Topics
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and Malaysia is no exception. Contributing factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, smoking, and stress have significantly increased the prevalence of heart-related ailments among Malaysians. Understanding common heart conditions is essential for early detection, effective treatment, and prevention.
1. What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary Artery Disease occurs when the coronary arteries, responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This is one of the most common heart conditions in Malaysia and can result in severe complications such as heart attacks.
Symptoms of CAD
- Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, numbness, or coldness in the limbs due to narrowed blood vessels
- Discomfort in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back
- Sweating, dizziness, and nausea
Causes and Risk Factors
- High cholesterol: Elevated LDL cholesterol levels lead to plaque accumulation in arteries.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure damages artery walls, impeding blood flow to the heart.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: Diets high in trans fats, lack of physical activity, and smoking increase the risk of CAD.
Treatment Options
- Medications: Drugs such as antiplatelets, beta-blockers, and statins manage symptoms, reduce cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
- Surgical procedures:
- Angioplasty and stenting: A minimally invasive method to open blocked arteries and maintain blood flow.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Surgery to bypass blocked arteries and restore blood flow.
- Lifestyle changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and quitting smoking.
2. What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia refers to an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. While some episodes are brief and cause minimal disruption, others can significantly affect heart function.
Types of Arrhythmias
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): An irregular, quivering heartbeat that raises the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
- Bradycardia: A slower-than-normal heartbeat, often causing dizziness and fatigue.
- Tachycardia: A resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.
Symptoms
- Fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mild chest discomfort
Treatment Options
- Medications: Antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anticoagulants to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Non-surgical interventions: Electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation to reset or correct electrical pathways.
- Pacemaker implantation: For severe cases to regulate the heartbeat.
- Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and stress, alongside a heart-healthy lifestyle.
3. What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood and oxygen to meet the body’s needs. Over time, the heart compensates by enlarging, increasing muscle mass, and pumping faster. However, these mechanisms can worsen symptoms, such as fatigue and breathing difficulties.
Heart failure can affect the left, right, or both sides of the heart, with the left side often being impacted first. Regular medical checkups are crucial, as many individuals remain unaware of their condition for years due to the body’s compensatory responses.
4. Why is Hypertension a Silent Killer?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often goes unnoticed until complications arise. It is a growing concern in Malaysia, with stress, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise being key contributors. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Routine blood pressure monitoring is essential for early detection and management.
5. What Are Congenital Heart Defects?
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities present at birth, affecting the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels. These conditions can disrupt blood flow and oxygen delivery, ranging from mild to severe.
Common Types of Congenital Heart Defects
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall separating the upper heart chambers.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole between the lower heart chambers.
- Coarctation of the Aorta: Narrowing of the aorta, forcing the heart to work harder.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A combination of four defects causing oxygen-poor blood to flow to the body.
- Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect (CAVC): A large hole affecting all four chambers, leading to significant mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood.
- Single Ventricle Defects: Conditions where one ventricle is underdeveloped, impairing blood circulation.
Treatment
Management of congenital heart defects often involves medications, surgical interventions, or both, depending on the severity. Early detection and timely treatment improve outcomes and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions Heart Conditions
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised programme designed to help individuals recover from heart conditions through exercise, education, and lifestyle counselling.
How often should I visit a cardiologist?
For those aged 40 or above or with a family history of heart disease, annual screenings are recommended. Individuals with risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes may require more frequent checkups.
Book an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
Regular heart check-ups are vital for understanding and improving your cardiovascular health. At Pantai Hospitals, our team of heart specialists is dedicated to providing expert advice and personalised care. Visit our website to book an appointment or download the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
