What is Heart Disease? How is it Treated?

Heart disease remains one of the most prevalent health challenges globally, affecting millions of people across different age groups. It encompasses a range of conditions that hinder the heart’s ability to function properly, leading to serious health complications if left untreated. Thankfully, advancements in medical science offer effective treatments that can significantly improve heart health and quality of life.

What Exactly is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. It can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood, regulate its rhythm, or maintain proper circulation. The most common types of heart disease include:

● Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed, typically due to plaque buildup.

● Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that may cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or erratically.

● Heart Valve Disease: This affects how the heart valves control blood flow in and out of the heart, potentially leading to heart failure or other complications.

● Cardiomyopathy: A disease that weakens the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently.

Causes and Risk Factors of Heart Disease

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of heart disease, many of which are related to lifestyle choices. Here are some common causes and risk factors:

● High Blood Pressure: Long-term high blood pressure can weaken and damage the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.

● Elevated Cholesterol Levels: High levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, restricting blood flow.

● Tobacco Use: Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease.

● Diabetes: Poorly managed blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and increase the likelihood of heart disease.

● Genetic Factors: Family history plays a role in predisposing individuals to certain types of heart disease.

● Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Recognising the Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease can manifest in various ways, depending on the type and severity of the condition. It’s important to recognise these symptoms early to seek timely medical intervention. Common symptoms include:

● Chest Discomfort: Often referred to as angina, this is characterised by pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest and is a common symptom of coronary artery disease.

● Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during physical activity, can signal heart problems.

● Persistent Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, even after minimal exertion, may indicate an underlying heart condition.

● Swelling: Fluid retention leading to swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet is often a sign of heart failure.

● Palpitations: Experiencing a rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat may point to arrhythmias, which should be evaluated by a doctor.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Heart Disease

Many forms of heart disease can be managed or even prevented by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. For patients diagnosed with heart disease, lifestyle modifications can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications. Key lifestyle changes include:

● Balanced Diet: Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet can lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

● Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.

● Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps to protect your heart and overall health.

● Weight Control: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the heart and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Medical and Surgical Treatments for Heart Disease

For many patients, lifestyle changes may not be enough to fully control heart disease. Medical treatment is often necessary to manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. Common treatment options include:

● Medications: Drugs such as statins, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and arrhythmias.

● Angioplasty and Stenting: This minimally invasive procedure uses a balloon to open blocked arteries, followed by the placement of a stent to keep the artery open.

● Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): In more severe cases, bypass surgery may be needed to restore blood flow to the heart by creating a new path around blocked arteries.

● Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: For patients with valve disease, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged valves.

The Role of EECP Therapy in Treating Heart Disease

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment for patients with heart disease, particularly those who suffer from angina or coronary artery disease. EECP helps improve blood flow to the heart and encourages the formation of new blood vessels, which can relieve symptoms and improve overall heart function.

EECP involves the use of inflatable cuffs placed around the legs that inflate and deflate in sync with the patient’s heartbeat. This action promotes better circulation, reducing the workload on the heart and increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to areas that need it most. EECP has shown great promise in reducing chest pain and shortness of breath in patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a non-invasive treatment option.

Managing Heart Disease with Comprehensive Care

Heart disease is a serious condition, but it can be effectively managed with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and non-invasive therapies such as EECP. At Heal Your Heart in Chennai, patients have access to advanced EECP therapy, which provides relief from heart disease symptoms and enhances quality of life. With a focus on patient-centred care and cutting-edge treatments, Heal Your Heart offers a comprehensive approach to managing heart disease and improving cardiovascular health.