Common Cardiac Conditions

Learn more about common cardiac conditions on this page

  • What is it

    A narrowing of the heart arteries due to a build up of cholesterol (atherosclerosis)

    Symptoms

    • Chest pain (angina), often with exertion

    • Breathlessness with exercise

    Investigations

    This can be diagnosed with CT scans or exercise stress tests

    Treatment

    • Lifestyle changes (stop smoking, healthy diet, exercise)

    • Medications to lower cholesterol and control blood pressure

    • Stents or bypass surgery if blockages are severe

    For more information: click here.

    For a video on coronary angiography and stents: click here.

  • What is it

    A narrowing of the aortic valve, making it harder for blood to leave the heart

    Symptoms

    • Chest pain

    • Breathlessness

    • Fainting

    Treatment

    • Regular heart ultrasounds (echo) to monitor severity

    • Valve replacement through surgery or TAVI (a less invasive procedure)

    For more information, click here.

    For a video on TAVI, click here.

  • What is it
    Heart failure means the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should. This doesn’t mean the heart has “stopped” but rather that it is weaker or stiffer

    Common symptoms

    • Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat or with activity

    • Swelling in the legs, ankles, or stomach

    • Feeling unusually tired

    Treatment

    • Medications to help the heart pump more effectively and reduce fluid

    • Lifestyle changes (low-salt diet, regular activity)

    • In some cases, devices or procedures to support heart function

    When to seek urgent help

    • Sudden worsening of breathlessness

    • Rapid weight gain due to fluid

    • Chest pain or fainting

    For more information, click here.

  • What is it

    AF is an irregular heartbeat that can cause the heart to beat too fast or unevenly.

    Why it matters
    AF increases the risk of stroke, so blood-thinning medication may be needed.

    Symptoms

    • Palpitations (racing or fluttering heartbeat)

    • Breathlessness

    • Fatigue

    Treatment options

    • Medications to slow or correct the heartbeat

    • Blood thinners to reduce stroke risk

    • Procedures such as electrical cardioversion or ablation

    For more information, click here.

  • Healthy Cardiac Diet

    • Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fish

    • Use olive oil and nuts for healthy fats

    • Limit salt, sugar, and processed foods

    Exercise for Heart Health

    • Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming)

    • Include strength training twice a week

    • Start slowly and build up if you’re new to exercise

    Cholesterol & Heart Disease

    • High LDL (“bad” cholesterol) can clog arteries

    • Lowering cholesterol reduces heart attack and stroke risk

    • Lifestyle changes & medications may be recommended

    Smoking Cessation

    • Smoking damages blood vessels and raises heart attack risk

    • Quitting has immediate benefits for circulation and long-term heart health

    • Support: nicotine replacement, prescription medications, counselling

    Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

    • Often has no symptoms, but silently damages the heart, brain, and kidneys

    • Lifestyle steps: reduce salt, maintain healthy weight, exercise

    • Medications often needed for control

    For more information on healthy living, click here and for healthy heart diets/recipes click here.