Cardiac care encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and blood-vessel disorders. It includes lifestyle guidance plus medications—such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins, nitrates, antiplatelets and anticoagulants—to manage conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
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Chest Discomfort: Pressure, tightness, or burning (angina)
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Shortness of Breath: During exertion or at rest (heart failure)
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Palpitations: Rapid, fluttering, or skipped beats (arrhythmias)
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Swelling (Edema): Ankles, legs, or abdomen (fluid retention)
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Fatigue & Dizziness: Reduced cardiac output affecting daily activities
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Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in coronary arteries
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Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure stressing the heart
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Dyslipidemia: Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
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Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Damage to blood vessels
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Genetic Predisposition: Family history of heart disease
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Physical Exertion: Unaccustomed or intense activity
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Emotional Stress: Sudden anger, anxiety, or grief
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Caffeine & Stimulants: Excessive intake can provoke arrhythmias
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Smoking & Alcohol: Acute vasoconstriction and clot risk
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Cold Exposure: Vasospasm in susceptible individuals
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Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects ischemia, arrhythmias, or prior MI
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Echocardiography: Assesses heart structure, function, and ejection fraction
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Stress Testing: Exercise or pharmacologic stress to unmask ischemia
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Lipid Profile & Biomarkers: Cholesterol panel; troponins for acute MI
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Coronary Angiography / CT Angio: Visualizes vessel blockages or stenosis
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Antihypertensives:
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Amlodipine, Enalapril, Losartan to lower blood pressure
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Lipid-Lowering Agents:
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Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin to reduce LDL and stabilize plaques
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Antianginals:
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Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Mononitrate for chest-pain relief
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Antiplatelets & Anticoagulants:
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Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Rivaroxaban to prevent clots
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Beta-Blockers:
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Atenolol, Metoprolol to control heart rate and reduce workload
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Heart Failure Therapies:
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Spironolactone, Sacubitril/Valsartan, Furosemide for fluid management
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Q1: How quickly do blood pressure medicines work?
A: Many agents (e.g., amlodipine) begin lowering BP within hours, but full effect may take 1–2 weeks.
Q2: Can I take statins with other heart meds?
A: Yes—statins are often combined safely with ACE inhibitors and antiplatelets; always review your regimen with a physician.
Q3: When should I use nitroglycerin?
A: At the first sign of angina—take one tablet sublingually; repeat every 5 minutes up to three doses if pain persists, then seek emergency care.
Q4: How is heart failure different from a heart attack?
A: Heart failure is chronic pump‐failure over time; a heart attack is sudden blockage of blood flow causing tissue damage.
Q5: What lifestyle changes support cardiac care?
A: Low-salt, heart-healthy diet; regular aerobic exercise; smoking cessation; weight management; and stress reduction.