Chronic Heart Disease: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Explore chronic heart disease, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Learn how to manage this long-term condition and improve your heart health with effective care and lifestyle changes.
Written by Dr Shreya Sarkar
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Chronic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a long-term condition where the circulation of blood in the heart becomes affected because of the narrowing of arteries. It takes decades for this condition to unfold; hence, it remains one of the leading causes of death throughout the world.
The heart supplies the organs within the body with blood that is rich in oxygen. Its efficiency depends on free and open coronary arteries to supply heart muscles with the necessary blood. This continuity is disturbed in chronic heart disease, which results in an inadequate supply of oxygen to the muscles in the heart, therefore, decompensating muscles.
Causes of Chronic Heart Disease
Chronic heart disease results from the interaction between genetic and acquired factors in an individual’s genotype and phenotype.
Key Risk Factors for Chronic Heart Disease
Some of the key risk factors for chronic heart disease include:
Hypertension: This condition puts stress on the arteries and leads to their hardening as well as narrowing due to high blood pressure.
High Cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol deposits in the formation of plaques that thicken and narrow arteries.
Diabetes: Irregular glucose management harms blood vessels and increases inflammation that leads to atherosclerosis.
Smoking: This injures blood vessels, promotes the formation of fatty deposits, and restricts blood flow of oxygen.
Physical Inactivity: This is a cause of obesity, high blood pressure, and other complications to the heart.
Unhealthy Diet: Overall, consumption of fats, salt, and sugar has a negative impact on heart health.
Age and Gender: The risk increases with age, with the dominant risk seen in males before the age of 50 and in post-menopausal women.
Genetic and Lifestyle Influences
Some of the genetic and lifestyle influences on the onset of chronic heart disease include:
Genetic Predisposition: Family history and inherited traits increase susceptibility.
Lifestyle Choices: Lack of physical activity, stress and indulgence in unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly add to the risk.
Symptoms of Chronic Heart Disease
Recognising the symptoms of chronic heart disease is vital for early detection and timely treatment. Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions, often varying based on the severity of the disease.
Common Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms include:
Tightness, heaviness, or burning sensation in the chest, often triggered by physical activity or stress. Pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Difficulty breathing, particularly during exertion or while lying flat.
Unusual tiredness even after minimal physical activity.
Feeling faint or lightheaded due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Experiencing the below-mentioned symptoms implies getting immediate medical attention:
Pain lasting more than a few minutes or worsening over time.
Severe breathlessness even at rest or with minimal exertion.
Fainting or loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure or heart rhythm abnormalities.
Diagnosis of Chronic Heart Disease
Chronic heart disease can be diagnosed following an array of tests and procedures. These include:
ECG: Detects irregular heart rhythms and past heart attacks
Stress Tests: Assesses heart function during physical activity or simulated stress
Echocardiogram: Visualises heart structure and detects weakened muscles or valve issues
Angiogram: Identifies arterial blockages using dye and X-rays
Blood Tests: A variety of blood tests for:
Cholesterol: High LDL and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) indicate risk.
CRP: High levels suggest inflammation
Troponin: Detects heart damage during acute events
Get Your Chronic Heart Disease Symptoms Checked
Impact of Chronic Heart Disease on Overall Health
Chronic heart disease significantly affects both short- and long-term health, altering the way individuals live and manage their daily activities.
Short-term Effects on Physical Health
In the short term, the disease is usually expressed as angina pectoris, a pain occurring in the chest as a result of physical exercise or stress. This effect often confines the patient to his/her bed. Breathlessness is another related symptom, which can restrict movement due to leaving one feeling out of breath when taking stairs or going for a walk.
Long-term Consequences and Complications
If kept uncontrolled, chronic heart disease results in severe complications at some point in time. There is an elevated risk of getting a heart attack. If the heart becomes weakened, there is a possibility that heart failure will happen, which means that the organ cannot pump blood appropriately anymore. Like most chronic conditions, the disease can increase a person’s risk of suffering a stroke, which may cause long-term disability or even contribute to the deterioration of cognitive function.
Treatment Options for Chronic Heart Disease
Chronic heart disease can be managed using medication, surgery and lifestyle modifications depending on the stage of the disease.
Medications and Their Roles
Remarkably, medications are a primary mode of treatment for chronic heart disease. Beta-blockers act to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, thereby decreasing activity in heart muscles. Additionally, statins are commonly prescribed to manage high cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of new arterial blockages.
Surgical and Non-surgical Interventions
In more extreme situations, surgical procedures like angioplasty or stent implantation are employed to help widen blocked arteries and bring about normal blood flow. In cases of complications, coronary artery bypass grafts or CABG is done by making new routes for blood to flow apart from the blocked arteries.
Consult Top Doctors For The Best Treatment
Lifestyle Changes and Management
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for controlling chronic heart disease and improving outcomes. Here’s how patients can approach this.
Dietary Modifications and Exercises
A diet that is low in cholesterol, and saturated and trans fats but high in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and lean meat is recommended. Lowering sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats considerably helps decrease risk factors. Cardiovascular exercises, including brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or other activities also assist in dealing with issues related to weight, pressure, and cholesterol.
Stress Management and Support Networks
Another key element is stress management. Stress-relieving practices like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing are useful in reducing stress. It was also noted that engaging in counselling services and becoming a member of support groups is helpful in achieving a stable emotional status.
Preventive Measures for Reducing Risk
Taking preventive actions can help reduce the likelihood of developing chronic heart disease or experiencing its progression. Annual health check-ups for cholesterol and diabetes can determine signs that are indicative of severe health complications before they become worse.
In addition, avoiding smoking and alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight can prove to be extremely useful in nurturing a healthy heart. Eventually, lowering the risk of chronic heart disease.
Living with Chronic Heart Disease
Managing chronic heart disease requires a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Daily Management Tips
Regular monitoring of symptoms, strict adherence to prescribed medications and maintaining follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are critical. Tracking physical activity and diet can help ensure steady progress.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Living or restarting a normal life with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging for anyone. Seeking therapy or counselling can help manage related stress and anxiety. Additionally, joining support groups can create a sense of community, offering encouragement and shared experiences to navigate the journey effectively.
Conclusion
Chronic heart disease is manageable with early diagnosis, timely treatment and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise and stress management. Public awareness and regular health checks are vital for prevention and improved outcomes.
Further, emerging innovations like gene therapy, advanced imaging and personalised medicine promise earlier detection and better management of chronic heart disease. Wearable technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are enhancing real-time heart monitoring, offering hope for improved quality of life and reduced disease burden. Consult your doctor today to understand chronic heart disease and discover effective treatments for a healthier, stronger heart.
Consult Our Top Cardiologist
Consult Top Doctors For The Best Treatment
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Consult Our Top Cardiologist
Dr. S B Bhattacharyya
Cardiologist
22 Years • MBBS, MD(General Medicine),DM (Cardiology)
Kolkata
Gariaheart Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Jayarajah Mariappan
Cardiologist
45 Years • MBBS, MD(GEN MEDICINE), DM(CARDIOLOGY)
Chennai
Sooriya Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Amit. A. Bharadiya
Cardiologist
12 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine, DNB Cardiology, FSCAI
Maharashtra
Surabhi Hospital, Maharashtra, Maharashtra
Dr. Sumanta Chatterjee
Cardiologist
12 Years • MBBS,MD General Medicine,DM Cardiology
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Mangesh Danej
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Cardiology)
Pune
Dr Danej clinic, Pune
(375+ Patients)
