Condition Guides

Clear explanations of common heart conditions, from hypertension to heart failure, written in plain language.

Heart health isn’t just about avoiding heart attacks — it’s about understanding how your heart works and recognizing when something isn’t right. Many heart conditions develop slowly and silently, but with the right knowledge, most can be prevented or effectively managed. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common heart conditions — from high blood pressure to heart failure — in plain language, so you can take control of your heart health with confidence.

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

What it is: High blood pressure means your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your arteries. Over time, this pressure damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Common signs:

• Often has no symptoms

• Sometimes causes headaches or dizziness

• Detected only through regular blood pressure checks

How to manage it:

• Reduce salt intake and processed foods

• Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes a day)

• Manage stress and sleep well

• Take prescribed medication if your doctor recommends it

2. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What it is: Coronary arteries supply blood to your heart muscle. When these arteries narrow due to cholesterol buildup (plaque), the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen.

Common signs:

• Chest pain or tightness (especially during exertion)

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

Prevention tips:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats)

• Quit smoking

• Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check

• Regular heart check-ups, especially if you have family history

3. Heart Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats)

What it is: Arrhythmia means your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some are harmless, while others can cause serious complications.

Warning signs:

• Palpitations or fluttering in the chest

• Dizziness or fainting

• Fatigue or shortness of breath

What to do: If you often feel your heart “skipping” beats or racing without reason, get a heart rhythm test (ECG or Holter monitoring). Treatment may include medication, a pacemaker, or lifestyle adjustments.

4. Heart Failure

What it is: Despite the name, “heart failure” doesn’t mean your heart has stopped — it means it can’t pump blood effectively. This leads to fluid buildup and fatigue.

Typical symptoms:

• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)

• Swelling in legs or ankles

• Constant tiredness

Management tips:

• Limit salt and fluid intake

• Take prescribed heart medications regularly

• Track your weight daily to notice fluid changes early

• Follow up regularly with your cardiologist

  
  

5. Valvular Heart Disease

What it is: Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. When a valve doesn’t open or close properly, it causes leakage or blockage.

Symptoms:

• Heart murmur (whooshing sound heard by doctor)

• Fatigue and breathlessness

• Chest pain or dizziness

Treatment: Mild cases may need monitoring and medicine; severe cases often require valve repair or replacement (surgery or minimally invasive procedure).

6. Stroke & Heart Connection

Why it matters: Heart and brain health are closely linked. Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and high blood pressure can increase stroke risk.

Prevention:

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control

• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol

• Manage AFib with medication and doctor’s advice