Heart disease remains a formidable global health concern, ranking as one of the leading causes of death across the world. Effective diagnosis enables better heart health through early detection and prevention.
According to the World Health Organisation, India accounts for one-fifth of deaths due to cardiovascular disease worldwide, particularly among the young people.
In India, timely diagnosis of heart disease has a significant impact, saving approximately 100,000 lives each year, as reported by the Indian Heart Association.
As a part of our ongoing campaign #DilKiSuno, we reached out to Dr Anurag Bansal, Technical Director, Agilus Diagnostics Ltd, to know all about the types of heart diseases.
Types of Heart Diseases
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease manifests when the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle become constricted or blocked due to the accumulation of plaque. This condition often leads to angina (chest pain) and, in severe cases, heart attacks, causing significant health complications.
2. Heart Failure
Heart failure arises when the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. This condition results in fatigue, breathlessness, and fluid retention, making it difficult for the body to receive the oxygen and nutrients it requires.
3. Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias, characterised by irregular heart rhythms, can lead to palpitations, dizziness, and, in severe instances, sudden cardiac arrest. These irregular beats can disrupt the heart's normal functioning and require careful monitoring.
4. Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease involves abnormalities in the heart's valves, leading to either regurgitation (valve leakage) or stenosis (valve narrowing). Both conditions can have serious consequences, affecting the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
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Crucial Blood Tests for Heart Health Assessment
Lipid Profile test
A lipid profile measures the amount of all cholesterol components in the blood. This is the total amount of cholesterol detected in overall lipoproteins in the blood, including HDL, VLDL, LDL, and Triglycerides.
The main role of Lipoproteins transport fat on the exterior and proteins on the interior of the cell. HDL is known as "good cholesterol" because it removes cholesterol from the arteries and transports it to the liver for processing.
LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol because it deposits cholesterol in the arteries. Triglyceride levels that are too high raise the risk of heart disease.
Higher levels of cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. High cholesterol in itself does not cause any symptoms at all.
It is important to examine cholesterol levels on a regular basis. Only a blood test can disclose cholesterol levels in the blood.
Untreated high cholesterol levels raise the risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Hardening of arteries or atherosclerosis that leads to a cardiac arrest
If an individual is at high risk, periodic cholesterol testing is advised.
- People who smoke
- Alcohol intake
- People with diabetes
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Obese or overweight individuals
APOB (Apolipoprotein B)
“APOB is a vital marker when evaluating heart health. It is a protein that plays a key role in cholesterol transport and metabolism. Elevated APOB levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the accumulation of cholesterol and fatty deposits,” said Dr Bansal.
By measuring APOB levels, healthcare professionals can assess an individual's susceptibility to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Apo A-1 (Apolipoprotein A-1)
Apo A-1 is another critical component in assessing heart health. This protein is a major constituent of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the "good" cholesterol. Higher levels of apo A-1 are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Evaluating apo A-1 levels helps in gauging the effectiveness of HDL cholesterol in removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of plaque buildup in arteries.
Lipoprotein(a)
Lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as Lp(a), is a unique type of lipoprotein that can increase the risk of heart disease. High levels of Lp(a) are associated with a greater likelihood of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Lp(a) acts similarly to LDL cholesterol but has additional properties that make it particularly harmful to the cardiovascular system.
Testing for Lp(a) levels aids in identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease due to genetic predisposition. In recent years, the prevalence of heart ailments has shown a concerning upward trend.
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Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary choices, stress, and genetic predispositions have contributed to the rise in heart disease cases. This escalation underscores the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management.
Early diagnosis allows people to adopt preventive measures, make informed decisions about their lifestyles, and work closely with healthcare professionals to manage and mitigate their risk factors. By recognising the growing prevalence of heart ailments and the pivotal role of diagnosis, we can collectively combat this rising health challenge and work toward a heart-healthy future.