Heart disease has long been a prevalent and potentially fatal condition in Hong Kong. In 2022, the recorded number of deaths due to heart disease reached 6,561, surpassing records of the past decade. Heart disease is not just a single ailment, but a broad term encompassing various conditions that affect the function or structure of the heart. What are the different types of heart disease? What are their causes and symptoms? And how can we effectively protect our hearts? Join us as we delve deeper into these questions.

Counting down the Top 7 Cardiovascular Diseases

1. Coronary Artery Disease: Also known as coronary heart disease, it is the most prevalent cardiovascular condition in Hong Kong. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles. When these arteries become blocked, narrowed, or hardened due to the accumulation of fatty deposits, it leads to inadequate blood supply. This can result in symptoms such as angina (chest pain), myocardial infarction (heart attack), or stroke.

2. Arrhythmia: An abnormal heartbeat or rhythm, which can manifest as a rapid, slow, irregular, or fluttering heartbeat. This encompasses conditions such as ventricular or atrial fibrillation, as well as dysfunction of the sinus node.

3. Hypertensive Heart Disease: Prolonged high blood pressure exerts excessive pressure on the arteries, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood effectively throughout the body. Over time, this can lead to thickening and enlargement of the heart tissues. Additionally, high blood pressure can contribute to arterial stiffness or narrowing, impairing blood supply.

4. Congenital Heart Disease: Abnormalities, defects, or structural issues that occur during fetal development in the womb.

5. Valvular Heart Disease: The heart has 4 valves that regulate the direction of blood flow. When these valves become narrowed or fail to close properly due to infection or other factors, it can result in blood leakage or backflow. Over time, this can lead to complications such as ventricular enlargement and hypertrophy, ultimately affecting the patient's breathing.

6. Rheumatic Heart Disease: An inflammatory condition caused by infection with β-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. Certain proteins in these bacteria closely resemble proteins in human tissues. As a result, the immune system cannot distinguish between the bacteria and the body's own tissues. Consequently, when fighting off the bacterial infection, the immune response may inadvertently harm the body's own tissues.

7. Heart Failure: The heart's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to inadequate blood flow to the body's organs, impairing their function. It is commonly caused by conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertensive heart disease, or valvular heart disease.

Who is at Risk for Heart Disease? What are the Symptoms of Heart Disease?

The majority of individuals with heart disease (excluding congenital heart disease) have what is commonly known as the "3-highs": high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels. Long-term high blood pressure increases the workload on the heart and can lead to cardiac hypertrophy. Individuals with high cholesterol have a higher risk of cholesterol buildup on the inner walls of arteries, resulting in blockages or heart ischemia. Diabetes patients, on the other hand, experience damage to blood vessel walls due to high blood sugar levels, exacerbating atherosclerosis. In addition, the following factors can also contribute to the development of heart disease:

．Advancing age

． Obesity or overweight

． Lack of exercise

． Poor dietary habits (high-calorie, high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-sugar diet)

． Chronic smoking

． Excessive alcohol consumption

． Inadequate sleep

． Proneness to stress or high levels of stress

． Genetic or family history of the disease


Common Symptoms of Heart Disease

Common symptoms experienced by individuals with heart disease include: chest pain, chest pressure or discomfort, angina (heart-related chest pain), palpitations, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, neck and back pain, or hands and feet numbness.

6 Heart-Protective Tips

．Limit Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major contributors to heart disease. It is important to quit smoking as soon as possible and consume alcohol in moderation.

． Control Diet: Avoid high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods. Instead, focus on consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and sources of healthy fats.

． Engage in Regular Exercise: Incorporate moderate-intensity exercises such as swimming or running into your routine. This helps in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of heart disease.

． Manage Stress: Stress is one of the contributing factors to cardiovascular diseases. Find suitable stress-relief methods and take time to relax. Strive to maintain a positive mindset.

． Ensure Adequate Sleep: Avoid staying up late and aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for adults. Sufficient sleep helps rejuvenate the body and aids in stress management.

． Regular Check-ups: Undergo regular medical check-ups to monitor heart health. Early detection of symptoms allows for timely improvement of lifestyle habits or initiation of treatment.

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