments for this condition include iron supplements to build up strength, blood thinners to advance easy blood flow, and IV fluids to replenish any lost fluids. Surgery has often proven to be life-threatening, but heart and lung transplants may be used in extreme cases.