What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a general name for conditions affecting the heart. A problem may involve its arteries, muscle, valves or electrical system. Some conditions are present at birth while others develop later. Cardiovascular disease also includes conditions affecting blood vessels. The correct diagnosis matters because treatment differs for each condition.
At KwickPharmacy you can explore cardiovascular disease treatment options and compare prescribed medicines.
How does heart disease occur?
Heart disease can occur when plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow. High blood pressure can strain the heart. Other problems begin when the heartbeat becomes irregular, the muscle weakens or a valve does not work properly.
Common heart disease causes and risk factors include:
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Smoking and regular exposure to tobacco smoke
Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar
A diet high in salt or saturated fat
Physical inactivity or excess body weight
A family history of heart disease
Age, infections or conditions present at birth
Having a risk factor does not confirm heart disease. Health checks can help identify problems early.
Common types of heart disease
Coronary artery disease develops when plaque narrows the heart's arteries.
Arrhythmia causes an abnormal heartbeat that may be too fast, too slow or irregular.
Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood as well as the body needs.
Heart valve disease affects how blood moves through the heart.
Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle and its pumping ability.
Congenital heart disease involves structural problems present from birth.
Heart disease symptoms
Symptoms differ and some people have no early warning signs. Possible heart disease symptoms include:
Chest pain, tightness or discomfort
Shortness of breath
A racing, pounding or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Unusual tiredness or reduced ability to exercise
Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen
Call emergency services for severe chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, sudden breathing difficulty, fainting or signs of a stroke. Do not wait for an online order.
Cardiovascular disease treatment
Cardiovascular disease treatment begins with a diagnosis. Tests may include blood work, an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram. Treatment may combine lifestyle changes, medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, a procedure or surgery.
Treatment may improve blood flow, control blood pressure or cholesterol, prevent clots or manage an abnormal rhythm. The plan depends on the condition.
Medicines for heart disease
Doctors may prescribe different cardiovascular medications for different problems:
Statins and other cholesterol-lowering medicines can reduce harmful cholesterol and slow plaque buildup.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.
Beta blockers may slow the heart rate and reduce its workload.
Calcium channel blockers can relax blood vessels and treat certain rhythm problems or chest pain.
Antiplatelet medicines and anticoagulants can reduce clot formation in selected patients.
Diuretics help the body remove excess salt and fluid.
Nitrates may prevent or relieve angina by improving blood flow.
These medicines are not interchangeable. Do not begin daily aspirin without medical advice because it can cause bleeding. Never change a dose or stop heart medication suddenly without guidance.
Supporting heart health at home
Healthy habits remain part of heart disease prevention and treatment:
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Choose more vegetables, fruits and whole grains
Reduce excess salt, sugar and saturated fat
Follow an activity plan that is safe for your condition
Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
Take prescribed medicine at the correct time
Attend regular medical reviews
Lifestyle changes support treatment but do not replace prescribed medicine, procedures or emergency care.
Explore heart disease treatment with KwickPharmacy
KwickPharmacy helps customers compare heart disease treatment online by ingredient, strength and form. Check whether a valid prescription is required. Choose heart disease medicines with guidance from a professional who knows your diagnosis.