Coronary artery disease develops when plaque accumulates inside the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. It may cause chest discomfort, breathlessness or a heart attack. Management can include lifestyle modifications, cholesterol-lowering medication, antiplatelet treatment and, in selected patients, procedures to improve blood flow.
Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood, commonly because of narrowed coronary arteries. Patients may experience chest pain, fatigue or shortness of breath. Evaluation can involve an ECG, echocardiography, stress testing or coronary imaging, followed by medicines or appropriate revascularisation procedures.
Hypertensive heart disease refers to structural or functional changes in the heart caused by prolonged high blood pressure. It can contribute to heart enlargement, impaired relaxation and heart failure. Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, addressing cardiovascular risk factors, monitoring cardiac function and preventing complications.
Rheumatic heart disease results from damage to the heart valves following rheumatic fever. It may lead to valve narrowing, leakage and reduced cardiac efficiency. Management includes clinical evaluation, echocardiography, appropriate medicines, prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever and consideration of valve intervention when medically necessary.
Valvular heart disease develops when one or more heart valves become narrowed or fail to close properly. Symptoms may include breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort and swelling. Treatment depends on valve function and disease severity and may involve surveillance, medication, catheter-based intervention or surgery after specialist assessment.
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart present from birth. Some remain undetected until adulthood and may cause breathlessness, abnormal heart rhythms or reduced exercise capacity. Cardiology evaluation helps identify the defect and determine whether observation, medication, catheter-based closure or surgical treatment is appropriate.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump or fill with blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. Common symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and fluid retention. Treatment may include evidence-based medications, management of underlying conditions, dietary guidance, cardiac rehabilitation and selected device-based therapies.
Cardiac arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's normal rhythm that may produce palpitations, dizziness, fainting or fatigue. Evaluation may involve electrocardiography, ambulatory rhythm monitoring and specialist assessment. Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, treatment may include medication, cardioversion, ablation or cardiac devices.
Cardiac electrophysiology focuses on identifying and managing abnormalities in the electrical signals controlling the heartbeat. Patients with recurrent palpitations, unexplained fainting or documented rhythm disorders may require specialist evaluation. Diagnostic testing helps determine whether observation, medication, catheter ablation or an implanted cardiac device should be considered.
Inflammatory heart diseases include myocarditis, pericarditis and other conditions involving inflammation of cardiac tissues. Symptoms may include chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations or fatigue. Assessment can involve blood tests, ECG, echocardiography and cardiac MRI. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and clinical severity.
Coronary angiography is an invasive diagnostic procedure that uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to identify narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries. It may be recommended when symptoms, non-invasive investigations or an acute cardiac presentation suggest significant coronary artery disease. Results help determine appropriate treatment options.
Coronary angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. A balloon may be inflated to improve blood flow, and a stent is often placed to help keep the artery open. Suitability depends on the location, severity and clinical significance of the blockage.
Aortic valve disease includes narrowing or leakage of the valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta. Severe disease can cause breathlessness, chest pain or fainting. Echocardiography helps assess valve function and determine whether continued monitoring, medication or valve replacement should be considered.
Balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a catheter-based procedure used in selected patients with mitral valve narrowing, often caused by rheumatic heart disease. A balloon is positioned across the narrowed valve and inflated to improve blood flow. Patient selection depends on valve anatomy, associated leakage and other cardiac findings.
Cardiovascular risk assessment evaluates factors that increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and other circulatory diseases. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol abnormalities, smoking and family history. Assessment supports individualised recommendations for preventive medication, lifestyle changes, further investigation and long-term monitoring.
Cerebrovascular disease affects the blood vessels supplying the brain and may result in stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Cardiovascular assessment can identify associated risk factors such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis. Prevention involves controlling relevant medical conditions and considering appropriate medicines after individual clinical evaluation.