Heart diseases and management

What are the different types of heart disease?

Heart disease encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular problems. Several diseases and conditions fall under the umbrella of heart disease. Types of heart disease include: (1)

• Arrhythmia.  heart rhythm abnormality.
• Atherosclerosis.  hardening of the arteries.
• Cardiomyopathy.  heart’s muscles to harden or grow weak.
• Congenital heart defects
• Coronary artery disease (CAD).  buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries.
• Heart infections. 

 

Types of Cardiac Disease (2)

Cardiovascular diseases

The term cardiovascular disease may be used to refer to heart conditions that specifically affect the blood vessels. (1)

Most common conditions that cause cardiovascular diseases are:

1.      High blood pressure

2.      Diabetes

3.      Increased fats (lipids) in blood

4.      Hyperhomocysteinemia

The most common type of cardiovascular disease is atherosclerosis.

Coronary heart disease

arteries supplying the heart muscles are clogged by atheromatous plaques.

Congenital heart disease

1.      Atrial septal defects (ASD): A hole in the septa (membrane) dividing the atria (the upper chambers of the heart

2.      Ventricular septal defects (VSD): A hole in the membrane dividing the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart)

Valvular heart disease:

Any disease that affects the valves of the heart

Common terms for valvular defects seen are:

1.      Stenosis: or narrowing of the lumen

2.      Atresia:  the valves do not develop correctly.

3.      Regurgitation: here the valves do not close properly.

The most common valvular defect encountered is pulmonary valve stenosis.

Complex congenital heart defect:

1.      'The Fallot's tetralogy'. This defect has a combination of the following:
 A large VSD and Right ventricular

2.      Overriding of the Aorta - In the Fallot's tetralogy, the aorta is placed above the left as well as the right ventricle as opposed to normal.

3.      Pulmonary valve stenosis - this occasionally causes the presence of a murmur.

Cardiomyopathy:

Cardiomyopathy means any disease of the heart muscles themselves.

Hypertensive (high blood pressure) cardiomyopathy

·         Coronary heart disease

·         Left ventricular hypertrophy

·         Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

·         Congestive heart failure 

·         Hypertensive cardiomyopathy

Inflammatory heart disease

Inflammation of the heart and the tissues surrounding it.

Treatment of heart disease   

The type of treatment you receive depends on the type of heart disease you have. In general, treatment for heart disease usually includes: (3)

·         Lifestyle changes.  by eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.

·         Medications.  The type of medication you receive will depend on the type of heart disease.

·         Medical procedures or surgery.  The type of procedure or surgery will depend on the type of heart disease and the extent of the damage to your heart. (3)

 

Lifestyle and home remedies      (3)

Heart disease can be improved — or even prevented — by making certain lifestyle changes. The following changes can help anyone who wants to improve heart health:

·         Stop smoking. (3)

Tips to help you be smoke-free (4)

·         Keep trying 

·         Reach out for support 

·         Quit for loved ones 

·         Do it now  

 

·         Control your blood pressure.  Optimal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, as measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). (3)

Managing blood pressure (5)

·         Reduce salt intake

·         DASH diet-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruit, low fat dairy foods, nuts and wholegrains and low in sodium

·         Limit alcohol intake

 

·         Check your cholesterol. (3)

   Cholesterol test when in 20s and then at least every five years.

o    a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level below 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL),

o    If risk factors for heart disease present, LDL level below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L).

o    If very high risk of heart disease present —LDL level below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L).

 

Managing cholesterol (5)

·         Eat less saturated fat. Eat less saturated fat. Saturated and trans fats can be found in foods like pizza, cakes, biscuits, pastries and deep-fried foods. 

·         Include small amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats- by including nuts, seeds, oils and margarines , Fish, and other sources of omega-3 fats

·         Include fibre-rich foods-include rolled oats, muesli, oat bran, rice bran, barley, legumes, fruit and vegetables

·         Include plant-sterols-include spreads (eg Pro-active, HeartPlus) and milk (eg HeartActive)

·         Include a small handful of nuts each day

·         weight management (5)

·         Vitamin E administration of 200-400 IU can decrease the level of LDL. (6)

·         Keep diabetes under control.  tight blood sugar control

·         Exercise.  Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

The best kinds of exercise are those that use your whole body, like: (7)

·         cycling

·         jogging

·         walking

·         swimming

·         Eat healthy foods. A heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar — can help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Tips for eating a heart healthy diet (4)

·         Eat more fruit and vegetables 

·         Swap to wholegrain 

·         Wholegrain cereals include more of the natural grain. This means they have more nutrients like dietary fibre, B vitamins, vitamin E, and healthy fats. 

·         Make healthy fat choices 

·         The best fats to include in your diet are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (omega-3 and omega-6) fats. You can find these healthier fats in avocados, nuts, fish and sunflower seeds. 

·         Use herbs and spices instead of salt 

 

·         Find out more about heart healthy eating patterns (4)

 

·         Maintain a healthy weight. . A body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 and a waist circumference of 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) or less is the goal for preventing and treating heart disease.

·         Manage stress.  Practice techniques for managing stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing.

·         Get treatment for depression. 

·         Practice good hygiene. Regularly wash hands and brush and floss  teeth

·         Managing weight & Regular physical activity (5)

·         Managing depression (5)

·         Managing diabetes (5)

-Have regular checks of your cholesterol, blood pressure and HbA1c and waist measurements.

 

Medications (5)

General allopathic medicines are-

·         Aspirin

·         Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

·         Other medications with doctor’s advice such as 'statins'

 

Homoeopathic medication according to symptomatic evaluation. 

 

Referrals (5)

·         Cardiologists to test and monitor your heart

·         Dietitians to help with weight management and healthy eating

·         Psychologists if you have feelings of depression or aloneness

·         Exercise physiologists to help with identifying the right physical activity for your age, stage and lifestyle

·         Naturopaths for advice about supplements and vitamins that might help you

Regular medical checkups. Early detection and treatment can set the stage for a lifetime of better heart health.

A Heart Health Check involves 3 key steps (4)

1. Talk to your doctor 

2. Learn about your risk 

3. Manage your risk 

 

Coping and support (3)

Here are some ways to help cope with heart disease or improve your condition:

·         Cardiac rehabilitation Cardiac rehabilitation involves levels of monitored exercise, nutritional counseling, emotional support, and support and education about lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart problems.

·         Support groups.  Friends and family, doctor etc.

·         Continued medical checkups. If recurring or long-term (chronic) heart condition.

 

Preparing for your appointment (3)

What can be done      (3)

·         Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. You may need to avoid eating or drinking (fast) before a cholesterol test, for example.

·         Write down symptoms you're experiencing, including any that seem unrelated to heart disease.

·         Write down key personal information — including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes — and major stresses or recent life changes.

·         Make a list of medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.

·         Take someone along, if possible. Someone who goes with you can help you remember information you're given.

·         Be prepared to discuss your diet and your smoking and exercise habits. If you don't already follow a diet or exercise routine, talk to your doctor about getting started.

·         Write down questions to ask your doctor.     (3)                    

Tips for being more active (4)

Doing regular physical activity reduces your risk of having a heart attack or developing heart disease.

·         Move more 

·         Any physical activity is better than none. 

·         Set realistic goals 

Start with small, realistic goals and work your way up to the recommended 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) on most days of the week. 

·         Choose activities you enjoy 

·         When you enjoy being active, you’re more likely to do
it more often. 

·         Get social, Stay motivated by doing physical activity together with a group of friends or family, or even with your dog. 

Sit less, Adults who sit less throughout the day have a lower risk of early death, particularly from heart disease. (4)

References: 1. Healthline.com, Everything You Need to Know About Heart Disease, https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease 2. Life Force Homeopathy, https://www.askdrshah.com/cardiac-disease.aspx 3. Mayo Clinic, Heart disease, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353124 4. Heart foundation, Keeping your heart healthy, https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/keeping-your-heart-healthy Dr. Kazy Habib BHMS, MPH General Homoeopathic Physician Contact: 8801738618894 (call, Whats app, Imo) Kazy Homoeopathic Treatment & Private Research Center