Four Common Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease is a leading cause of health concerns worldwide, affecting millions of people. It’s important to recognise the different types of heart conditions, their symptoms, causes, and how they impact overall health. By understanding these, you can take steps to protect your heart and seek timely medical care if needed.
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Last updated on 18th Aug, 2025
Common Types of Heart Disease
Here are the four most common types of heart disease:
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when the blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This can reduce blood flow, leading to chest pain or even a heart attack.
Symptoms:
Chest pain (angina): a feeling of pressure, tightness, or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Heart attack symptoms (severe chest pain, nausea, sweating, dizziness)
- Causes & Risk Factors:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
How to Manage It:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar)
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress
Take prescribed medications (if advised by a doctor)
If you experience chest pain or suspect CAD, consult a doctor immediately. You can book a consultation with a cardiologist on Apollo24|7 for expert advice.
Consult Top Heart Specialists
2. Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
Arrhythmia refers to abnormal heart rhythms—your heart may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be life-threatening.
Symptoms:
- Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
Causes & Risk Factors:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack or heart disease
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol
- Stress
- Thyroid disorders
How to Manage It:
- Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol
- Practice relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation)
- Follow your doctor’s advice (medications, pacemaker if needed)
- If you frequently experience irregular heartbeats, consider getting an ECG test. You can schedule one easily on Apollo24|7.
Get Your Heart Health Checked
3. Heart Failure
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart stops working—it means the heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. This can lead to fatigue, swelling, and breathing difficulties.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath (especially during activity or lying down)
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet (oedema)
- Persistent fatigue
- Rapid weight gain (due to fluid retention)
- Causes & Risk Factors:
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Previous heart attack
- Obesity
How to Manage It:
- Limit salt intake to reduce fluid retention
- Monitor weight daily (sudden increases may indicate fluid buildup)
- Take prescribed medications (diuretics, beta-blockers)
- Stay active (as advised by your doctor)
- Early diagnosis can help manage heart failure effectively. Book a consultation with a cardiologist on Apollo24|7 for personalised care.
4. Valvular Heart Disease
This condition affects the heart valves, which regulate blood flow. Valves may become stiff (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), forcing the heart to work harder.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Causes & Risk Factors:
- Ageing (wear and tear of valves)
- Infections (like rheumatic fever)
- High blood pressure
- Congenital heart defects
- How to Manage It:
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
- Take antibiotics (if prescribed for infections)
- Surgery or valve repair (in severe cases)
- If you suspect valve problems, an echocardiogram can help diagnose the issue. Schedule a test on Apollo24|7 for a thorough check-up.
Conclusion
Heart disease can be managed with early detection and lifestyle changes. Here are some general tips for a healthy heart:
- Eat a balanced diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
- Avoid smoking & limit alcohol: Both can damage your heart over time.
- Monitor blood pressure & cholesterol: Regular check-ups are key.
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
If you or a loved one experiences any heart-related symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early intervention can save lives.
For expert advice, tests, or consultations, visit Apollo24|7 and take the first step toward a healthier heart today!
Consult Top Heart Specialists
Consult Top Heart Specialists
Dr. Bhethala Sharan Prakash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Dayanashre N
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Siddharth Bajaj
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, M.D. D.M. (Cardiology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Lal Daga
Cardiologist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB [MED], DNB [CARDIO], FESC [INT], MNAMS
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Get Your Heart Health Checked
Dr. Bhethala Sharan Prakash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Dayanashre N
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Siddharth Bajaj
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, M.D. D.M. (Cardiology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Lal Daga
Cardiologist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB [MED], DNB [CARDIO], FESC [INT], MNAMS
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Consult Top Heart Specialists
Dr. Bhethala Sharan Prakash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Dayanashre N
General Physician
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Siddharth Bajaj
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, M.D. D.M. (Cardiology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr. Lal Daga
Cardiologist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB [MED], DNB [CARDIO], FESC [INT], MNAMS
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
