Heart conditions,explained plainly.
What each condition is, how it is found and managed, and the warning signs that need urgent care. Written for patients and the families looking after them.
Conditions
- Heart failureThe heart muscle is not pumping or filling as well as it should, so the body receives less than it needs.
- Atrial fibrillationAn irregular, often fast heartbeat that starts in the upper chambers and raises the risk of stroke.
- High blood pressurePressure in the arteries stays too high. It rarely causes symptoms, but it strains the heart and blood vessels over time.
- High cholesterolToo much cholesterol in the blood, which can build up in artery walls over many years.
- Coronary artery diseaseThe arteries that supply the heart muscle become narrowed by fatty plaque.
- CardiomyopathyA disease of the heart muscle itself, which may become thickened, stretched or stiff.
- Heart valve diseaseOne of the heart's four valves does not open fully or does not close properly.
- AnginaChest discomfort, usually on exertion, when the heart muscle briefly gets too little blood.
- ArrhythmiaA heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or irregular, caused by a problem in the heart's electrical system.
- Diabetes and the heartDiabetes raises the risk of heart and blood vessel disease, so the two are best managed together.
Or start from a symptom
These pages explain conditions; they do not diagnose them. If your symptoms are sudden or severe, seek emergency care.
Living with this, or worried you might be?
Book a consultation or send a question on WhatsApp. Your history, results and treatment are reviewed in person, and the plan is explained to you before you leave.
This page explains a condition in general terms. It cannot diagnose you or replace an examination, and it is not a treatment plan. Do not change or stop a medicine without talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are severe, sudden or happening now, seek emergency care immediately.