Overview
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a group of conditions that affect the heart. There are various types of heart diseases, including blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart problems present at birth (congenital heart defects), disease of the heart muscle, and heart valve disease. These conditions can lead to a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood properly, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue during exercise or activity. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices, including quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, exercising often, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing and managing stress.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart disease may include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a feeling of being unusually tired. Other signs and symptoms may include pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area, or back, as well as swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet. Women may experience less typical symptoms such as neck or jaw pain, nausea, and fatigue. It's important to watch for heart symptoms and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider. Heart disease can sometimes be found early with regular health checkups.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing heart disease include:
- Age
- Sex (men are generally at greater risk, but the risk for women increases after menopause)
- Family history of heart disease, particularly if a close relative developed it at an early age
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and sugar
- Lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Poor dental health
- Excessive alcohol use
- Insufficient sleep
Development
Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart. There are several types of heart disease, including blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart problems you're born with (congenital heart defects), disease of the heart muscle, and heart valve disease. Heart diseases can develop due to a combination of factors, including age, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and genetics. Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, stress, and poor dental health. Coronary artery disease, a common form of heart disease, is typically caused by cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and lack of exercise can all contribute to the buildup of these plaques, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. In some cases, heart disease may develop due to underlying genetic or congenital conditions, such as congenital heart defects or cardiomyopathy. It is essential to be aware of the risk factors and take steps to prevent or manage heart disease by adopting healthy lifestyle choices, seeking medical treatment when necessary, and managing any underlying medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and advice on managing heart disease.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you suspect heart disease, you should see a doctor. Heart disease causes depend on the specific type of heart disease, but if you have any symptoms, it's important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. If you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, rapid or irregular heartbeats, light-headedness, or flu-like symptoms, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition and help determine the best course of action to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of heart disease. In case of emergency, such as unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath, rapid heartbeats, or fainting, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Diagnosis
To diagnose heart disease, a healthcare provider will typically begin with a physical examination and inquire about your personal and family medical history. Various tests are used to diagnose heart disease, such as blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), Holter monitoring, and echocardiogram. An ECG records the electrical signals in the heart and can indicate if the heart is beating too fast or too slowly. Holter monitoring is a portable ECG device worn for a day or more to detect irregular heartbeats during daily activities. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart in motion, showing how blood moves through the heart and heart valves. These tests can help diagnose or monitor heart diseases like coronary artery disease, myocarditis, and others.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of heart disease include heart failure, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, and endocarditis. Complications depend on the specific type of heart disease, and may include heart valve damage, blood clots, pockets of collected pus, and kidney or spleen damage. To help prevent heart disease complications, individuals can maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and other tobacco use.
Prevention
Heart disease can be prevented by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes:
- Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Not smoking or using tobacco.
- Eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat, rich in whole grains, lean meat, low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
- Exercising regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Reducing and managing stress. Following these lifestyle changes can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Treatment
Treating heart disease involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. The specific approach depends on the underlying cause and type of heart damage. Key components of treatment include:
- Healthy lifestyle habits: Eating a low-fat, low-salt diet, getting regular exercise, achieving good sleep, and not smoking are important for managing heart disease and preventing complications.
- Medications: If lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient, medications may be prescribed to control symptoms and prevent further damage. The type of medication used depends on the type of heart disease.
- Surgery or procedures: Some people with heart disease may require a procedure or surgery, depending on the type and extent of damage to the heart. To improve heart health and prevent heart disease, consider incorporating the following lifestyle changes:
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity five or more days a week.
- Have your blood cholesterol levels checked regularly and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding diet and medications to manage cholesterol levels. Regular medical checkups and cardiac rehabilitation programs can also help in managing heart disease and improving quality of life. Remember that it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition and medical history.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for heart disease, follow these steps:
- Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions: When you make the appointment, ask if there are any specific dietary or activity restrictions you need to follow before the appointment, such as fasting for blood tests.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing: Include any symptoms that may seem unrelated to heart disease.
- Gather personal information: Prepare a list of key personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Create a list of medications: Compile a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're currently taking.
- Bring a support person: If possible, bring a family member or friend along to help you remember the information provided during the appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions: Compile a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider, such as the likely causes of your symptoms, recommended tests, best treatment options, and alternative medications. Remember to discuss your diet, smoking, and exercise habits with your healthcare provider during the appointment. Following these steps will help you make the most of your appointment and gather the information you need.