Heart Disease
What is heart disease?
Heart disease encompasses various conditions impacting the heart such as coronary artery disease (insufficient oxygen supply to the heart), cardiovascular disease (affecting both blood vessels and heart muscle) and acute coronary syndrome (sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart).
Causes
Heart disease is influenced by a combination of factors including aging, genetics and lifestyle choices.
- Ageing: As people age the heart undergoes structural and functional changes such as thickening of the heart walls, decreased elasticity of blood vessels and impaired heart muscle function, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
- Genetics: Inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, familial dilated cardiomyopathy and familial hypertension can significantly elevate the risk of developing heart disease at a younger age even in the absence of traditional factors.
- Lifestyle choices: Unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress and poor dietary habits high in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular conditions.
Symptoms
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Chest pain (angina)
- Feeling light-headed
- Nausea
- Cold sweats
- Pain in the arms or shoulders
- Shortness of breath
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
- Heart valve disease
- Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)
- Atherosclerosis (narrowing or hardening of the heart’s arteries)
- Stroke
If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or bouts of fainting, call 000 and seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
Preventing heart disease
Preventing heart disease involves a proactive approach that addresses various risk factors and promotes heart-healthy habits throughout life. Here are some key strategies for preventing heart disease:
Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is crucial for maintaining heart health. Limiting intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars helps reduce the risk of developing conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension and obesity which are major risk factors for heart disease.
Engaging in regular exercise is essential for keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Physical activity helps control weight, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and reduce stress, all of which contribute to heart health.
Excess weight (especially around the waistline) increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise is key to reducing this risk.
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second hand smoke (if possible) significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Smoking cessation programs, support groups and nicotine replacement therapies can help people quit smoking successfully.
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, increase triglyceride levels, contribute to obesity and lead to other health problems that increase the risk of heart disease. Limiting alcohol intake to moderate levels—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men—can help protect heart health.
Chronic stress can take a toll on heart health by raising blood pressure, increasing heart rate and contributing to unhealthy coping behaviours such as overeating or smoking. Finding healthy ways to manage stress such as exercise, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, hobbies and social support is essential for maintaining heart health.
Routine medical check-ups allow for early detection and management of risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Working closely with healthcare providers to monitor and manage these risk factors can help prevent or delay the onset of heart disease.
Treatment
Treating heart disease often involves multiple methods, including lifestyle changes, medications and in some cases surgical interventions.
Lifestyle changes
Adopting heart-healthy habits can significantly improve heart health and manage heart diseases. This includes maintaining a balanced diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium, while high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Regular physical activity such as aerobic exercise and strength training helps to control weight, lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular function. Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption are also crucial lifestyle modifications.
Medications
Various medications may be prescribed to manage heart disease and its risk factors. These may include:
Statins and other lipid-lowering drugs help reduce cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics are commonly used to control hypertension and reduce the workload on the heart.
Aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs help prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Anticoagulants are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots in individuals with certain heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or artificial heart valves.
Surgery
In cases where lifestyle changes and medications are insufficient, surgical interventions or minimally invasive procedures may be necessary.
- Coronary angioplasty
- Coronary artery bypass graft
- Pacemakers
- Advanced heart failure therapies such as heart transplant
Consult a cardiologist
Are you experiencing symptoms of a potential heart disease? Call the compassionate doctors at Cardiology Specialists Melbourne for specialised heart care.