With each passing year, we are hearing more and more heart-related complications around us. Unfortunately, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It refers to several types of conditions that affect the heart. The most common type of heart disease is cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions that narrow or block blood vessels (coronaries) such as coronary artery disease. As the best multispecialty hospital in Boisar, Palghar we understand how important it is to understand heart disease.  In this blog post, we will discuss what heart disease is, its major risk factors, common types of heart disease, its symptoms and how it is diagnosed and prevented. Choosing the right hospital is essential for effective treatment of heart disease.

What is a Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a condition that affects the structure and function of the heart. Some common types include coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve problems and congenital heart defects. In coronary artery disease, the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, limiting blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Heart failure means the heart cannot sufficiently pump blood to meet the body’s needs. Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves do not work properly. Congenital heart disease refers to defects in the heart’s structure and function that are present at birth.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Certain factors increase the risk of developing heart disease. Some of the major modifiable risk factors include: 

High blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart over time and weakens its muscles.

Family history: Genetics plays a role, and those with a family history of early heart disease are at higher risk. 

Obesity: Excess body weight strains the heart and increases other risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Smoking: It damages the lining of arteries and raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Diabetes: It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke since high blood sugar can damage blood vessels.

If you have any of these risk factors, it is best to consult cardiologists in Boisar, Palghar, and take preventive steps. 

Types of Heart Disease

The main types of heart disease include:

Coronary Artery Disease

The buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries causes them to narrow over time, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart. This is the most common type of heart disease.

Heart Failure

The pumping action of the heart muscles is weakened, preventing it from effectively circulating blood to meet the body’s needs. Fluid retention can occur in tissues.

Valvular Heart Disease

Damage to one or more of the heart’s four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary—due to defects or conditions like rheumatic fever. It impairs the normal flow of blood through the heart.

Symptoms and Causes of Heart Disease

Heart disease can develop silently without any noticeable symptoms in the initial stages. However, as it progresses, symptoms may start appearing. Some common symptoms of heart disease include:

Chest pain or discomfort

One of the most common symptoms of heart disease is chest pain or discomfort. It is typically felt in the centre of the chest and may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. It can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders and back.

Shortness of Breath

When the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, it can result in shortness of breath while doing physical activities or at rest.

Fatigue

Heart disease can leave one feeling tired and lacking energy easily due to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues.

Dizziness or Fainting

Due to reduced blood flow to the brain, it may cause lightheadedness and fainting in serious cases.

Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Fluid retention or oedema in the lower limbs is a symptom of congestive heart failure due to fluid buildup when the heart cannot pump effectively.

However, many people may not experience clear signs or symptoms, even in later stages. This makes screening and diagnosis very important.

How is Heart Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose heart disease, doctors may recommend the following tests:

Physical examination and medical history: Doctors check pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rate and listen to heart and lung sounds. Medical history helps identify risk factors.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): It records the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes placed on the skin and checks for abnormalities.

Echocardiogram: It uses ultrasound to create moving pictures of the heart and assess its structures and function.

Blood Tests: Cardiac enzyme and lipid tests help identify heart damage or risks. Blood sugars indicate diabetes as a risk factor.

Cardiac Catheterization: A catheter is threaded through blood vessels to the heart. It helps visualize coronary arteries and their narrowing. Angiograms provide images and information to plan treatment.

Early diagnosis is key to effective management of heart disease. Prompt medical care is important for any persistent symptoms.

How to Prevent Heart Disease

Making smarter lifestyle choices is key to reducing the risk of heart disease. Small changes done consistently can go a long way in keeping the heart healthy.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: It involves engaging in regular physical activity, eating a nutrient-rich diet, managing stress and avoiding health-harming habits. A healthy lifestyle considers both physical and mental well-being.

Eat a heart-healthy diet: This includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Choose unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil and fish. Limit intake of saturated and trans fats, sugar, salt and red meat. A balanced diet along with controlling portions is important for a healthy heart. 

Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. Physical activity keeps the heart and blood vessels functioning well by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even brisk walking has great benefits. 

Manage stress: High levels of long-term stress take a toll on both mental and physical health, including raising the risk for heart disease over time. Practicing relaxation techniques helps reduce stress levels.

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Smoking severely impacts cardiovascular health and increases hazards. Drinking alcohol in moderation means limiting intake to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. 

Choose Adhikari Lifeline Hospital in Boisar for Cardiac Care

We understand that even with prudent lifestyle management, some people may still be at a higher inherent risk or develop heart conditions due to genetic or other factors. In such cases, seeking timely medical care is essential.

Adhikari Lifeline Hospital is a premier multispecialty hospital in Boisar that can be relied upon for effective treatment of all types of heart disease. We have a highly experienced team of cardiologists for the best cardiac care. The hospital is fully equipped with state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostic and surgical facilities. We work on an integrated treatment approach involving lifestyle modification, medications, procedures and surgery depending on each patient’s unique needs. Ongoing consultation and management are also provided for secondary prevention. Feel free to get in touch with us for complete cardiac care under one roof. Book your appointment today!