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Modern times have brought along with them a stressful life, and a plethora of lifestyle induced diseases, which are impacting on whole populations adversely. It is also notable that ethnic Indian populations are more prone than many to such lifestyle diseases like diabetics, hypertension etc., which invariably lead to fatal conditions like Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), so much so that the number of deaths due to CHD in Indian origin populations far outstrips the global average for such maladies. We at NRI Achievers chose to share some facts and figures with you in this brand-new section on health & wellness …

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, usually caused by the hardening or clogging of arteries, called atherosclerosis in medical terms. Atherosclerosis is the build up of cholesterol and fatty deposits (called plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries. These plaques restrict blood flow to the heart muscle by physically clogging the artery or by causing abnormal artery tone and function. Without adequate blood supply, the heart then becomes starved of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to function properly. This usually cause chest pain called angina. If blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle is cut off entirely, or if the energy demands of the heart become much greater than its blood supply, a heart attack (injury to the heart muscle) may occur. CHD is the leading cause of death for both men and women, and accounts for a large number of deaths worldwide every year. Coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack. Each type of heart problem requires different treatment but may share similar warning signs. It is important to consult a doctor so that a correct diagnosis is achieved and prompt treatment is given.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina, or chest pain. Angina can be described as a discomfort, heaviness, pressure, aching, burning, fullness, squeezing, or painful feeling in your chest. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina may also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, throat, jaw, or back. Other symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

During a heart attack, symptoms typically last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or oral medications. Initial symptoms may start as a mild discomfort that progresses to significant pain. Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms, which is known as a “silent” myocardial infarction (MI). It occurs more often in people with diabetes. If you think you are having a heart attack, DO NOT DELAY. Call for emergency help. Immediate treatment of a heart attack is very important to lessen the amount of damage to your heart.
Symptoms of Arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythm, include:

Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

Symptoms of heart valve disease do not always relate to the seriousness of your condition. You may have no symptoms at all and have severe valve disease, requiring prompt treatment. Or, as with mitral valve prolapse, you may have severe symptoms, yet tests may show minor valve disease.
Symptoms of Heart Failure

Like valve disease, heart failure symptoms may not be related to how weak your heart is. You may have many symptoms, but your heart function may be only mildly weakened. Or you may have a severely damaged heart, with few or no symptoms.
Symptoms of Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects may be diagnosed before birth, right after birth, during childhood, or only later in adulthood. It is possible to have a defect and no symptoms at all. Sometimes it can be diagnosed because of a heart murmur on physical exam or an abnormal EKG or chest X-ray in someone with no symptoms. In adults, if symptoms of congenital heart disease are present, they may include:

Symptoms of congenital heart defects in infants and children may include:

Symptoms of Heart Muscle Disease
Many people with heart muscle disease, or cardiomyopathy, have no symptoms at all or only exhibit minor symptoms and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which progress and worsen as heart function worsens. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy may occur at any age and may include:

Symptoms of Pericarditis

Dietary tips for people with heart failure:

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