Heart & Blood Vessels

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly due to problems with the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type, affecting millions worldwide. While many arrhythmias are harmless, some can lead to stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot forming in a coronary artery narrowed by plaque buildup. Without quick restoration of blood flow, the heart muscle begins to die within minutes. Survival rates have improved dramatically with early treatment, but it remains a leading cause of death worldwide.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs. Fluid may back up into the lungs, legs, and abdomen causing swelling and breathing difficulties. Despite its name, heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped but rather that it is weakened and struggling to function properly.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol means excess cholesterol circulating in the blood, particularly LDL ('bad' cholesterol), which builds up as plaque in artery walls. This narrows and hardens arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. It has no symptoms on its own and can only be detected through a blood test.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pushes against artery walls with consistently high force, often called the 'silent killer' because it rarely shows symptoms. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, while readings consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg indicate hypertension. Left untreated, it damages the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes over years.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin dying within minutes. There are two main types: ischemic (caused by a blood clot, 87% of cases) and hemorrhagic (caused by a burst blood vessel). Quick treatment using the FAST method is critical to survival and recovery.