Cardiovascular Disease: Types, Causes & Symptoms

The heart is essential to our body's blood flow system. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to every part of our body, keeping us alive. But with today's busy lifestyles, we often forget to care for our hearts, which leads to unnecessary health complications. 

The Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system, also known as the circulatory system, consists of the following:

●     The Heart: It is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

●     Blood Vessels: There are various types of blood vessels, each with its own unique function—veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart, while arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Capillaries are tiny vessels responsible for the exchange between blood and tissues. This exchange is of oxygen and nutrients.

●     Blood: A fluid that carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular Problems

Following are some common symptoms of cardiovascular problems:

●     Chest Pain or Discomfort

●     Feeling breathless

●     Dizziness or Lightheadedness

●     Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

●     Swelling in the Ankles, Feet, or Legs

●     Nausea or Vomiting

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease

Several factors can contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems:

●     Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fatty substances, and other debris) in the artery walls, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.

●     High Blood Pressure: Occurs when excessive force is exerted against the artery walls, increasing the heart's workload and damaging blood vessels.

●     High Cholesterol: Elevated LDL ("bad" cholesterol levels) contributes to plaque formation.

●     Diabetes: Blood vessels and nerves are damaged by high blood sugar levels.

●     Smoking: Harms blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and lowers oxygen levels.

●     Obesity: Raises your chances of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

●     Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity weakens the heart and contributes to other risk factors.

●     Family History: Genetic predisposition to certain cardiovascular conditions.

●     Age: As we age, our chances of developing heart problems increase.

●     Stress: Long-term stress can lead to higher blood pressure and make it harder to maintain healthy habits.

Risks and Complications

Untreated cardiovascular diseases can lead to severe complications, including:

●     Heart Attack: It occurs when flow of blood to a part of the heart muscle is completely blocked, damaging or killing that part of the heart.

●     Stroke: A turmoil in blood flow to the brain, caused by either a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel, can result in brain cell damage and affect various bodily functions.

●     Heart Failure: The heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

●     Arrhythmias: It is the irregular rhythms of the heart.

●     Aneurysm: It is a weak area in a blood vessel that bulges outward, creating a risk of rupture and internal bleeding.

●     Peripheral Artery Disease: Leg pain and discomfort caused by decreased blood flow due to narrowed arteries.

Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Problems

Finding heart problems early is key to successful treatment, that is why our expert heart doctors at Sterling Hospital use advanced technology to check your heart health. Some of the tests include:

●     Physical Exam: Check blood pressure, listen to the heart and lungs, and evaluate for signs of swelling.

●     Blood Tests: Measuring cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers of heart health.

●     Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Recording the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormalities in rhythm or structure.

●     Echocardiogram: We use sound waves (ultrasound)to create pictures of your heart, showing its size, shape, and how well it's working.

●     Stress Test: Monitoring heart function during exercise to assess its response to exertion.

●     Cardiac Catheterization: We gently thread a thin tube into a blood vessel to get a clear view of your heart's arteries and chambers.

●        Blood Test (Troponin Test): Measuring levels of troponin, a protein released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged, helping to diagnose heart attacks.

Treatment and Management

Sterling Hospital provides comprehensive treatment and management tailored to your needs by our team of skilled cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists collaborating to deliver the best possible care. Treatment may include:

●     Lifestyle Changes: Making healthy changes like eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, managing stress, and keeping a healthy weight can benefit your heart.

●     Medications: Different medications can be used to manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other things that might increase your risk of heart problems.

●     Surgical Procedures: In some cases, procedures like angioplasty (opening blocked arteries), bypass surgery (creating new pathways for blood flow), or heart valve replacement may be necessary.

●     Cardiac Rehabilitation: A supervised program that helps individuals recover from heart events and improve their cardiovascular health.

●        PAMI: PAMI: Percutaneous Aortic Mitral Intervention, a minimally invasive procedure used to repair or replace damaged heart valves without open-heart surgery.

Prevention is Key

It's in your hands to live a healthy life. Following are some tips for maintaining cardiovascular health:

●     Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Choose foods like fruits, greens, whole grains (or least processed food),protein, and healthy fats and try to eat less saturated and trans fats, sodium (salt), and added sugars.

●     Get Regular Exercise: Try to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise or 1 hour and 15 minutes of intense exercise each week.

●     Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a body mass index (BMI) within the healthy range. 

●     Don't Smoke: If you smoke, quit. Seek support from healthcare professionals or smoking cessation programs.

●     Manage Stress: Try relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga, or taking deep breaths.

●     Get Regular Checkups: Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regularly.

●     Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, discuss it with your doctor.

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Heart Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier heart. If you are looking for the best  cardiovascular surgeons in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, or  Gandhidham, we've got you. With considerable years of experience, we have built a team of the best cardiologists in these regions to provide you with premium treatment and the best results. Contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier heart.