Understanding Your Heart
Understand how your heart works, common heart conditions, risk factors, and practical tips to keep it healthy. Learn when to seek help and how to protect your heart for life.
Written by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 13th Aug, 2025
Your heart is one of the hardest-working organs in your body, tirelessly pumping blood to keep you alive and healthy. Let’s take a moment to understand how this vital organ functions, how to keep it healthy, and what signs to watch out for if something isn’t right.
Why Your Heart Matters
The heart is a muscular organ about the size of your fist, located slightly left of the centre of your chest. It beats around 100,000 times a day, pumping blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body while removing waste products.
A healthy heart ensures:
Smooth circulation of blood
Proper oxygen supply to organs
Strong immunity and energy levels
Long-term well-being
When the heart isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The good news? Many heart conditions are preventable with the right care.
Common Heart Conditions & Their Symptoms
Heart diseases can develop silently, so recognising early signs is crucial:
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Cause: Blocked arteries due to cholesterol buildup.
Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue.
2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Cause: Sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart.
Symptoms:
Severe chest pain (like pressure or squeezing)
Pain spreading to the arm, neck, or jaw
Cold sweat, nausea, dizziness
3. Heart Failure
Cause: Weakened heart unable to pump efficiently.
Symptoms:
Swelling in legs/ankles
Persistent fatigue
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
4. Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
Cause: Electrical signals in the heart misfire.
Symptoms:
Palpitations (fluttering sensation)
Dizziness or fainting
Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection can save lives.
Consult Top Specialists
What Puts Your Heart at Risk?
Several factors increase the likelihood of heart disease:
Modifiable (Can Be Changed)
Unhealthy Diet – High in salt, sugar, and trans fats.
Lack of Exercise – A Sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart.
Smoking & Alcohol – Damages blood vessels.
Stress & Poor Sleep – Raises blood pressure.
Obesity – Excess weight strains the heart.
Non-Modifiable (Cannot Be Changed)
Age – Risk increases after 45 (men) or 55 (women).
Family History – Genetic predisposition.
Gender – Men are at higher risk, though women’s risk rises after menopause.
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Small changes can make a big difference!
1. Eat Heart-Friendly Foods
Fruits & Vegetables – Rich in fibre and antioxidants.
Whole Grains – Oats, brown rice, quinoa.
Healthy Fats – Nuts, olive oil, fatty fish (salmon).
Avoid – Processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess salt.
2. Stay Active
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily (walking, cycling, yoga).
Even small activities like taking the stairs help!
3. Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol
Smoking doubles heart disease risk.
Alcohol should be moderate (1 drink/day for women, 2 for men).
4. Manage Stress & Sleep Well
Practice deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
5. Regular Health Checkups
Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Apollo 24|7 offers heart health packages for early detection.
When to See a Doctor?
If you:
Feel unexplained chest discomfort
Experience frequent dizziness or fatigue
Have a family history of heart disease
Are above 40 with risk factors
Book a heart checkup today on Apollo 24|7 to stay ahead of risks.
Final Thoughts
Your heart works non-stop for you—return the love by taking care of it! So, for achieving good heart health, we should pledge to eat better, move more, stress less and get our checkups timely.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr Bhargav Vuppumalla
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD GENERAL MEDICINE
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Syed Ismail Ali
General Practitioner
7 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Bhukya Pavan Kalyan
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS DNB Paediatrics
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Avinash Pasuparthy
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
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