Silent Heart Disease
What is Silent Heart Disease?
Causes of Silent Heart Disease
The main cause of silent heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs due to plaque buildup in the arteries. Other risk factors include:
✅ High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Puts extra strain on the heart.
✅ High Cholesterol – Leads to plaque buildup in arteries.
✅ Diabetes – Increases the risk of nerve damage, reducing pain sensitivity.
✅ Obesity – Excess weight puts more stress on the heart.
✅ Smoking – Damages blood vessels and increases clot formation.
✅ Lack of Physical Activity – Weakens heart health.
✅ Family History of Heart Disease – Increases genetic risk.
✅ Stress and Poor Diet – Leads to high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Causes of Silent Heart Disease
🔸 Unexplained fatigue
🔸 Mild discomfort in the chest, arms, or jaw
🔸 Shortness of breath during physical activity
🔸 Dizziness or nausea
Diagnosis of Silent Heart Disease
🩺 Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Checks for abnormal heart rhythms.
📸 Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to see heart function.
🚴 Stress Test – Monitors heart activity during exercise.
🩻 Coronary Angiography – Checks for artery blockages.
🩸 Blood Tests – Detects cholesterol, sugar, and inflammation levels.
Treatment Options for Silent Heart Disease
🔹 Lifestyle Changes
✔ Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats).
✔ Exercise regularly (30 minutes of walking or light jogging).
✔ Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
✔ Maintain a healthy weight and manage stress.
🔹 Medications
💊 Aspirin – Helps prevent blood clots.
💊 Beta-blockers – Reduce heart strain and blood pressure.
💊 Statins – Lower cholesterol and reduce plaque buildup.
💊 ACE Inhibitors – Help relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
🔹 Medical Procedures (if needed)
🩺 Angioplasty and Stenting – Opens blocked arteries.
💓 Bypass Surgery – Creates a new pathway for blood flow.