At SmartCare Diagnostics, we are dedicated to your heart health through advanced diagnostic services and expert care for heart conditions.
Heart conditions, also known as heart or cardiovascular diseases, are among the leading causes of illness and death globally. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for effectively managing these conditions and enhancing our patient's quality of life.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function. These conditions can disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to serious health issues. Heart conditions can include diseases of the blood vessels, heart rhythm problems, heart infections, and congenital heart defects.
Common Types of Heart Conditions
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart diseases can present with a variety of symptoms depending on the specific condition affecting the heart. Recognising these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. At SmartCare Diagnostics, we are committed to helping you understand and identify the signs of different heart diseases.
Coronary Artery Disease
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath/ exertional symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
- Numbing, weakening, coldness, or pain in the legs or arms
Irregular Heartbeats
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Shortness of breath/ exertional symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Fainting
Congenital Heart Defects
- Bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails
- Rapid breathing/ shortness of breath/ exertional symptoms
- In infants: shortness of breath, poor feeding and weight gain
- Fatigue during exercise
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes
Cardiomyopathy & Valvular Heart Disease
- Shortness of breath/ exertional symptoms
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness and fainting
Causes of Heart Diseases
Heart conditions can arise from various factors depending on the type of heart condition. Some of the most common causes of heart disease include:
- Atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Obesity and being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetic predisposition
- Atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart valve issues
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking and/ or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Chronic stress
- Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase the risk of heart disease.
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Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing heart conditions:
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Gender: Men are gradually at higher risk, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Family History: A family history of heart disease can elevate risk.
- Lifestyle Choices: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and unhealthy habits contribute to heart disease.
- Existing Health Conditions: Hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are significant risk factors.
Diagnosing Heart Disease
Diagnosing heart disease involves a variety of tests and procedures to accurately assess the heart’s condition. At SmartCare Diagnostics, we utilise advanced diagnostic tools to provide comprehensive evaluations.
With SmartCare Diagnostics, you can get your heart health checked in one convenient 20-minute appointment. This is a comprehensive heart health check that includes a consultation with a doctor highly experienced in heart conditions where they will determine if further testing is required.
Learn more about our heart health checks.
Treatment for Heart Disease
Treatment for heart conditions varies based on the specific diagnosis and severity, but may include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol.
- Medications: Managing symptoms and underlying conditions (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes).
- Medical Procedures: Angioplasty, stent placement, or surgeries such as bypass surgery or valve repair/replacement.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: A program of exercise and education designed to improve heart health and quality of life.
When to See a Doctor for Heart Disease
It is essential to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of heart disease, particularly if you have risk factors or a family history of heart conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe chest pain or discomfort
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 000 for emergency medical attention.
At SmartCare Diagnostics, your heart health is our top priority. Our team of specialists is dedicated to providing the highest quality diagnostic services and personalised care. If you have concerns about your heart health, request a referral to SmartCare Diagnostics.
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