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CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive understanding and proactive management. CVD includes various disorders, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, each with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and implications for treatment.

HYPERTENSION

Chronic high blood pressure can lead to severe health complications, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Effective management typically includes lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions.

1HOW CAN BLOOD PRESSURE BE REDUCED?
If your doctor has provided blood pressure medicine, the most critical thing is to take it as prescribed. If it causes side effects, do not discontinue it. Instead, talk to your doctor about the side effects it causes. They might be able to minimise your dose or put you on another medicine. If expense is an issue, mention that as well. They might be able to put you on a less expensive treatment plan to suit your budget. Taking your blood pressure medicine can prevent a heart attack or stroke and save your life!
2WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN YOU MAKE?
You remain in control over your blood pressure. To reduce it, do as follows:
  • Lose weight (especially if you are overweight)
  • Choose a diet low in fat and abundant in fruits, vegetables, and reduced-fat dairy products
  • Reduce your salt intake
  • Walk, run or jog for 30 minutes on most days of the week
  • Limit your alcohol (if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Resulting from the narrowing of coronary arteries, CAD may manifest as angina or myocardial infarction. Treatment regimens may incorporate lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical procedures.

HEART FAILURE

This syndrome occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain the body's blood flow. Management strategies may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and lifestyle adjustments to improve quality of life.

1HOW CAN HEART FAILURE BE PREVENTED?
Your doctor will advise you to keep checking your blood pressure to prevent heart disease. He will also monitor your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. High triglyceride and cholesterol increase your likelihood of developing heart disease, particularly heart failure.
2What lifestyle changes can you make?
There is so much you can do to improve your heart health. This can be done by adopting a much healthier lifestyle. For example, you can lower your risk of heart failure by exercising, limiting the amount of salt in your diet and avoiding putting pressure on yourself. In other words, don't give in to stress!
3What are the signs of you experiencing heart failure?
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tiredness
  • Inconsistent heartbeat
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Swollen ankles, legs and feet
  • Bloating/abdominal swelling

Atrial Fibrillation

This arrhythmia can lead to poor blood flow and increases the risk of stroke. Internists often utilise anticoagulants and rate or rhythm control strategies to manage the condition effectively.

FAQ

1Can exercise cause further injury to damaged valves?
High-intensity exercises can exacerbate a heart condition by putting further stress on faulty valves. To prevent this, avoid intense, strenuous exercise or wear a heart rate monitor to remain in the safe zone.
2Is valvular heart disease congenital?
Congenital heart disease results in malformed heart valves due to depletion in leaflets. The valve most affected is the bicuspid aortic valve that is missing one leaflet. Other types of congenital heart disease include heart failure and transposition of the great arteries.
Cardiovascular diseases

"It all starts by caring enough to engage the patient in the decision-making. Many people argue that 'We don't have time for this in the consultation. I'd rather just tell people what I think is best for them, and then, they can decide whether they want it or not.' Well, that's not very caring. This might be efficient, but it does not reflect the best that we can offer.'"

Dr Victor Montori, on shared decision-making