Heart (cardiovascular) disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. One of the primary causes is atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup, typically from high cholesterol levels. This plaque can eventually obstruct blood flow to the heart, resulting in complications like chest pain or heart attacks.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Blocked arteries due to fatty deposits or plaque buildup reduce blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Heart Failure: The heart weakens and is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid build-up (oedema) and impaired organs and tissues. It often results from other conditions like CAD, heart valve issues, or hypertension.
Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms caused by disruptions in the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat. Symptoms may include heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Heart Valve Disease: Damage to the heart valves can cause blood leakage or obstruction, impacting blood flow. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific valve and severity.
Certain factors increase the risk of heart disease. These include:
Early detection of heart disease is crucial for effective management and treatment. Various painless tests and procedures can be used to diagnose the condition and determine its severity:
Treatment options for heart disease depend on the type of disease and the extent of its progression. Common treatments for heart disease include:
Medications: These include beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or blood thinners (anticoagulants), which help lower blood pressure, control heart disease symptoms, and reduce complications.
Angioplasty and Stenting: Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into a blocked or narrowed arterial wall. This catheter is inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. In some cases, an expandable metal coil, called a stent, may be placed to prevent the artery from closing or narrowing again after angioplasty.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In this procedure, healthy blood vessels are grafted onto the blocked artery to create new pathways for blood flow to the heart. These blood vessels are typically taken from the chest wall and veins in the leg. CABG is performed on patients with severe coronary artery disease to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Heart Transplantation: Heart transplantation is a treatment for end-stage heart disease. In this procedure, the patient's diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor who has suffered brain death. This improves quality of life but requires lifelong medication to prevent the body from rejecting the transplant.
Want to keep your heart healthy? Here are some key strategies to lower your risk of heart disease:
Maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake, and aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly (walking, cycling, swimming). Consult your doctor before starting new exercise programmes, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Quitting smoking significantly improves heart health, especially for young adults. Stop-smoking aids can improve your chances of success.
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress levels.
Some heart conditions can run in families due to inherited genes. These include:
Engaging in sexual activity is generally safe for individuals with stable heart disease. However, you should consult a heart specialist before resuming sexual activity if you have unstable angina, severe heart disease symptoms, or recently experienced a heart attack or heart failure.
Common heart diseases associated with ageing include:
This is due to natural changes in the cardiovascular system and an increased prevalence of risk factors like hypertension and diabetes. Regular medical check-ups and ongoing management are vital in maintaining good cardiovascular health as we age.
Prior heart disease in pregnancy raises risks for future pregnancies, especially if heart function has not recovered. Speak to your heart specialist about risks and planning for future pregnancies.
Dr Eric Hong is a Consultant Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Physician with over 20 years of experience. Dr Hong is doubly accredited in the United States in Interventional Cardiology and Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging, and is a strong advocate for Cardiac Rehabilitation as well. A recipient of multiple service awards, Dr Hong is committed to treating each patient with a personalised plan with their long-term wellbeing in mind.
