Understanding Heart Disease Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Understanding Heart Disease—Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

By Dr. (Prof.) Tarun Kumar, Senior Director – Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre, Cardiology

Introduction

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet with early detection and lifestyle changes, much of it is preventable. At Moolchand, among the best hospitals in India, our cardiologist team combines compassionate care with cutting-edge technology to deliver outcomes that matter. If you’re searching for a heart specialist near me or a cardiology hospital near me, the Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre in Delhi is designed around timely diagnosis, individualized treatment, and long-term prevention.

Causes of Heart Disease

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Persistently elevated pressure strains the heart and arteries. People often ask “blood pressure kyu badhta hai?”—common drivers include excess salt, stress, obesity, inactivity, alcohol, and genetics.

• High Cholesterol: Promotes plaque buildup and arterial narrowing. Patients frequently ask “cholesterol kaise kam kare?”—answer: reduce saturated/trans fats, increase soluble fiber, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and take prescribed statins if indicated.

• Diabetes: Accelerates atherosclerosis and raises heart attack causes risk.

• Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Damage vessel lining and heart muscle.

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Inactivity weakens the cardiovascular system.

• Family History: Genetics can significantly increase risk.

Common Symptoms

• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort (especially with exertion)

• Shortness of breath (even at rest in advanced disease)

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat

• Unusual fatigue and weakness

• Swelling in legs or ankles

If you notice high BP symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, or blurred vision—especially alongside chest discomfort—seek evaluation promptly.

Prevention Strategies

• Eat heart-healthy: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and lean proteins; limit salt, sugar, trans fats, and processed foods.

• Exercise regularly: Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity plus strength training.

• Avoid smoking; limit alcohol.

• Manage stress and sleep well.

• Regular check-ups: Periodic risk assessment, BP/cholesterol/diabetes screening, and guidance from a cardiologist or heart hospital near me.

Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways

At a comprehensive heart hospital like Moolchand, evaluation may include ECG, echocardiography, stress testing, coronary CT, and angiography when needed. Treatments range from medications and lifestyle therapy to advanced interventions:

• Heart block treatment: May require medications, electrophysiology assessment, or a pacemaker.

• Heart attack causes addressed with rapid reperfusion (angioplasty/stent) and aggressive risk-factor control.

• Heart surgery: For select patients (e.g., bypass, valve repair/replacement) when anatomy or disease severity demands it.

Low vs. High Blood Pressure

Patients often ask what causes low blood pressure (hypotension). Common reasons include dehydration, medication side effects, hormonal issues, arrhythmias, infection, or bleeding. Symptoms—dizziness, fainting, blurred vision—warrant medical review. Conversely, high BP symptoms may be subtle; routine screening is essential.

Quick FAQs Patients Ask

• Heart kis side hota hai? The heart lies slightly left of center behind the breastbone, with its apex pointing to the left.

• Blood pressure kyu badhta hai? Salt, stress, excess weight, alcohol, inactivity, genetics, kidney and hormonal disorders can all raise BP.

• Cholesterol kaise kam kare? Diet (low saturated/trans fat), weight loss, exercise, soluble fiber, smoking cessation, and medications when prescribed.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Call emergency services if you have chest pain lasting >10 minutes, severe breathlessness, sudden fainting, new weakness/numbness, or a fast/irregular heartbeat with dizziness. Early action saves heart muscle and lives.

Why Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre

Our Delhi centre offers:

• Senior cardiologists and cardiothoracic experts

• 24×7 emergency and cath-lab services

• Advanced imaging and minimally invasive therapies

• Integrated rehab, nutrition, and long-term follow-up

• A culture of integrity, affordable excellence, and compassionate care

Conclusion

Heart disease is often preventable with the right lifestyle choices and timely medical attention. Whether you need routine prevention, heart block treatment, complex heart surgery, or urgent care for heart attack causes, the Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre provides comprehensive, patient-centric cardiology. Your heart health is our purpose—and our promise.