Best Cardiac Hospital in Mumbai

Best Cardiac Hospital in Mumbai

Do You Know? Early Signs of Heart Disease and Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), remains the leading cause of death globally. It is also India’s top killer, with one-third of all deaths linked to heart disease, including heart attacks, which now strike young people at an alarming rate. Unhealthy lifestyle choices are the main drivers of this leading health threat. Choosing healthy habits, recognising the warning signs, and acting on them promptly can help prevent heart disease or further complications. If you’re concerned about your cardiovascular health, book an appointment with one of our heart specialists at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, to address your concerns and take the next steps. Our world-renowned experts offer comprehensive care, including cardiac screening, preventive guidance, risk assessments, and leading-edge treatment tailored to your unique needs.

This article explores the early signs that you might have a heart problem and why you shouldn’t ignore them. It also provides expert recommendations on how you can protect your heart and stay healthy.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect your heart or blood vessels – such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart attack, and congenital heart disease. Your heart works nonstop day in and day out to keep you alive and happy, pumping oxygen-rich blood and delivering nutrients throughout your body. But would you know instantly if something isn’t right with your heart health? 

Sadly, heart disease does not always come with obvious warning signs, such as chest discomfort or pain. Sometimes, the first sign of a heart problem could come as a heart attack. Many people with heart disease are unable to recognize the early signs, which are often mistaken for something else. The fact is, heart disease can occur in different ways, making it difficult to spot the signs early when the condition can be treated effectively. 

So, How Can You Recognize the Early Signs and Symptoms of Heart disease? 

Heart disease can cause different symptoms, depending on the type of cardiovascular disease you have. It’s worth noting that some signs of a heart problem don’t even happen in the chest, which is why they are often overlooked until a serious heart event occurs. Heart disease symptoms may include:

• Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure
• Tightness in the chest
• Pain that spreads to your jaw, neck, arms, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations – pounding or racing heartbeat
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Extreme fatigue
• Fainting
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Leg pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breaking out in a cold sweat

You may or may not have these symptoms in the early stages of heart disease. But you can take charge of your heart health by having regular checkups, especially if you have a risk factor, and making simple lifestyle changes without waiting for the symptoms to appear - when the disease may have progressed to a more advanced stage. If you think you may have heart disease symptoms or even if you’re not sure, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a doctor and get it checked out. 

Heart disease, if found early, is easier to treat. Left untreated, heart disease can lead to various complications, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest. 

When to call the Doctor ?

You should consult a doctor if you have any symptoms of a heart problem. Call your local medical emergency services if you suddenly have these symptoms:

• Pain, discomfort, pressure, or heaviness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting

What can you do to keep your Heart Healthy?

Whether you’re at risk for heart disease or not, it’s important to take steps that can help support your heart health and manage any other conditions you may have. Here are a few tips to help you protect your heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet – make sure to include a variety of ample amounts of vegetables and fruits in your diet. A heart-friendly meal plan should also include adequate amounts of whole grains, beans, legumes, lean meats and fish. Choose low-fat dairy foods and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado to maintain heart health. Cut down on salt and added sugars. Limit intake of red meats, animal fats, and highly processed foods.
• Limit alcohol – take alcohol in moderation, if you drink.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco – if you smoke, get support to quit. Also, stay away from secondhand smoke, which increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Exercise – generally, one should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Regular exercise not only lowers your risk of heart disease but also helps control weight and other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol – all of which contribute to CVD.
• Watch your weight – carrying extra weight puts you at a higher risk of heart disease and its risk factors - high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. A body mass index (BMI) of 25 and above indicates overweight. For adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal.
• Control stress – a little stress can be beneficial, but when it’s excessive and prolonged, it becomes problematic. Chronic stress can affect your body in many ways. It can raise your heart rate and blood pressure as well as interfere with your sleep and eating habits, like making you to overeat, especially comfort foods. Managing stress through healthy tactics – such as yoga, meditation, physical activity, and relaxation or breathing exercises – is essential to safeguard your heart health.
• Have regular health checkups – it’s important to schedule an annual health checkup or exam to maintain optimal health and spot diseases or risk factors early, when it’s easier to treat. These may involve a range of tests, including a blood pressure check, blood sugar and cholesterol screening, type 2 diabetes screening, and electrocardiogram (ECG) test to check the heart’s electrical activity. Regular screening tests play a critical role in preventing heart disease.
• Manage pre-existing conditions – if you have diabetes or any other conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medicines alongside lifestyle changes. Make sure that you take your medicines as directed and follow a healthy lifestyle. Work with your doctor or care team closely and discuss your treatment plan regularly so that your condition is effectively managed.
• Get enough good sleep – getting quality sleep isn’t just crucial for your heart health, it’s important for your energy levels and overall health and well-being, too. Poor or insufficient sleep increases your risk for various conditions, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, asthma, depression, and a heart attack. Most adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep daily.

Takeaway

Worldwide, heart disease claims more than 20 million lives every year, as per the data from the World Heart Federation. Making healthier lifestyle choices and controlling any other medical conditions you may have can help prevent or reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, being aware of the symptoms and risk factors, and seeking timely medical attention in case of experiencing any potential signs of heart disease can help prevent or avoid the disease from worsening.