Heart Disease

Diagnosis

Diagnosing heart disease begins with a physical examination and a discussion of your medical history. A healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history of heart conditions. Listening to your heart and checking your pulse and blood pressure are also part of the initial evaluation.

To confirm a diagnosis and identify the cause or extent of heart disease, several tests may be recommended.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Blood tests: These check for markers of heart damage such as cardiac enzymes that leak into the bloodstream after a heart attack. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures inflammation in the arteries. Other tests may check cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels to assess overall heart health.

• Chest X-ray: Shows the size and shape of the heart and detects fluid buildup in the lungs, which can indicate heart failure.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A simple and quick test that records the heart’s electrical activity to identify irregular rhythms or previous heart attacks.

• Holter monitoring: A portable ECG worn for 24 hours or more that tracks heart activity during daily routines to detect irregular heartbeats.

• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound waves to produce detailed moving images of the heart, showing how well it pumps blood and whether the valves are functioning properly.

• Exercise or stress tests: Measure how the heart responds to physical exertion on a treadmill or stationary bike. If you can’t exercise, medications may be used to simulate exercise effects on the heart.

• Cardiac catheterization: Involves inserting a thin tube through a blood vessel to the heart. A special dye is injected to reveal blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries on X-ray images.

• Heart CT scan: Uses X-rays to capture detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and chest, showing calcium deposits or blockages in the arteries.

• Heart MRI scan: Produces high-resolution images of the heart using magnetic fields and radio waves to assess structure, tissue damage, and blood flow.

Treatment

Treatment for heart disease varies depending on its type, severity, and underlying cause. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, improve heart function, and prevent complications such as heart attack or stroke.

Typical treatment strategies include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical procedures.

Lifestyle changes

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential for managing heart disease. This may include:

• Eating a diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol

• Exercising regularly under medical guidance

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake

• Managing stress through relaxation or counseling

Medications

Different medications may be prescribed depending on your diagnosis and symptoms. These can include:

• Blood pressure medications to reduce strain on the heart

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins

• Blood thinners to prevent clots

• Beta blockers or ACE inhibitors to support heart function and control heart rate

• Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in cases of heart failure

Surgery or Other Procedures

In more serious cases, heart disease may require interventional procedures or surgery to restore proper blood flow or repair heart damage. Options may include:

• Angioplasty and stenting: To open blocked arteries and restore normal circulation

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): To reroute blood around blocked arteries

• Valve repair or replacement: For damaged or diseased heart valves

• Implantable devices: Such as pacemakers or defibrillators to manage irregular heart rhythms

Effective heart disease management combines medical care, healthy habits, and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can greatly improve long-term heart health and quality of life.