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The Right Definition Of Heart Disease

The Right Definition Of Heart Disease

Introduction

Did you know that the Mediterranean diet, Pritikin program and Ornish program have something in common. These are either studies or holistic approaches to reduce risk of adverse events in heart patients. Read on to understand more about approaches that will help one make considerable progress in tackling heart disease. Before that, let us first understand more about the definition of heart disease to get a better idea.

Important Information About Heart Disease That Should Not Be Ignored

For a proper definition of heart disease, it is necessary to be aware of important information. The term refers to various conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and its structure. Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally. The type that is most common is coronary artery disease, when the arteries delivering blood to the heart are either narrowed or blocked. 

The different types of heart disease include:

  • Coronary artery disease – due to narrowed arteries affecting flow of blood to the heart.
  • Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction – damage to the heart muscle due to blocked arteries.
  • Heart failure – when the heart is too weak to pump blood.
  • Arrhythmia – due to irregular heartbeats. 
  • Valvular heart disease – due to damage to the heart valves.
  • Congenital heart disease – defects in the heart from birth.

Heart Disease - Introduction To Risks

As part of the definition of heart disease here is a quick introduction to the risks from the condition. This is a major health concern and linked to multiple risk factors. Awareness of the risks helps in adopting the right preventive measures, and to ensure timely treatment. This will avoid adverse complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

Risks are broadly divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Modifiable risks refer to lifestyle, while non-modifiable risks are issues such as age and genetics. While it is not possible to reverse all risks, it is possible to lower the risks by managing modifiable risks.

It is important to identify and address risk factors, such as diet, exercise, and treat chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Early interventions and modifications to lifestyle can considerably delay the development of heart disease. 

What Is The Symptoms Of Heart Disease?

Symptoms of heart disease differ, based on the nature and severity of the condition. Let us understand more about the symptoms, in continuation of getting a clear definition of heart disease.  Some patients are likely to experience clear symptoms while some experience silent or mild symptoms. This may often remain unnoticed until an adverse event.

Common symptoms of coronary artery disease

  • Chest pain or discomfort. 
  • Difficulty breathing. 
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, back. 
  • Unexplained tiredness. 
  • Feelings of nausea.
  • Breaking into a cold sweat. 

Common symptoms of a heart attack

  • Severe pain or pressure in the chest.
  • Difficulty breathing. 
  • Breaking into a cold sweat.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Sudden dizzy feelings.
  • Pain in the jaw or back. 

Common symptoms of Heart Failure

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling in the legs.
  • Overall fatigue.
  • Irregular heartbeats.
  • Coughing/wheezing.
  • Sudden weight gain.

What Heart Disease Means To Women Above 50?

Women above the age of 50, classified as postmenopausal women have increased risk. As part of definition of heart disease here is more information about this. Menopause causes changes in hormones, such as a decline in estrogen.  

  • Estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels, as it maintains flexibility, and prevents buildup of plaque. Post menopause, due to the reduced estrogen levels, the arteries turn stiffer and are more susceptible to blockages.
  • Postmenopausal women also experience weight gain around the abdomen, increasing the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. All of these conditions contribute to heart disease.
  • Advancing age causes the arteries to narrow, and blood vessels have lessened elastic quality, increasing the possibility of coronary artery disease.

Is There A Classification Of Heart Disease?

The classification of heart diseases will complete the definition of heart disease. A wide range of conditions that affect the functioning of the heart and changes in structure cause different heart conditions. The various types of heart diseases, categorized by underlying causes are listed below:

  1. Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease – when the coronary arteries are either narrowed or blocked as a result of buildup of plaque. Known as atherosclerosis, this reduces flow of blood to the heart muscle.
  2. Heart failure – when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood, due to weakened heart muscles or stiffness.
  3. Arrhythmias – these heart rhythm disorders occur due to problems with the heart’s electrical system, resulting in irregular heartbeat.
  4. Valvular heart disease – when the heart’s valves are damaged or do not function as required.
  5. Congenital Heart Disease – structural heart defects from birth, that affect flow of blood through the heart.
  6. Cardiomyopathy –affects the heart muscles, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood.
  7. Pericardial disease – due to inflammation or fluid buildup in the pericardium. This is a sac surrounding the heart, and the fluid buildup causes heart problems.
  8. Rheumatic heart disease – arising due to untreated or poorly treated rheumatic fever, from streptococcal infections. This condition causes permanent damage to the heart valves.
  9. Aortic disease – affects the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the body.
  10. Ischemic heart disease – due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle, mainly by coronary artery disease.
  11. Pulmonary heart disease – when high blood pressure in the lungs causes enlargement or failure of the right side of the heart.
  12. Inflammatory heart disease – due to inflammation of the heart tissues.

How Can Genetic Testing Help?

Genetic testing can help detect conditions that are known as the genetic component of heart disease. For instance, certain conditions are genetically inherited, and certain conditions are congenital. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamilnadu offer individuals the options of analysing blood or saliva samples for a comprehensive report. This is then analysed to indicate any future or lifetime risk of heart disease.

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What Are The Major And High Risk Factors Of Heart Disease?

What Are The Major And High Risk Factors Of Heart Diseases?

Introduction

Multiple reasons and factors contribute to risk of heart disorder. It may be difficult to name a few as the most critical, however, it is possible to list out major and high heart disease risk factors Let us look at these factors for greater awareness and suitable measures. This will reduce your risk of heart disorder and mitigate the outcomes, in the event of a confirmed condition.

List Of Heart Disease Risk Factors

To begin, let’s take a look at the list of major and recognized risk factors of heart disorder.

  • Hypertension – high blood pressure can damage arteries and the heart.
  • High cholesterol – high levels of LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup, increasing risk of heart disorder.
  • Smoking – is a serious risk factor, damaging blood vessels and reducing oxygen levels in the blood.
  • Diabetes – high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves linked to the heart. 
  • Obesity – excessive weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase risk of heart disorder by facilitating conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
  • Sedentary lifestyle – can result in weight gain and increase risk of heart disorder.
  • Poor diet – rich in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium contribute to heart disorder.
  • Family history – of heart disorder increases risk of heart disorder.
  • Age – is a natural risk for men above 45 years and women above 55 years.

Let us now look at the list of high risk factors of heart disorder.

  • Chronic stress – can contribute to heart disorder.
  • Alcohol – can raise blood pressure levels and facilitate other health issues linked to heart disorder.
  • Sleep apnea – refers to interrupted breathing during sleep, and increases the risk of hypertension and heart disorder.
  • Inflammatory conditions – such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus contribute to heart disorderrisk.
  • Oral health – is one of the contributing risks of heart disease, as gum disorder causes inflammation.

What Are The Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors?

When the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle end up narrowed or blocked as a result of plaque buildup, coronary heart disorder develops. This causes pain in the chest and possible heart attacks. Various risk factors of heart disorder contribute to this development and are broadly classified into modifiable and non-modifiable risks.

Modifiable risk factors

This refers to factors that can be either change or controlled to a certain extent to reduce risks, as outlined below: 

  • Hypertension – high blood pressure damages arteries, contributing to buildup of plaque.
  • Cholesterol – high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol are risk factors for plaque formation.
  • Smoking – tobacco causes damage to blood vessels, affecting supply of oxygen to the heart.
  • Diabetes – high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, increasing risk of coronary artery disorder.
  • Obesity – excessive body weight causes high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.
  • Lifestyle – lack of physical activity contributes to risk factors including obesity.
  • Diet – a poor diet rich in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium contributes to development of plaque.
  • Alcohol – excessive consumption of alcohol raises blood pressure levels and contributes to other risks.

Non-modifiable risk factors

This refers to factors that cannot be modified to reduce risks, but can only be managed: 

  • Age – with advancing age, risks increase, especially above 45 for men and above 55 for women.
  • Gender – the risk of coronary heart disorder is higher for men at younger ages than women. Contrastingly, women are at higher risk post-menopause, and this risk is much higher than the risk men are exposed at younger ages. 
  • Family history – patients with a family history of heart disorder, are at higher risk of developing similar conditions.
  • Genetic component – people who are genetically predisposed are at higher risk of developing heart disorder.

Can genetic predisposition be checked?

Yes, genetic predisposition can be checked through advanced genetic testing facilities available in Tamil Nadu. Samples of blood or saliva are all that is required for analysis, to generate reports that indicate any genetic predisposition to specific conditions. Based on the reports, suitable interventions can be initiated to manage the risk.

What Are The Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factors?

Various risk factors are responsible for the development of ischemic heart disease. A lot of patients may be at risk due to a combination of different risk factors of heart disease. The conditions that contribute to these risks are listed in the previous section, including the broad categories of modifiable and non-modifiable.   

How Much Does Obesity Increase Heart Disease Risk Factors?

Obesity is one of the key risk factors of heart disease, mostly because it leads to other risk factors. It directly and indirectly contributes to risks, as listed below: 

  • Obesity can end up causing high blood pressure levels, increasing risk of heart disease.
  • Obesity is linked with high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increasing risk of atherosclerosis.
  • Obese people can end developing type 2 diabetes, that in turn damages blood vessels, increasing heart disease risk.
  • Visceral fat around the abdomen, is linked to chronic inflammation, contributing to risk of heart disease.
  • Obesity is one of the main reasons for metabolic syndrome. This refers to a combination of conditions that increase risk of heart disease.

Are There Methods Of Prevention Of Ischemic Heart Disorders That Work?

Many methods for preventing ischemic heart disease are considered as effective and depend largely on the way the approach is implemented. For instance, tackling Heart Disease Risk Factors such as lifestyle changes can considerably reduce risk of developing IHD, as listed below:

  • A balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 
  • Replace intake of saturated and trans fats, with healthy recommended fat sources.
  • Limit intake of sodium.
  • Routine physical activity, such as a minimum of 150 minutes per week.
  • Manage weight.
  • Quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption drastically.
  • Control blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol through medications.
  • Routine check-ups.
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Understanding the Signs of Heart Problems and How To Aware It?

Important Heart Problems Facts That Can Help Save Your Life Or That Of Others

Introduction

The spate of deaths due to heart attacks among middle aged people in India continues to increase. Many of the tragic fatalities have occurred due to lack of screening or detection of conditions. Here are important heart disease facts that can save your life and that of your loved ones. Proactive screening and early detection can considerably reduce risks.

Quick Outline Of How Heart Disease Awareness Can Save Lives​

Let us take a quick look at heart disease facts to be aware of the right approach to detect and manage the conditions.

  1. Timely detection – can help you identify possible symptoms and understand the risk factors of heart disease. For instance, by recognizing symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing you can receive timely intervention and prevent serious heart events.
  2. Reducing risk – with information on the need for lifestyle changes you can turn to heart-healthy habits. For instance, the right diet, routine exercise, and quitting smoking can considerably reduce risk.
  3. Self-care – screening, routine health check-ups, monitoring blood pressure, and treating chronic conditions can ensure better heart health.
  4. Costs – with preventive care, and early treatment, you can slash costs towards long-term treatment. Treatments and procedures at an advanced stage are always expensive and complicated.

How Heart Disease Prediction Using Deep Learning Reduces Future Or Lifetime Risk? ​

Prediction of heart disease through deep learning offers exciting possibilities to reduced future or lifetime risk. This is one of the important heart disease facts that should not be neglected. This offers benefits like early detection, personalized treatment, and preventive measures.  

  1. Early detection – through advanced algorithms deep learning analyzes voluminous medical records, imaging, and genetic information. This helps to identify patterns and risk factors of heart disease. This gives it the ability to detect future risk of heart disease in a manner that other methods cannot offer. Deep learning also analyzes cardiac MRI images to identify early signs of heart disease that may sometimes be missed by methods used traditionally.
  2. Risk assessment – risk assessments are more accurate because of the ability to factor different data sources. For instance, the data used includes demographics, lifestyle factors, and biomarkers of the patient. This helps to clearly categorize individuals into different risk levels such as low, moderate or high. For instance, a person may have normal cholesterol levels, but may be at high risk because of other factors.
  3. Treatment plans – can be personalized on the basis of individual patient data, by predicting the outcome of treatments. This helps to improve outcomes and reducing risk of adverse effects.
  4. Other benefits – this includes identification of patterns in lifestyle, offering recommendations for diet, exercise, and stress management. Monitoring through wearable devices and electronic health records is possible with deep learning.

Advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu and these tests offer patients a clear look at possible future or lifetime risk of heart disease. Blood or saliva samples are analysed to give a clear idea of genetically inherited conditions or congenital defects. This can also be integrated with deep learning models to predict risk more accurately and offer personalized treatment recommendations.

What Does Heart Disease Icon Mean?​

Explanation of heart disease facts may include the use of the term “heart disease icon”. This may have different contextual meanings. For instance, it could be a graphic symbol to represent heart disease. For instance, images with a heart and a medical cross, or a heart with an EKG line, or a heart with a bandage are known as icons. This could be used to depict heart disease in awareness campaigns, or may be printed on diagnostic tools, and wearable devices or electronic health records.

What Are The Different Types Of Heart Disease Life Insurance In India?​

Another important point of heart disease facts is heart disease life insurance for individuals with heart disease. In India, different insurance policies cater to diverse needs and health conditions. The one that is specific to heart disease belongs to the category of critical heath insurance. Let us look at the health insurance policies in general to understand the difference. This will help you to choose the right plan and understand why a critical illness plan is better if you have a heart problem.

  1. Individual health insurance – covers a single person with payouts for medical expenses. In the event of existing heart disease, choose a plan that offers comprehensive coverage. For instance, the fine print should mention payouts for hospitalization, for surgical procedures, and outpatient treatments.
  2. Family floater plans – cover the entire family with a single policy. This helps to reduce your premiums, by covering multiple members with diagnosed health issues. This can include heart disease. However, it is necessary to check if the plan offers coverage for pre-existing heart health conditions. 
  3. Critical illness insurance – this is suitable for serious health conditions including heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The payout from these policies are a lump sum when diagnosed with any illness that is mentioned as covered in the policy. 
  4. Top-up plans – offer you additional coverage above the existing health insurance policy. This helps you get higher coverage at a lower premium, and is useful if you have specific conditions like heart disease.
  5. Disease-specific policies – this offered only by certain insurers, giving you coverage for specific diseases. The advantage of these policies are the extensive coverage related to the specific condition.
  6. Critical illness riders – are add-ons to your health insurance policy. This is also a good option for managing critical illnesses including heart disease, through a lump sum benefit when diagnosed with the condition.

As can be seen from the above, it is a good idea to go in for health insurance plans if you are at high risk of developing the condition in the future. It is also a good choice if you are diagnosed with the condition, as it will help cover part of the treatment costs. However, for existing heart disease conditions, the premium may be higher.

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Is surgery necessary for all heart valve disease types?

Is surgery necessary for all heart valve disease types?

Introduction

One of the problems of treatment for heart valve disease is the absence of symptoms among some people for many years. During this period, the disease may gradually develop and progress to one of multiple conditions. For instance, it can lead to arrhythmia, infection, high blood pressure in the lungs, possible heart failure or cardiac arrest.

Some of the heart valve diseases have a genetic component, and may be passed from a parent to a child. For instance, bicuspid aortic valve is an inherited condition. An effective option would be to go in for genetic testing , to understand risk of developing the condition, if the same has been diagnosed in a family member earlier. Here is a detailed look at symptoms, and treatment options of heart valve disease.

What are murmurs in valvular heart disease?

This refers to abnormal sounds in the heart in people with some form of heart valve disease. Normally functioning heart valves, (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary) are to open and close smoothy to facilitate flow of blood through the heart. When the valve is either narrow or improperly closing, the flow of blood is affected. This causes a whooshing sound, medically known as a murmur. These are detected with a stethoscope, and assist in diagnosing the type and severity of the condition.

Murmurs can be caused:

  •       When the valve is narrow, known as stenosis. 
  •       When the valve leaks known as regurgitation or insufficiency. 

What is degenerative valvular heart disease?

Degenerative condition in heart valve disease refers to the gradually worsening condition of the heart valves over a period of time. With advancing age, the aortic and mitral valves, typically end up damaged. This makes the valves go stiff, or end up thickened or calcified impacting the ability to open and close efficiently.

Two common types of degenerative valvular disease are:

  1.  Aortic valve stenosis – when the aortic valve becomes stiff or narrow, impacting flow of blood from the heart.
  2.  Mitral valve regurgitation – when the mitral valve ends up losing form, allowing blood to flow backward to the heart.

This condition is often observed in elderly patients resulting in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, pain in the chest, or tiredness and a faint feeling. When this problem progresses and becomes severe, valve repair or replacement may be the only remedial measure.

Are there options for heart valve disease treatment without surgery?

Yes, non-surgical treatment options exist for heart valve disease, and hinges on the nature of the condition and its severity. These treatment options help manage symptoms or slow down the progression of the disease. However, these methods may not fully cure the valve problem. Non-surgical treatment options include the following:

  1.  Medicines – like diuretics to reduce fluid buildup and tackle symptoms such as swelling and difficulty breathing. Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure levels and reduce the burden on the heart. Blood thinners reduce the risk of blood clots, while vasodilators relax blood vessels, improving efficiency of pumping blood.
  2.  Balloon valvuloplasty – a minimally invasive procedure involving insertion of a balloon to widen a narrowed valve.  
  3.  Transcatheter aortic valve replacement – another less invasive option, is used for replacing a diseased aortic valve.
  4. Changes to lifestyle – can help manage symptoms and improve your overall heart health. This can be achieved through recommended exercises, quitting smoking and cutting down alcohol intake

Is mitral valve prolapse considered heart disease?

One of the different types of heart valve disease is mitral valve prolapse. This is typically not as severe as other forms of heart disease. This condition occurs when the valve that controls flow of blood in the heart does not close as required. The valve flaps are known to prolapse during heartbeats, causing blood to leak backward. 

When this the leakage turns severe, the following symptoms may be experienced:

  •    Changes in heart beats. 
  •    Pain in the chest.
  •    Overall fatigue.
  •    Difficulty breathing during physical activity.

What is the treatment for heart valve disease?

Treatment for heart valve disease will vary as per the nature of the valve problem and its severity. Treatments include medications, lifestyle changes and surgical procedures, as listed below:

  • Medicines – help to manage the symptoms and will not cure heart valve disease. These include diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, anticoagulants and vasodilators. 
  • Changes to lifestyle – include switching over to a heart-healthy diet. This needs to be low in salt, cholesterol, and saturated fats. Routine physical activity should be diligently followed, but only as per recommendations. Two habits need to be kicked – smoking and alcohol.   
  •  Procedures that are minimally invasive – can be chosen by patients unsuitable for surgical procedures. This could also be a good option for patients with mild valve disease. Options include balloon valvuloplasty and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.  These two options have been outlined in earlier sections. The next option is MitraClip a less invasive procedure that is used to repair a leaking mitral valve. This is performed by placing a clip that makes the valve close effectively, thereby cutting down on the leakage.
  • Surgery – these interventions may be necessary for people with more severe cases. These may also be required when the symptoms persist or aggravate. Surgical options include the following:

o   Valve repair – this is performed by removing calcium deposits, and reshaping the valve tissue. Another repair procedure is tightening of the valve to improve its functioning.

o   Valve replacement – is undertaken when repair is not possible. This is performed by replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical valve or a biological valve. The mechanical valve is manufactured with durable materials, and are known to last longer. However, the patient will be expected to be on lifelong blood-thinning medications. Biological valves are made using animal or human tissue and are not known to last as long as mechanical valves. However, the advantage is doing away with the need for blood thinning medications.

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What are the top risk factors for heart diseases?

What are the top risk factors for heart diseases?

Introduction

One of the more acclaimed art directors of movies in South India, Milan Fernandez, passed away tragically as a result of a heart attack in October 2023. Aged only 54 years, he passed away while shooting in Azerbaijan. Celebrities with access to the best of health care, unfortunately succumb to such diseases as a result of being unaware of risk factors for heart diseases. Let us take a look at common risk factors that we need to know.

What are the modifiable risk factors for heart diseases?

Certain risks related to heart disease can be either changed or modified, and this can lower your risk. This is collectively known as modifiable risk factors for heart disease. Here are some of the some of the risk factors that can be changed to an extent.

  •  Smoking – by quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of heart disease to a great extent.
  •  Blood pressure – when you regulate blood pressure through various methods, including diet, exercise, and medicines, you will reduce overall risk.
  •  Cholesterol – you can reduce risk by lowering cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medicines. 
  • Weight – by managing weight through diet and exercise you can reduce risk of heart disease.
  •  Sedentary lifestyle – with regular physical activity you can reduce risk and strengthen the heart.
  • Diet – a heart healthy diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol reduces risk of heart disease. Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Diabetes – by controlling blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medicines, you can reduce the risk of heart disease.
  •  Alcohol – controlling alcohol intake also lowers risk.
  •  Stress – relaxation techniques and exercise, contribute to reduced risk of heart disease.

It helps to screen yourself for genetic components of heart disease. A simple sample of blood or saliva is all that is required to determine if you are at risk of developing heart disease in the future, due to genetic reasons. This includes genetically inherited conditions, or congenital conditions. Awareness of this helps to reduce your risk considerably by taking suitable remedial measures.

What is the relationship between diabetes and heart diseases?

There is a clear and established link between diabetes and heart disease. People with diabetes are known to have a higher risk of developing heart diseases and other cardiovascular problems. Here’s how diabetes contributes to risk factors for heart diseases:

  • High blood sugar levels – this gradually damages blood vessels and nerves controlling the heart.
  • Atherosclerosis – blood vessels narrow over time or are completely blocked from buildup of plaque. This restricts flow of blood to the heart, increasing risk of heart attack.  
  • High blood pressure levels – diabetics are more likely to have high blood pressure, increasing stress on heart and blood vessels. 
  • Obesity – type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, and this is a risk factor for heart disease, due to increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin resistance. 
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides – diabetics are known to have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. This increases the pace of plaque buildup in the arteries.
  • Inflammation – a common condition in diabetes is inflammation, and this contributes to progression of heart disease.

What is meant by the epidemiology of rheumatic heart diseases?

This refers to the study of the frequency of affliction of this disease, the people affect by it, andrisk factors for heart diseases that contribute to its progression. Here is a quick overview:

  1. Prevalence – looks at occurrence among a specific population during a given time. This offers information on the number of people currently living with the disease.
  2. Incidence – this indicates the number of new cases of rheumatic heart disease. This is calculated for a specific population during a particular period.
  3.  Demographics – looks at groups of people identified as more likely to develop rheumatic heart disease.
  4.  Risk factors – identifies factors that increase the risk of developing rheumatic heart disease. For instance, a history of rheumatic fever, frequent strep throat infections, and unsanitary living conditions.

There are other factors that are also considered, such as the geographical areas that are known to have higher incidence. The trends over a period of time are also factored to draw conclusions.

How common is the incidence of rheumatic heart diseases?

This varies, and is based on different regions, with a marked increase in low- and middle-income countries that have increased risk factors for heart diseases. Here are some numbers that can help give a broad idea.

  • Global – around 282,000 new cases of RHD are recorded every year, on an average.  
  •  Countries that have better incomes and health infrastructure – have relatively lower incidence of RHD averaging less than 1 case per 100,000 people annually.  
  • Countries with low income and poor health infrastructure – countries in in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, have higher incidence rates. This averages around 5 to 50 cases per 100,000 people annually. 

Children and adolescents from the last category are at higher risk, with prevalence rates as high as 100 per 100,000 annually.

What are the 5 risk factors for heart diseases that you need to know?

It is now time to look at five risk factors for heart diseases as awareness will offer a better approach to treatment.

  1. High blood pressure levels – also known as hypertension, this makes the heart to work harder than normal. This causes or contributes to faster thickening of the heart muscle apart from causing damage to blood vessels. These two factors considerably increase the risk of heart disease.
  2. High cholesterol levels – when you have high levels of LDL cholesterol, it can result in buildup of plaque in the arteries. This causes narrowing of the arteries and reducing flow of blood to the heart. This, in turn, causes heart attacks and possibly leads to various other cardiovascular problems. This happen slowly, and over a period of time, and you may not notice it, until it has significantly progressed.
  3. Smoking – this severely damages the lining of the arteries. This contributes to buildup of plaque, while reducing oxygen levels in the blood. These two conditions force the heart to work harder than normal.  
  4. Diabetes – increases your risk of heart disease considerably, gradually. It contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, resulting in increased blood pressure levels. 
  5. Obesity – if you happen to be overweight, with abdominal fat, there is a risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. These three factors significantly increase your risk of heart disease.
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Why you need to understand pathogenesis of heart disease?

Why you need to understand pathogenesis of heart disease?

Introduction

Knowledge of the reasons that cause and contribute to the development of heart disease will help in taking the right approach. For instance, a clear understanding will help you seek timely screening, and avail the best treatment for best outcomes. Let’s take a good look at pathogenesis of heart disease to understand why it is necessary to screen for certain conditions.

What is the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease?

Ischemic heart disease is also commonly known as coronary artery disease. This condition is due to a reduction in flow of blood to the heart muscle. This, is turn, is the result of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Key points to bear in mind for a clear understanding of pathogenesis of heart disease are outlined below:

  •  Atherosclerosis – is almost always the main underlying cause. This occurs as a result of plaque buildup on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque is essentially a combination of cholesterol, fatty material and cellular waste. Accumulation of plaque results in narrowed arteries and reduced flow of blood.
  • Lesser flow of blood – affects the heart muscle as the required oxygen-rich blood does not reach it. This increases during physical activity or some kind of stress.
  • Angina – is the pain or discomfort experienced when the heart muscle receives less oxygen. This is a symptom of IHD and is typically experienced during exertion or under stress.
  • Myocardial infarction – commonly known as a heart attack refers to completely blocked flow of blood to the heart muscle. This is due to ruptured plaque in the coronary artery, resulting in formation of blood clot. This, in turn blocks the artery, preventing flow of blood, following which the affected part of the heart muscle either dies or s severely damaged.

What is rheumatic heart disease pathology?

This refers to a condition resulting from rheumatic fever, untreated strep throat infections. As part of understanding pathogenesis of heart disease, let’s look at the following key processes that contribute to RHD:

  • Rheumatic fever -an inflammatory disease that usually develops post strep throat infection.
  • Immune response – post rheumatic fever, the immune system of the body attacks its own tissues like the heart by mistake. 
  • Inflammation – because of the above immune response, inflammation occurs in the heart tissues. This affects the heart valves and may also affect the heart muscle, and the lining of the heart.
  • Valvular damage – this is effectively the most serious outcome of rheumatic fever. The heart valves are affected, such as thickening of the heart valve leaflets. Other effects include narrowing of the valve opening, reducing flow of blood. Leakage of blood due to inability of valves to close, chronic valvular disease are other outcomes.
  • Heart failure – is the consequence of chronic damage and dysfunction of the heart valves, as the heart becomes unable to pump blood effectively

What does organic heart disease mean?

This term broadly refers to heart conditions due to physical changes or damage to the structure of the heart. To continue with a clear understanding of pathogenesis of heart disease, this term distinguishes conditions from functional heart disorders. For instance, certain abnormalities occur in heart function without any related structural damage. Let’s dive deeper into the explanation.

  •       Structural changes – there would be clear discernible changes in the structure of the heart, like changes to heart valves. Similarly, other changes could include enlarged, thickened, or rigid heart muscle that has effect on the ability of the heart to pump blood. Abnormalities also include holes between heart chambers. 
  •       Reasons – the changes in structure are primarily due to infections like rheumatic fever or endocarditis. Other reasons include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and genetically inherited conditions. Inflammation of the heart muscle as a result of infections or autoimmune conditions are also possible reasons.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is through imaging tests, like echocardiograms, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests show the physical changes in the heart. To look for genetically inherited conditions, advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu, offering patients a convenient testing option. This will indicate if you are genetically inclined to certain conditions, by analyzing blood or saliva sample.

How is the condition treated or managed?

Treatment will vary, depending on the condition and typically involves a combination of many measures. For instance, medications, changes in lifestyle, or surgical procedures may be necessary. 

Organic heart disease, can also be summed up as a condition caused organically due to a combination of genetics, age and lifestyle causing deformity. This is different from heart damage caused by external influence, like an injury.

What is the pattern of cardiac enzymes in heart disease?

Cardiac enzymes are essentially substances that are released into the blood due to damage to the heart muscle. By measuring these enzymes, it is possible to diagnose and evaluate the condition better. This also helps in understanding the pathogenesis of heart disease for a better and effective approach to treatment. Here is how cardiac enzyme levels change in various conditions:

Troponin – Levels increase within 3-12 hours after damage to the heart muscle. Troponin is regarded as the best marker of heart attack as it is highly specific to heart muscle damage. 

Creatine Kinase – Levels increase within 4-6 hours after injury to heart muscle. CK-MB is an isoenzyme of creatine kinase that is mainly found in the heart muscle. This makes it extremely useful for diagnosing heart attacks.

Myoglobin – Levels increase within 1-4 hours after damage to the heart muscle. This is regarded as an early marker of muscle damage. However, it is not very specific like troponin and CK-MB, as it is also present in other muscles.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide – Levels increase as a result of increased pressure in the heart chambers, that usually occurs in heart failure conditions.  The levels are used to evaluate and monitor heart failure and not usually for myocardial infarction.

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How ischemic heart disease can cause further complications?

How ischemic heart disease can cause further complications?

Introduction

Over a period of seventeen years, the mortality of ischemic heart disease increased in India by a staggering 81 percent. The escalating prevalence of the condition makes it important to understand more about the disease, and the possible complications from the disease. Let’s understand more details about the condition.

Quick outline of CAD heart disease

The condition refers to limited flow of blood in the coronary arteries. This is due to build up of plaque comprising cholesterol and other substances in the lining of the coronary arteries. This happens over a period of time and when the blockage or narrowing is at an advanced stage it begins causing complications.

CAD is known as a silent killer, mainly because the symptoms develop slowly, steadily without the individual being aware of any changes. Though many people consider ischemic heart disease and CAD as the same conditions, they are essentially not the same. CAD refers to blockage or narrowing in the coronary artery, while ischemic heart disease refers to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, the myocardium.

There are two main types of CAD:

  •  Stable ischemic heart disease – which is the chronic condition. 
  •   Acute coronary syndrome – which is sudden or acute condition, that could result in an emergency like a heart attack.

Main symptoms of CAD include:

  •   Stable angina – temporary pain in the chest or discomfort. 
  •   Difficulty breathing – during some kind of physical activity.

What causes coronary artery disease?

CAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, the gradual buildup of plaque, comprising cholesterol, waste products, calcium and fibrin. Plaque clogs and damages arteries, affecting oxygen and nutrients delivery to the heart.

Are there genetic reasons for CAD?

In some cases, CAD can be safely called as a genetically inherited condition, though it is not the case in all patients. Family history will affect your risk of CAD, though there are other contributing factors as well for people who are genetically predisposed to the condition

What are the different options for coronary heart disease treatment?

Treatment for coronary heart disease requires a combination of actions. For instance, lifestyle changes can reduce risk of further episodes. Quitting smoking is mandatory after a heart attack, while dietary modifications are also necessary. Apart from some kind of regular physical activity, it will also be necessary to rely on medications.

Some of the commonly prescribed medications include:

  •   Blood-thinners – to reduce the risk of a heart attack by thinning the blood and preventing clotting.
  •  Statins – to lower cholesterol by reducing production of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver.
  •   Beta blockers – to treat angina and high blood pressure, by blocking the effects of specific hormones in the body. This slows down the heartbeat and improve flow of blood.
  •  Nitrates – to relax blood vessels, allowing more blood to pass, lowering blood pressure and offering relief from pain. 
  •  Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors – to treat high blood pressure.
  •  Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers – that work in a manner similar to ACE inhibitors.
  •  Calcium channel blockers – to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the muscles on the walls of arteries.
  •   Diuretics – to eliminate excess water and salt from the body.

Procedures as treatment  

In some cases, it may be necessary to opt for procedures or surgery to open up or bypass blocked arteries. Procedures include the following:

  •  Coronary angioplasty – involves the insertion of a small balloon to move the fatty tissue outwards. This permits unrestricted flow of blood.  A metal stent is also placed in the artery, in some cases to keep the artery open.  
  •   Coronary artery bypass graft – involves the grafting of a blood vessel between the main artery and a part of the coronary artery to bypass the narrowed area.

·   Heart transplant – involves replacing a damaged heart with a healthy heart from a donor

What is the ICD 10 code for ischemic heart disease?

The International Classification of Diseases, known popularly as ICD-10 is a globally recognized system of the WHO. This is to classify all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures regarding hospital care. The structure of ICD-10 codes is as follows:

  •   Alphanumeric format – The code starts with a letter followed by digits.  
  •   Chapters, Categories – The codes are divided into categories based on different body systems and diseases.

The ICD-10 code for ischemic heart disease is I25. This is a category that covers ischemic heart disease with codes for specific conditions:

I25.1: This refers to atherosclerotic heart disease related to native coronary artery

I25.2: This refers to any old myocardial infarction

I25.5: This refers to ischemic cardiomyopathy

I25.6: This refers to silent myocardial ischemia

I25.7: This refers to atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft, and coronary artery of transplanted heart.

I25.9: This refers to chronic ischemic heart disease when it is not clearly specified.

The best way to define ischemic heart disease?

The condition refers to weakened heart due to reduced blood flow to the heart. This is usually as a result of coronary artery disease due to narrowing of the artery. Ischemic heart disease is also called cardiac ischemia or ischemic cardiomyopathy.

When the heart weakens, it makes the heart to work harder to pump blood to the body. As a result, there is an increased risk of blood clots, heart valve disease or heart failure. There could also be possible abnormal heart rhythms and other complications. Treatment focuses on ensuring that proper blood flow is restored to reduce the risk of a heart attack.  

Symptoms commonly linked to ischemic heart disease experienced when the condition aggravates includes the following: 

  • Pain in the chest.
  • Dizzy feeing.
  • A fluttering sensation in the heart or possible skipped heart beats.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swollen feet

What is the role of genetic testing in heart disease?

Genetic testing allows a person to check for possibility of future risk of heart disease from genetic reasons. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamil Nadu help you to understand your risk even before the onset of symptoms or before any actual cardiovascular event. A simple saliva sample or blood sample is all that is required for the testing and analysis.

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How to diagnose and treat heart valve disease?

How to diagnose and treat heart valve disease?

Introduction

A new trend has been observed through statistical data on heart disease cases in India. People in the age group of 30 to 40 years have higher possibility of heart valve disease. Mitral regurgitation, one of the types of this condition has been recorded in higher numbers. Let’s dive deeper to understand why it is necessary to opt for early screening to treat heart valve disease effectively.

What are the common heart valve disease symptoms?

Symptoms of heart valve disease depend on the affected valve and nature of the condition. For instance, heart valve disease can be broadly classified into stenosis, regurgitation, or a combination of both. An understanding of symptoms help in taking the right approach to treat heart valve disease. Some of the commonly reported symptoms include:

  1. Pain in the chest – could be experienced as sharp pain or tight feeling in the chest. This is due to poor flow of blood to the heart muscle. This could also be due to overburdened heart as a result of some kind of valve dysfunction.
  2. Difficulty breathing – or a sense of breathlessness, either as a result of physical activity or even when resting in a flat position. This is due to build-up of fluid in the lungs as a result of defects in the left-sided valve. 
  3. Overall tiredness – or weakness, even after little physical activity. This is due to the reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. This results in lesser oxygen in the tissues. 
  4. Changed heartbeats – Irregular or fast paced heartbeats, due to irregular heart rhythms that are linked to valve disease.  
  5. Swelling – in the legs due to retention of fluid as a result of right-sided or left sided heart failure. This is attributed to valve dysfunction.
  6. Murmurs in the heart – refers to unusual heart sounds when monitored with a stethoscope. This is due to unregulated flow of blood through affected valve. 
  7. Sudden gain in weight – without any known condition or reason. This is due to retention of fluid that occurs due to heart failure.
  8. Cold skin – or clammy skin, feeling cool to the touch. This is due to poor blood circulation as a result of heart valve dysfunction

What are the commonly prescribed drugs for heart disease?

The methods to treat heart valve disease include the use of medications that depend on the nature of heart disease and severity. Drugs that are commonly prescribed include the following:

  1. ACE inhibitors to reduce blood pressure.  
  2. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers – to relax blood vessels like ACE inhibitors. 
  3. Beta-Blockers – to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. 
  4. Calcium Channel Blockers – to relax blood vessels. 
  5. Diuretics – to reduce fluid build-up. 
  6. Anti-Platelet and anticoagulants – to reduce the risk of blood clots.  
  7. Statins – to lower cholesterol levels.
  8. Nitrates – to improve blood flow to the heart. 
  9. Antiarrhythmics – to control abnormal heart rhythms.
  10. Heart failure medicines – to help the heart pump better.

Is yoga for heart disease an effective option?

While many consider yoga as an effective option to treat heart valve disease, it is only a complementary approach to manage heart disease. It cannot deliver cure or treat the condition by itself. It can be a part of holistic treatment along with other methods such as medications, lifestyle changes and surgical interventions. Essentially, yoga can be considered as a lifestyle modification. It helps the individual ensure desired physical activity, and can be a part of a balanced fitness routine. It is important to seek medical recommendations before taking up certain yoga postures and exercises.

Important heart disease information

To treat heart valve disease, it is necessary to be aware of detailed information about the condition, risks, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Here is a quick overview of heart disease.

Types of heart disease

Heart disease is broadly classified into the following types:

  •   Coronary Artery Disease – due to plaque buildup and reduced flow of blood to the heart muscle.
  •   Heart failure – when the heart cannot pump blood as required. 
  •  Arrhythmias – unusual heart rhythms. 
  •  Valvular heart disease – as a result of defects in heart valves, with effects on flow of blood.
  •  Congenital heart disease – heart defects present from birth.

Risk factors

  •  There are modifiable risk factors wherein you can reduce the risk by controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and by ceasing smoking, drinking. Other factors of this category include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and diet.
  •  Non-modifiable risk factors are factors such as your age, your family history of heart disease, gender, and genetic predisposition.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are commonly experienced – pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, overall tiredness, irregular heartbeats, swelling in the legs and heart murmurs.

Diagnosis

Heart disease is diagnosed through physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization, and blood tests.

Treatment

This involves medicines such as antihypertensives, statins, diuretics, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, and nitrates. Treatment regimen also includes changes to lifestyle, diet, ceasing smoking, managing weight, and moderate physical activity.  You may also have to go in for certain procedures such as angioplasty, placement of stent, valve repair, and coronary artery bypass.

Role of genetic testing in detecting heart disease

Genetic testing plays an important role in detecting heart disease. This includes conditions that are congenital by nature or conditions that are genetically inherited. The testing involves drawing a blood sample or providing saliva for analysis. This is then analysed to offer a comprehensive report of future or lifetime risk of heart disease.

Advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu, and help people benefit from early detection of conditions. Early screening and detection offers a better chance of reducing risk considerably and ensures that quality of life is not severely impacted. The test is relatively simple, painless and offers individuals the ability to either confirm or rule out future risk of heart disease from genetic reasons.

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Expert guidelines on treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases

Expert guidelines on treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases

Introduction

Every 06 seconds one person in India succumbs to cardiovascular disease. This is because annually the number of deaths in India from CVD is 4.77 million. It is possible to reduce the risk of this dreaded disease through a simple approach, including detection and treatment. Let’s take a look at specialists endorsed guidelines for the timely treatment and management of cardiovascular disease.

What are the various cardiovascular disease treatment options?

Treatment of cardiovascular disease after it has been diagnosed includes the following standard options. This typically involves the use of medications, changes in lifestyle and for some people, it could also require surgical procedures.

An important aspect of treatment and management of CVD is changes to lifestyle. This is known to have a strong impact on outcomes and also help to reduce risks from the disease. Changes to lifestyle include:

  1.  Diet – consumption of a diet that is labelled as heart healthy. For instance, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Additionally, intake of salt is to be lowered, while intake of unhealthy fats is also to be reduced considerably.
  2.  Physical activity – Individuals diagnosed with some form of CVD are to ensure a fitness regimen of 30 minutes every day.
  3.  Weight – this is to be managed in such a manner so as to regulate blood pressure levels, bad cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels.
  4.  Smoking and drinking – are to be stopped, as this is a major factor or contributor to increased risk.

Apart from lifestyle changes, you will also be recommended medications to manage the condition, including:

  1. Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants – to prevent blood clots.
  2. Statins and similar medications – to lower cholesterol levels.
  3. Antihypertensive medications – to control blood pressure levels.
  4. Diabetes – to manage blood sugar levels.

As outlined above, in certain instances, it may be necessary to undergo procedures to fix problems. This could be a procedure to treat a problem that has already progressed, including:

  1. Angioplasty and positioning of stents – to open blocked coronary arteries.
  2. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting – to improve blood flow by bypassing blocked arteries.
  3. Use of devices – like pacemakers to manage irregular heartbeats.
  4. Valve repair – these procedures are required when heart valves are damaged.

What is the treatment for cardiovascular disease when it is in an advanced stage?

Before we look at the treatment and management of cardiovascular diseases in an advanced stage, it is important to know what happens in that stage. Advanced stage CVD is also known as congestive heart failure. This happens when the heart is unable to pump enough blood and in turn makes the heart to work harder. This condition has certain tell-tale symptoms that can be used to identify the disease. 

  1. Heart beat changes – in this stage, you may experience faster heart beats. Alternatively, you may feel that your heart is beating abnormally hard. 
  2. Profuse sweating, difficulty breathing and unusual tiredness may be experienced in this stage.
  3. Increased anxiety – the sudden changes may make you increasingly anxious about your health.
  4. Sudden weight loss, unusual changes in the color of your skin, swelling, and pain in the abdomen are other possible symptoms.

What are the treatments for cardiovascular disease in advanced stage?

It is necessary to note that presently there is no cure for heart failure. The whole idea of treatment and management is to relieve symptoms and reduce the possibility of more damage. The actual treatment will depend on various factors, including the extent of failure, type of heart failure, and underlying conditions. 

  • Treatment involves changes in lifestyle such as reduced intake of salt. This is because fluid retention can cause complications. Similarly, you will be asked to go off caffeine due to heartbeat irregularities. Additionally, your intake of fluid intake will also be controlled.
  • Medicines are an important part of the treatment plan. This will include vasodilators to ensure relaxed blood flow, diuretics and aldosterone inhibitors to regulate fluid retention. Other medicines include ACE inhibitors, ARB drugs to enhance the functioning of the heart. Similarly, digitalis glycosides help to improve the contractions of the heart. Finally, you may also be recommended medications like tranquilizers to bring down your anxiety. Standard medications given during initial stages of CVD will also be recommended – anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and beta-blockers. 
  • Surgical procedures are often relied upon in severe cases. This is mainly to bypass blocked arteries, or in some instances to fix or replace heart valves. Devices like pacemakers help both sides of the heart to work in unison. Other implants include defibrillators, that send shock impulses to manage heart rhythm

What is the ideal approach to cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention?

The best approach to treatment and management of CVD is early detection and preventive, remedial measures. There are various factors that cause CVD, and it is possible to understand future or lifetime risk of the disease through proper screening. This includes laboratory tests to look for conditions that are known to cause CVD. These are simple tests that can help determine if a person has diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. These conditions are known to contribute to risk of CVD. Other conditions that could also cause CVD include sleep apnea.

One of the reasons for certain cardiovascular disease is known as the genetic component. You may inherit certain conditions from your parent, like hypertension, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. This passes from the parent to offspring in DNA. Similarly, a person belonging to a family that has a history of heart attack is also prone to higher risk.

This genetic component of cardiovascular diseases can be detected much earlier, unlike other disease factors. A simple blood sample or saliva sample is all that is required to check if you are at risk of CVD in the future from the genetic angle. Advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu, and this can help you screen for the disease.

This is a huge advantage considering that you will learn of any possible risk, well in advance. This is unlike other factors such as high cholesterol levels or diabetes or hypertension, wherein you will know, only if the condition has progressed to levels where it can be detected as borderline or above.

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How Can I Check Underlying Health Conditions And Heart Attack Risk Factors?

How Can I Check Underlying Health Conditions And Heart Attack Risk Factors?

Introduction

The World Health Organisation states that 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable[1]. However, due to lack of information about health conditions and heart attack risk factors, most people do not follow preventive health care. This is the main reason for high incidence of heart attacks and strokes.

Patients at risk of heart attack, who do not receive timely and right treatment are likely to end up as fatalities. Globally, cardiovascular disease accounts for most health related deaths. The good news is the convergence of technology and diagnostic medical science. This makes it possible for you to check for health risks through genetic testing methods. These options offer you a clear look at possible health risks.

Early intervention through simple genetic testing

Contrary to perceptions about genetic testing for risk of diseases, the procedure is simple and uncomplicated. The benefits include identification of conditions that put you at high risk of heart attacks. This allows early intervention and tailored treatment plans to help you deal with the conditions. Here are answers to common questions about heart attack and the link to health conditions and risk factors.

Can alcohol cause heart attack risk factors?

Yes, alcohol is known to contribute to your risk of heart attack. This is due to the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption, listed below:

  •   Hypertension – A serious risk factor, hypertension causes damage to the arteries, and this increases the risk of heart attacks.
  •   Cardiomyopathy – This causes the heart muscle to weaken, affecting pumping of blood. The risk of heart failure and heart attacks increase with this condition.
  •   Arrhythmias – This refers to irregular heartbeats and a particular arrhythmia is linked to increased risk of blood clots. This is a serious risk factor for heart attacks.
  •   Triglycerides – Increased levels of triglyceride causes buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can cause atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for heart attacks. This affects health conditions and risk factors are amplified.
  • Obesity – The intake of calories causes weight gain and possible obesity. These are risk factors for heart attacks.

Can anxiety cause a heart attack risk factors or stroke?

Yes, anxiety can indirectly increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. However, this is mostly when anxiety is chronic in nature. Acute anxiety can mimic the symptoms of heart attack, and may confuse a person into assuming that it is a heart attack.

However, these symptoms can contribute to the risk of attacks, especially in patients with existing health conditions and risk factors. Are you unaware of existing health conditions? Simple genetic testing is all that is required to clear apprehensions.  

Effects of anxiety on the body include:

  •   Increased heart rate and blood pressure – Anxiety causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and these are risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
  •   Increase levels of stress hormones – Levels of cortisol and adrenaline increase, causing possible inflammation and damage to blood vessels. This happens over a period of time, increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  •   Lack of adequate sleep – Anxiety causes disturbed sleep and this is linked to risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
  •   Acute anxiety – Episodes of anxiety can increase stress on the heart. This can increase risk of heart conditions, especially in patients with existing issues. 
  •   Chronic anxiety – People with chronic anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of ending up with coronary artery disease.
  •   Blood Pressure, a major factor for stroke – Chronic anxiety can cause hypertension, a major risk factor for stroke, due to damaged blood vessels in the brain. 
  •   Atherosclerosis and increased risk of stroke – Stress from anxiety can speed up the process of atherosclerosis, increasing risk of stroke.

Can depression cause heart attack risk factors?

Yes, depression can contribute to increased risk of heart attack. This is mainly through the physiological effects of depression, affecting health conditions and risk factors listed below:

  •   Inflammation – Chronic inflammation can contribute to atherosclerosis increasing risk of heart attack .
  •   Autonomic nervous system imbalance – The disruption of the balance of the autonomic nervous system, can elevate heart rate and blood pressure. These are risk factors for heart disease.
  •   Levels of stress hormones – Elevated levels of cortisol can cause damage to the cardiovascular system. This increases the risk of a heart attack.

Can diabetes cause heart attack risk factors?

Yes, diabetes is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks due to multiple factors that link diabetes with the cardiovascular system.

  •   Atherosclerosis – High blood sugar levels damage the lining of blood vessels, allowing build-up of fatty deposits. This increases risk of a heart attack.
  •   High blood pressure levels – Diabetes is linked to hypertension, contributing to the risk of heart disease.
  •   Dyslipidemia – High cholesterol levels including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides are linked to diabetes. This promotes formation of plaques in the arteries.
  •   Inflammation and oxidative stress – High levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase risk of heart attacks.
  •   Insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction – Insulin resistance can affect the function of the inner lining of blood vessels. This results in increased blood pressure and higher risk of aggravating health conditions and risk factors.
  •   Obesity – People with type 2 diabetes are mostly known to end up with weight gain. This can aggravate insulin resistance resulting in risk of cardiovascular disease.
  •   Kidney disease – Diabetes can cause diabetic nephropathy, increasing blood pressure levels higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
  •   Peripheral artery disease – Diabetes is linked to peripheral artery disease causing build-up of plaque in the arteries of the legs. This contributes to risk of heart attacks.
  •   Statistics – Heart-disease is known to be the leading cause of death among diabetics.

Worried about onset of diabetes and risk of heart attacks? Undergo simple tests to check risks, and take suitable remedial measures to eliminate risks.

Can high BP cause heart attack risk factors?

It is true that high blood pressure levels are strongly linked to your risk of heart attacks. This is because of various factors that contribute to heart disease and aggravation of cardiovascular disease.

  •   Damage to arteries – There is damage to the arteries over a period of time, causing thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. This is conducive to buildup of plaques, that obstruct flow of blood to the heart.
  •   Atherosclerosis – High blood pressure speeds up the development of atherosclerosis, increasing risk of a heart attack.
  •   Workload on the heart – Due to the increased resistance from high blood pressure, the heart muscles are put through increased or abnormal workloads. This results in thickening of the heart muscle, known as left ventricular hypertrophy. This affects the heart and increases risk of heart attacks, aggravates health conditions and risk factors.
  •   Clinical Evidence – People with hypertension are more likely to end up with a heart attack than those with controlled blood pressure.

As documented by the WHO, you can prevent the risk of heart attacks with timely diagnosis and treatment. Check for possibility of risks through genetic testing, and adopt a holistic approach towards treatment – medications, lifestyle and diet.

Can low blood pressure cause heart attack?

Low blood pressure is not directly linked to heart attacks, it can indirectly impact conditions that increase your risk. An outline of the reasons are given below:

  •   Poor flow of blood – Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension can affect flow of blood to the heart. This can, in turn result in myocardial ischemia, that may result in heart attack in rare cases. This is especially in the case of patients with coronary artery disease.

·   Postural hypotension – This condition refers to a sudden drop in blood pressure when rising from a resting position. This may indirectly increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

Can panic attack cause heart attack?

Panic attacks are not directly linked to heart attacks. However, symptoms appear similar to that of heart attacks. Listed below are the symptoms of a panic attack that you may sometimes mistake as that of a heart attack.

  •   Pain the chest – Intense pain in the chest is a symptom that is common to both heart attacks and panic attacks. It is necessary to understand other symptoms to make the distinction.
  •   Rapid heartbeat – Another symptom of a panic attack, is rapid heart rate, this is also often misunderstood as that of a heart attack. 
  •   Shortness of breath, sweating tremors – Difficulty in breathing, profuse sweating and tremors are also possible symptoms of a panic attack.
  •   Differences in symptoms – To a certain extent, it is possible to differentiate between the two conditions, by looking closely at the symptoms.   Panic attacks are short lived and the person experiences the intensity of pain in a few minutes. Contrastingly, the pain experienced in heart attacks is persistent in nature with no relief. 
  •  Panic attacks are usually experienced following certain triggers, while heart attacks are not caused by external reasons.

Can stress cause heart attack?

Stress contributes to your risk of heart attacks indirectly. Here is a look at the role of stress in contributing to risk of cardiovascular events.

  •   Sympathetic nervous system – Stress induces release of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones, in turn cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. 
  •   Blood pressure levels – Elevated blood pressure levels, increase the strain on the heart and blood vessels. This contributes to the risk of cardiovascular events.
  •   Impact on immune function – The immune system ends up weakened due to continued stress. This exposes people to infections and inflammatory conditions, increasing risk of cardiovascular events.
  •   Evidence – Studies have established a link between stress and cardiovascular health risk. This includes the aggravation of existing cardiovascular diseases.

How to learn about underlying health conditions and risk factors?

A simple, convenient and proven option to learn about your risk of heart attacks is genetic testing . This can offer clear insights into risk factors and underlying heart attack risk factors that are intrinsically linked to heart attacks. Here are important points in support of genetic testing.

  1. Identification – Genetic testing can clearly identify inherited conditions that will eventually contribute to heart disease. For instance, familial hypercholesterolemia, is known to contribute to high levels of cholesterol. 
  2. Cardiomyopathies – These refers to diseases of the heart muscle, and are known to have genetic angle. Detection of this condition through genetic testing helps manage and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
  3. Atherosclerosis – This is a major reason for heart attacks and is known to be influence by genetic factors. Identification of individuals at risk of this condition through genetic testing helps in early intervention.
  4. Disease risk – One of the advantages of genetic testing is the identification of specific gene variants that are linked to heart attacks. For instance, it is possible to identify possible changes in lipid metabolism, blood pressure control, and inflammation from gene variants.
  5. Polygenic risk scores – This refers to an aggregate score of various gene variants. This helps to clearly assess the genetic risk of an individual developing a heart attack due to one or many reasons. These scores help to categories patients on the basis of risk scores and offer suitable pre-emptive treatment for the identified conditions.
  6. Impact on lifestyle – Certain genetic factors are known to impact other lifestyle choices. For example, a person on a diet may experience certain outcomes due to the genetic predisposition. Similarly, other lifestyle factors like exercise, smoking, and alcohol may have varied outcomes depending on genetically inherited factors. An understanding of this helps individuals make subtle changes in lifestyle for best outcomes.
  7. Early intervention – Early identification of conditions and risks help in understanding high risk individuals. This can help roll out necessary early interventions and changes in lifestyle, diet, medications and clinical monitoring as a pre-emptive method.
  8. Futuristic developments – The pace of developments in genetic testing is impressive and in the not too distant future, it will help in considerably reducing the burden of disease. Greater acceptance among the public, will help in better prevention of heart attacks. A clear advantage of genetic testing is the ability to integrate the findings with electronic health records. This will help healthcare professionals to quickly diagnose and recommend the most effective treatment.

Quick summary of genetic testing for risk of heart attacks

Genetic testing for risk of heart attacks involves the following:

  • Sample collection – Your blood or saliva sample is collected to analyze genetic variants.
  •  Analysis – This is analyzed in a lab through tests such as next-generation sequencing or genotyping. The analysis is to detect genetic variants linked to your risk of heart attacks, like mutations in the LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9 genes.

The following genetic variants are typically assessed – SNPs, Monogenic disorders and Polygenic risk scores. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPS) are common genetic variations that have an impact on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. Monogenic disorders refer to specific inherited mutations, like familial hypercholesterolemia.

Medically Reviewed by
Dr.Rajasekar Cardiologist

Dr. Rajasekar is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).

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