Type of heart disease and how to avoid it - Dr. Ranjit Jagtap Daughter, Cardiothoracic surgeon, Pune

 

Heart disease is a major health concern all around the world. It is a term that is used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, and heart failure. Heart disease can be caused by a range of factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

There are several types of heart disease, each with its own set of symptoms, causes, and treatment options. In this article, Dr. Ranjit Jagtap clinic shared the most common types of heart disease and provided tips on how to avoid them.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked. This is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances. Over time, this buildup can cause the arteries to become narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart.

Symptoms of CAD include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment for CAD may include lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and taking medication to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly or too fast or too slow. This can be caused by a range of factors, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart valve disease. In some cases, arrhythmia may not cause any symptoms, while in others, it can lead to dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.

Treatment for arrhythmia may include medication, lifestyle changes, or procedures such as catheter ablation or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart's valves don't function properly. This can cause blood to flow in the wrong direction or not flow as efficiently as it should. The most common types of heart valve disease are aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.

Symptoms of heart valve disease may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. Treatment for heart valve disease may include medication or surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body. This can be caused by a range of factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and heart valve disease. Symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.

Treatment for heart failure may include medication, lifestyle changes, or procedures such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

How to Avoid Heart Disease

According to Dr. Ranjit Jagtap Daughter, Aditi Jagtap while some risk factors for heart disease, such as age and family history, are beyond our control, there are several steps we can take to reduce our risk of developing heart disease.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things we can do to reduce our risk of heart disease. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while limiting our intake of saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is another important way to reduce our risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for heart disease. By maintaining a healthy weight, we can reduce our risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.

4. Manage Stress

Stress can contribute to the development of heart disease. To manage stress, try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones can also help reduce stress levels.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. By quitting smoking, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. It may be helpful to seek support from a healthcare provider or smoking cessation program.

6. Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease. By managing these conditions through regular check-ups, medication, and lifestyle changes, we can reduce our risk of heart disease.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health, including heart health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep routine to promote better sleep quality.

In conclusion, heart disease is a major health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. While some risk factors are beyond our control, such as age and family history, there are several steps we can take to reduce our risk of developing heart disease. By maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, quitting smoking, managing chronic conditions, and getting enough sleep, we can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease and improve our overall health and wellbeing. It is important to work with healthcare providers to develop a personalized plan for reducing the risk of heart disease.

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