Heart diseases are among the most prevalent causes of illness globally. From coronary artery disease to heart attacks and arrhythmias, heart diseases are increasingly common due to lifestyle and genetic reasons. It is important to know why these conditions occur and how cardiac surgeons can assist, both in prevention and treatment.
Heart diseases usually come about as a result of a combination of genetic susceptibility, poor lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. Here under are the primary causes of why heart diseases occur:
Genetics also have a lot to do with heart health. If you have a family history of heart disease, you might be at greater risk of developing such conditions. Inherited conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease may be inherited through generations, and therefore it is important for those with a family history of heart disease to take good care of their heart health.
Poor Diet: Saturated fat, salt, and sugar-rich diets raise the risk of heart disease by elevating cholesterol and blood pressure. Eating processed foods, red meat, and fried foods can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).
Smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels and reduces oxygen to the heart, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Lack of Exercise: Physical inactivity is one of the main causes of heart disease. Regular exercise controls blood pressure, enhances cholesterol levels, and supports a healthy weight, minimizing the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure makes the heart do extra work to pump blood, which damages the heart muscle and blood vessels. With time, it may result in heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
People with diabetes, particularly those with poorly regulated blood glucose, are at far greater risk for heart disease. High blood sugar can cause blood vessels to be damaged, which results in coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular disorders.
Obesity is one of the greatest risk factors for heart disease since it frequently occurs hand-in-hand with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Excess belly fat has been shown to lead to insulin resistance, which also contributes to cardiovascular complications.
Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can affect heart health by causing inflammatory reactions in the body and elevating heart rate and blood pressure. Stress can also result in unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and overeating, further increasing the risk of heart disease.
When medications and lifestyle changes are insufficient to treat heart conditions, Best cardiac surgeons step in. Their skills are essential when dealing with complex heart conditions that need to be treated surgically.
When arteries are narrowed or blocked because of plaque accumulation, the heart is not able to get a sufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood. CABG is a process in which good arteries or veins from other regions of the body are grafted to bypass the blocked arteries to ensure normal flow of blood to the heart. CABG can decrease the chance of heart attack and enhance quality of life.
Heart valves regulate the flow of blood in the heart. When these valves are diseased or damaged, they will have to be replaced or repaired. Valve replacement operations are conducted by cardiac surgeons with either mechanical or biological valves to ensure proper functioning of the heart.
In instances of severe heart failure, where the heart is no longer functioning properly, a heart transplant may be required. This life-saving surgery entails replacing the failing heart with a donor heart.
Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) can lead to serious health risks, such as stroke or sudden cardiac death. When medications and treatments such as pacemakers are not enough, cardiac surgeons can correct arrhythmias with procedures such as maze procedures or ablation.
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery due to vessel wall weakness. An aneurysm, if not treated, may rupture and cause life-threatening complications. Cardiac surgeons can repair or remove aneurysms to avoid such situations.
If your cardiologist recommends that you visit the best cardiac surgeon, this is what you should expect:
Pre-Surgery Evaluation
Prior to surgery, the physician will perform rigorous tests such as blood tests, CT scans, MRI, and angiograms to evaluate the gravity of the situation and decide the best course.
Surgical Procedure
Depending on the situation, the operation may be from less invasive procedures to open-heart surgery. Physicians will explain the type of operation to you, such as the risk and recovery period.
Post-Surgery Care
Recovery time varies after surgery. Some surgeries involve a few days of hospital stay, while others involve weeks of recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation may be included in the recovery, consisting of physical therapy, diet advice, and counseling.
Preventing Heart Disease: How to Support Your Heart Health
Although cardiac surgeons are able to offer advanced treatment, prevention is better than cure. Below are some recommendations on how to maintain a healthy heart and avoid surgery:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Have your weight under control through a balanced diet as well as an exercise regimen.
Exercise Regularly
Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week to maintain a strong heart.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
Dietary focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats such as omega-3s in fish, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is the strongest risk factor for heart disease. Giving up smoking can help to cut your risk by a big margin.
Manage Stress
Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or any other activity that you find relaxing.
Regular Check-up
Visit your cardiologist for routine check-ups to monitor your heart health, especially if you have risk factors.
Heart ailments are increasingly common, but with the right intervention, they can be effectively managed. Dr. Rasesh A. Pothiwala, a leading cardiac surgeon, plays a crucial role in treating serious heart conditions that require surgical care. Understanding the causes of heart disease and the role of cardiac surgery empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward heart health. Regular checkups, a heart-healthy diet, and timely surgical interventions can significantly improve outcomes and help maintain a healthy heart for years to come.
Dr. Rasesh Pothiwala (Divya Heart Care Foundation) All rights reserved. Optimize by SEO Company in Ahmedabad | ARE InfoTech
