CONDITIONS
CARDIAC DISEASES
Cardiac diseases otherwise known as heart diseases encompass a range of conditions that affect the heart including the heart's muscle, valves rhythm and blood vessels, in which case it is referred to as a cardiovascular disease. Left untreated these conditions can cause serious complications such as heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, a stroke, heart attack or aneurysm.
Cardiac diseases include ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEM), non STEMI (NSTEMI), Cardiomyopathy, Congestive heart failure (CCF), cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, pericardial disease, aorta disease and vascular disease. These heart conditions can be caused by a range of factors including diet, lack of exercise, being overweight and smoking as well as long-term high blood pressure, heart infection, certain types of medications and congenital heart defects. Symptoms and signs which should be cause for concern include:
- Fatigue or general weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Breathlessness with exertion or at rest
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
- An abnormally fast or slow heartbeat
- Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
Based on your symptoms, your physician may perform several tests and procedures to make a diagnosis and plan treatment. Treatment usually includes lifestyle changes to support a healthy heart and cardiac medications. More severe cases may be referred to as a specialist cardiologist. Thereafter Dr Magashule may assist in the management of whatever cardiac condition you are diagnosed with. She may run tests to monitor your progress and ensure treatment is working.