Heart disease explained: warning signs, symptoms, and prevention

We will talk about the symptoms, risk factors, and indicators of heart disease in this post. Genetics, lifestyle decisions, and other lifelong harms can all have an impact on heart disorders.

 

India has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the whole globe. In 2020, there will likely be more than 4.77 million fatalities from cardiovascular illnesses. Over the past several decades, heart disease has witnessed a sharp increase in prevalence among both urban and rural populations. The prevalence of cardiac disease among young individuals is worrying, as are the statistics. According to studies, the growth in risk factors such stress, diabetes, hypertension, and abdominal obesity is to blame for the increasing prevalence of heart disease. Given that heart disease is such a widespread problem that it affects a significant portion of the Indian population, it is vital to be aware of its warning signs and symptoms. If you have been exhibiting any of the symptoms or indications listed below, you need to go to one of India's best cardiac hospitals for additional testing. The numerous strategies that can lower the risk of heart illnesses and aid in their prevention will also be covered in this blog.

Heart disease types

Genetics, lifestyle decisions, and other lifelong harms can all have an impact on heart disorders. Heart disease risk can be raised by certain health issues including high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Depending on the kind of heart disease, the signs and symptoms may vary. Following are some of the most typical cardiac conditions, along with their warning signs and symptoms.

cardiovascular disease

Coronary heart disease is the term for a disorder that affects the blood veins of the heart. Plaque buildup in the arteries can frequently result in their narrowing, which can impede blood flow. The artery narrowing may occasionally be so extreme that the blood flow will completely stop. A heart attack can happen when the blood supply to particular bodily areas is stopped.

Symptoms and signs

-    discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or throat; Shortness of breath; and chest discomfort.

 

In addition to these symptoms, women may also feel nausea and extreme fatigue.

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is the medical term for an abnormal heartbeat's pace or rhythm. A heartbeat that is erratic, too rapid, or too sluggish might result from an arrhythmia. The heart may not be able to pump blood to the rest of the body with enough power or pressure if the rhythm of the heartbeat is off.

Symptoms and signs

-   Chest fluttering

-  Tachycardia, or an accelerated heartbeat

-  Bradycardia, or an accelerated heartbeat

-   Chest discomfort or pain

-  Lightheadedness or drowsiness-headedness

-   Passing out or being unconscious

 

Heart structural disease

Four valves that are part of the heart contribute to the effective circulation of blood throughout the body. Serious cardiovascular disorders can be brought on by any abnormalities that damage these valves or other heart tissues. Numerous of these ailments are inherited or present from birth. Other ailments may appear later in age.

Symptoms and signs

- Feeling exhausted - Having trouble breathing after effort or when resting down- Swollen ankles and feet

- An abnormal sound or cardiac murmur 

- An irregular pulse

Heart failure

Heart failure is a condition when the heart is unable to pump enough blood or when the heart's muscles are too weak to pump blood with each beating.  This may also occur if the heart's muscles stiffen excessively and are unable to fill with blood entirely or effectively. Even though it can affect anyone at any age, this ailment is frequently encountered in the elderly.

Symptoms and signs

- A cough

- Increased body weight 

- Fatigue 

- Swollen ankles, fingers, lower back, belly, and feet

- Puffiness around the eyes

- Problems with memory and focus

Risk factors for heart disease

Some of the risk factors for heart disease may be managed, while others cannot.

Some of the risk factors that can be changed are:

-   Smoking, being overweight, being obese, and having poor high-density lipoprotein    (HDL) all contribute to high cholesterol and blood pressure.

-   Inactivity in physical activity

 

Diabetes patients may have a higher risk of angina, heart attacks, CAD, and stroke.

The typical risk factors that cannot be changed include:

- Ethnicity: Non-Hispanic whites and blacks, as well as those of Pacific and Asian ancestry, are more likely than Native Americans and Alaskans to have heart disease.

- Family history: If a close male relative is under 55 years old or a close female relative is under 65 years old, the chance of developing heart disease rises.

- Age - As people age, their risk of heart disease increases.

- Males are more susceptible to cardiac problems than females are.

How to reduce the risk of getting heart disease

 

Preventing heart disease is far preferable to finding a therapy. While certain risk factors cannot be changed, it is nevertheless important to work on reducing the risk factors that can.

 

• Have appropriate levels of cholesterol and blood pressure
• Relieve tension. If you're having trouble coping with life's events or are feeling nervous, stressed, or overwhelmed, speak with a medical professional.
• Eat healthily.
• Spend 30 to 60 minutes exercising most days.
• Don't smoke
• Tell your doctor if there is a history of heart disease in your family.

 

In Chennai, we have some of the top cardiologists. If you have a high risk of developing heart disease, talk to us.