Causes and risk factors:
The major structures pertaining to the heart are its four chambers(right ventricle, left ventricle, right atrium, left atrium); the four valves (tricuspid, aortic, mitral, and pulmonary); the impure blood carrying vessels (pulmonary veins); the purified blood supplying vessels of the heart (coronary artery) along with the electrical conducting system of the heart. Any abnormality, either structural or functional, can lead to a heart disease. Coronary artery diseases, cardiomyopathies, valvular heart diseases, etc., are a few diseases constituted under these categories. The vast researches and investigations carried out in the past and present have put forth certain risk factors which possess a high chance for an individual to develop a heart disease which are smoking, excessive alcohol intake, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Sedentary lifestyle, high levels of stress, intake of fatty food, obesity, as well as radiation therapy used for treatment for various cancers of the thoracic region are the major lifestyle and sickness factors contributing towards development of heart diseases. Study of family history has also revealed that certain heart diseases can occur hereditarily. As the age advances and the body undergoes certain physiological changes, it is bound that the same applies to the heart and hence certain diseases of the heart are also seen as the age increases. Certain heart diseases are congenital, i.e., the newborn child is born with a defect in the heart. Even after conducting vast studies, the reason still remains unknown for this. Genetic factors seem to play an initial role in this.
Clinical presentations:
As the pathology in a variety of heart disease varies, so is the presentation. An individual can come up with a variety of complaints, some directly pointing towards the heart pathology while others indicating its association. However, there exists some warning signs and symptoms which can help one to obtain a clue regarding the dysfunction of the heart. Pain in chest, difficulty in breathing, experiencing breathlessness on walking, running, or climbing stairs and awareness of one’s pulse (palpitation) along with discomfort are a few commonly seen complaints of heart diseases. Pain in heart can often be misunderstood as indigestion or acidity as it can also lead to burning sensation in the chest. Pain radiating to the shoulder, back, jaw, or arms, especially to the left must be brought to the notice of the doctor as early as possible. Weakness, dizziness, swelling of ankles, bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes are other associated symptoms with which the patient can present. Self-negligence, negligence in initiation of treatment or advanced pathology can land the patient up with complications like heart failure, stroke, and heart attack, or the worst, even death.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Symptoms narrated by the patient or attendant along with examination carried out by the doctor will help in confirming the diagnosis. Head to toe examination along with monitoring of the vital parameter of the patient is done. Reviewing the medical history is necessary. ECG, stress test, color Doppler test, and 2D echo are the investigations which can be done on an immediate basis. Imaging tests like non-invasive CT angiography and radioisotope intake and invasive investigations like cardiac catheterization (angiography) can be suggested depending upon the symptomatology. Along with this, routine blood test, specialized cardiac markers in blood, urine test, blood sugar levels, lipid profile, and renal and liver function profile are also routinely advised.
Treatment:
As the diseases are, so is its treatment. As per the pathology and the vital conditions of the patient, the treatment is planned. Some conditions like heart attack is a medical emergency and may need hospitalization and close monitoring. While in others, oral medications are started. The medications can range from anti-clotting medications, beta blocker, or ACE inhibitors. In case of heart attack, aspirin is the drug of choice. Wherever necessary, surgical intervention is done. It comprises of implantation of stents, bypass surgery, or valvular repair, and a few others. Mandatory changes in the lifestyle in a person with diseased heart is a must. Smoking, tobacco, and alcohol intake should be avoided. Changes in the diet are essential. It is a must to adopt a well-balanced and nutritious diet intake. High cholesterol and fatty foods should be avoided. In case of obesity, weight reduction is necessary. Regular exercises must be done. Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery which comprises of exercise training, education, and counseling is advised to the patient. In today’s stress filled era, relaxation therapy for managing stress has become a crucial measure which one needs to adopt.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
