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
Published on 6th October 2025

Introduction

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet with early detection and healthy lifestyle choices, most cases can be prevented.

At Moolchand, among the best hospitals in India, our team of expert cardiologists 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 built around timely diagnosis, personalized treatment, and long-term prevention.

Causes of Heart Disease

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Persistent high pressure strains the heart and arteries. Patients often ask “blood pressure kyu badhta hai?”—the common causes include excessive salt intake, stress, obesity, inactivity, alcohol use, and genetics.

High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup and arterial narrowing. When people ask “cholesterol kaise kam kare?”, the answer lies in reducing saturated fats, increasing soluble fiber, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Diabetes: Accelerates atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack.

Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Damage the blood vessel lining and weaken heart muscle.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise diminishes cardiovascular strength.

Family History: Genetics can significantly increase the risk of developing heart disease.

Common Symptoms

• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness—especially during exertion

• Shortness of breath, even at rest in advanced disease

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat

• Unusual fatigue or weakness

• Swelling in the legs or ankles

If you notice high BP symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, or blurred vision—especially when accompanied by chest discomfort—seek evaluation promptly at a cardiology hospital near me.

Prevention Strategies

1. Eat heart-healthy: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins. Limit salt, sugar, trans fats, and processed foods.

2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.

3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol.

4. Manage stress and ensure good sleep.

5. Get regular check-ups: Monitor BP, cholesterol, and blood sugar; consult your cardiologist for guidance.

Diagnosis and Treatment Pathways at Moolchand

At a comprehensive heart hospital like Moolchand, diagnosis may include ECG, echocardiography, stress testing, coronary CT, or angiography. Treatments are tailored to each patient and can include:

• Heart block treatment: Medication, electrophysiology assessment, or pacemaker implantation.

• Heart attack management: Rapid angioplasty/stenting and aggressive risk-factor control.

• Heart surgery: Bypass, valve repair, or replacement when required.

Low vs. High Blood Pressure

Patients often ask, “What causes low blood pressure?” or “What causes high BP?”

• Low BP (hypotension) may result from dehydration, medication effects, hormonal imbalance, arrhythmia, infection, or bleeding. Symptoms include dizziness and fainting.

• High BP (hypertension) can be silent—regular screening is essential to prevent damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys.

Quick FAQs Patients Ask

Heart kis side hota hai? Slightly left of center behind the breastbone, apex pointing left.
Blood pressure kyu badhta hai? Due to salt, stress, excess weight, alcohol, inactivity, or kidney/hormonal disorders.
Cholesterol kaise kam kare? Through diet, exercise, weight control, and medications when prescribed.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Call emergency services if you experience:

• Chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes

• Sudden severe breathlessness

• Fainting or collapse

• New weakness or numbness in limbs

• 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 procedures

• Integrated rehab, nutrition, and follow-up programs

• A culture rooted in integrity, affordable excellence, and compassionate care

Conclusion

Heart disease is largely preventable with awareness and proactive health management. Whether you require heart block treatment, angioplasty, bypass surgery, or simply want preventive screening, the Medanta Moolchand Heart Centre provides comprehensive, patient-centric cardiology care.

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