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

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Characterised by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart.
• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): This occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.
• Heart Failure: A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, often due to weakened heart muscles.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats that can be too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or erratic.
• Valvular Heart Disease: Involves damage to or a defect in one of the four heart valves, affecting blood flow through the heart.
• Cardiomyopathy: A condition affecting the heart muscle, which can be either acquired or hereditary. This disease impairs the heart's ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Structural problems with the heart that are present from birth, affecting normal heart function.

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.

 

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.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, commonly referred to as an “echo,” uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart. This test helps in evaluating the heart’s structure, function, and motion, allowing us to detect abnormalities such as valve defects, heart muscle issues, and congenital heart defects.

Agitated Saline Bubble Echocardiogram

An agitated saline bubble echocardiogram is a specialised type of echocardiogram where saline mixed with tiny bubbles is injected into a vein. The bubbles enhance the ultrasound images, helping to identify abnormal blood flow between the heart chambers (also known as shunts), such as patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD).

Exercise Stress Echocardiography

Exercise stress echocardiography combines an echocardiogram with an exercise stress test. This test involves taking ultrasound images of the heart before and after exercise to evaluate how the heart functions under physical stress. It helps in diagnosing coronary artery disease and assessing the severity of any existing heart conditions.

Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test involves monitoring the heart’s activity while the patient exercises, usually on a treadmill or stationary bike. This test helps to identify how well the heart performs under physical stress, revealing issues such as abnormal heart rhythms, coronary artery disease, and exercise-induced symptoms. *As of July 1^st, these will only be conducted if it is for a work medical at an out-of-pocket cost.

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is a portable device worn by the patient for approximately 24 hours to continuously record the heart’s electrical activity. It is particularly useful for detecting irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) that may not be captured during a standard ECG. Patients are advised to maintain a diary of activities and symptoms during the monitoring period.

24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

A 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a device worn by the patient that measures blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours. This test provides a comprehensive profile of blood pressure changes throughout the day and night, helping to diagnose hypertension and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. This test helps to identify heart rhythm problems, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions by analysing the heart’s electrical patterns.

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.