Cardiovascular Conditions
At CardioFacts, we are committed to providing accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand information about the most common cardiovascular conditions. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply looking to understand more about heart health, this section will guide you through the essentials.
Common Heart Conditions
๐น Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Often called the โsilent killer,โ high blood pressure can cause long-term damage to the heart, arteries, and kidneys if left untreated.
- Symptoms: Often none; sometimes headaches or dizziness.
- Diagnosis: Routine blood pressure checks.
- Treatment: Lifestyle changes, medications, regular monitoring.
๐น Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue.
- Diagnosis: ECG, stress testing, coronary angiography.
- Treatment: Lifestyle modification, medications, stenting, or bypass surgery.
๐น Heart Failure
A condition where the heart can’t pump blood effectively, leading to fatigue, swelling, and breathlessness.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, swollen legs, rapid weight gain.
- Diagnosis: Echocardiogram, BNP blood tests.
- Treatment: Medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), diuretics, device therapy.
๐น Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
A common arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke and heart failure.
- Symptoms: Palpitations, irregular heartbeat, weakness.
- Diagnosis: ECG or Holter monitor.
- Treatment: Rate/rhythm control medications, anticoagulants, ablation.
๐น Valve Diseases (Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid)
Malfunction of one or more heart valves may cause blood to leak backward or flow incorrectly.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, murmur, swelling, breathlessness.
- Diagnosis: Echocardiogram.
- Treatment: Monitoring, medications, surgical or percutaneous repair/replacement.
Stay Informed
We regularly update this section with new topics and evidence-based recommendations. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your cardiovascular health.
๐ Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a cardiologist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.