Heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. With lifestyle factors and genetics playing significant roles, it’s crucial to understand heart disease, its risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The most common types include coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attacks, and heart failure. In CAD, the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart disease symptoms can vary based on the specific condition but generally include:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest. This may radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or while lying down.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness, even without exertion.
- Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats that may feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest.
- Swelling: Accumulation of fluid in the legs, ankles, or abdomen.
If you experience these symptoms, particularly if they are sudden or severe, seek medical attention immediately.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Several factors can increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:
- High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, leading to blockages.
- Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can contribute to the development of heart disease.
- Obesity: Excess weight can strain the heart and lead to conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to many heart disease risk factors.
- Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can adversely affect heart health.
Preventing Heart Disease
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and sustain a healthy body weight through balanced diet and physical activity.
- Avoid Tobacco: Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Regular Health Check-Ups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels regularly.
Treatment of Heart Disease
Treatment options for heart disease depend on the specific condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or medical procedures. Common treatments involve:
- Medications: To manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or blood clots.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation.
- Medical Procedures: In some cases, procedures like angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary.
For more detailed information on heart disease and personalized advice, consult with Igaku. Our experts can offer tailored guidance and help manage your heart health through in-person consultations at our clinics or teleconsultations via WhatsApp.
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