5 Common Heart Conditions

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and Malaysia is no exception. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and stress have contributed significantly to the rise in heart-related ailments among Malaysians.

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease, or CAD, occurs when the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. CAD is one of the most prevalent heart conditions in Malaysia and can lead to severe complications like heart attacks.

A. Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure or chest discomfort 
• Shortness of breath
• Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea

B. Causes and Risk Factors

1. High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
2. Hypertension: High blood pressure damages artery walls, preventing blood flow to the heart muscle.
3. Obesity and poor lifestyle choices: A diet high in trans fats, lack of exercise, and smoking increase the likelihood of CAD.

C. Treatment Options Available

1. Medications: Drugs such as antiplatelets, beta-blockers, or statins are prescribed to manage symptoms, prevent blood clots, and lower cholesterol levels.
2. Surgery:
   • Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive procedure to open blocked arteries using a balloon and place a stent to keep the artery open.
   • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical approach to bypass blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. 
3. Lifestyle changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and quitting smoking to improve overall cardiovascular health.

2. Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a term used to describe an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. While an arrhythmia can occasionally be so brief as to hardly alter the heart's rhythm at all, it could also result in severe disruptions in certain cases. 

A. Types of Arrhythmias

1. Atrial fibrillation (AFib): Commonly referred to as AFib or AF, this type of arrhythmia is characterised by an irregular or quivering heartbeat. This condition can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
2. Bradycardia: This condition occurs when the heart beats slower than usual, which can cause dizziness and fatigue.
3. Tachycardia: The normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia occurs when the heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute while at rest.

B. Symptoms and Signs

• Palpitations: A fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Inadequate blood flow can cause lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Chest discomfort: Some patients experience mild chest pain or tightness during episodes of arrhythmia.

C. Medical Treatment Options

The treatment for arrhythmias depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause, with the primary goals being to regulate the heart rate, restore normal rhythm, and prevent complications.

1. Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anticoagulants, may be prescribed depending on the cause to manage symptoms, regulate heart rhythm, or reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
2. Non-surgical interventions: Electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation, can reset or correct abnormal electrical pathways in the heart.
3. Pacemaker implantation: For severe cases, a pacemaker may be implanted to regulate the heartbeat.
4. Lifestyle modifications: Avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, or stress, while maintaining a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. 

3. Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient blood and oxygen to meet the body’s needs, causing it to struggle with its workload. Initially, the heart compensates by enlarging, developing more muscle mass, and pumping faster to maintain blood flow. Additionally, the body narrows blood vessels and retains more salt and water to increase blood volume and pressure. While these mechanisms temporarily mask the issue, they ultimately strain the heart further, leading to worsening symptoms such as fatigue and breathing difficulties.

Heart failure can affect the left, right, or both sides of the heart, with the left side typically being impacted first. Regular checkups are crucial, as many individuals may remain unaware of their condition for years due to the body’s compensatory processes. 

4.Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it rarely shows symptoms until complications arise. In Malaysia, hypertension is on the rise, with lifestyle factors like stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise contributing to its prevalence. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure, making routine blood pressure monitoring essential.

5.Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are structural problems arising from abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels. These defects can affect the heart's walls, valves, or blood vessels, leading to disrupted blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Common types of congenital heart defects include:

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall separating the heart's upper chambers (atria), allowing oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood.
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall between the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), causing oxygen-rich blood to mix with oxygen-poor blood.
• Coarctation of the Aorta: A narrowing of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body, forcing the heart to pump harder to move blood through the narrowed area.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: A combination of four heart defects that result in oxygen-poor blood flowing out of the heart and into the rest of the body.
• Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect (CAVC): A large hole in the centre of the heart affecting all four chambers where they would normally be divided, leading to significant mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.
• Single Ventricle Defects: Conditions where one of the heart's ventricles is underdeveloped, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

These defects can vary in severity and may require medical or surgical interventions to improve heart function and oxygen delivery. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing congenital heart defects and enhancing quality of life.

FAQs

1. What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehab is a supervised program that helps individuals recover from heart issues through exercise, education, and lifestyle counselling.

2. How often should I visit a cardiologist for screening?

For individuals over 40 or with a family history of heart disease, annual screenings are recommended. Those with risk factors like hypertension or diabetes may need more frequent visits.

Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Your heart check-up results provide critical insights into your cardiovascular health, helping you make informed decisions about your well-being. 

If you have questions about heart health, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. The team of heart specialists are here to offer professional advice and guide you toward better cardiovascular well-being. To schedule a health screening or consultation, please contact the health screening centre at the Gleneagles Hospitals nearest to you.