Heart Care

Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina, also called angina pectoris, is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest.

Damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels.

The usual cause is the build-up of plaque. This causes coronary arteries to narrow, limiting blood flow to the heart.

Coronary artery disease can range from no symptoms, to chest pain, to a heart attack.

Treatments include lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty and surgery.

A condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.

Usually hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90, and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.

Eating a healthier diet with less salt, exercising regularly and taking medication can help lower blood pressure.

Damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply.

A stroke is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking and understanding, as well as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.

Early treatment with medication like tPA (clot buster) can minimise brain damage. Homeopathic treatments focus on limiting complications and preventing additional strokes.

A sensation that the heart is racing, pounding, fluttering or skipping a beat, often bothersome, but hardly ever a sign of heart disease.

COMMON CAUSES

Heart palpitations can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include skipped heartbeats, variation with breathing, exercise, stress, smoking, use of marijuana, alcohol or some medications.