Heart Disease Prevention: Strategies for a Healthy Heart

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Introduction

Heart disease is an umbrella term for conditions affecting a person’s heart or circulation (British Heart Foundation, BHF). It is also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), as it affects the heart (cardio) and the major blood vessels (vascular). Heart disease can lead to complications, such as heart attacks, angina and strokes.

According to the BHF, there are approximately 7.6 million people with CVD living in the UK. Starkly, they state in their factsheet that, in the UK today, around 480 people will die from a heart or circulatory disease, and around 130 of them will be under 75 years of age. The picture gets bleaker, with CVD as one of the predominant causes of death and disability in the UK (NHS).

The impacts of heart disease are far-reaching. It can significantly impact those living with the disease and affect them physically, emotionally and psychologically, and their overall well-being. It can also affect their family, caregivers, communities and society due to the need for long-term health and social care.

Prevention is better than cure, so it is important to understand how to prevent these diseases, as most types of heart disease are preventable by leading a healthy lifestyle. A better understanding of treatment and care strategies for heart disease is also crucial to reduce the risk of complications, enhance patient outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.

This blog post aims to provide patients and caregivers with information and practical advice to improve understanding of heart disease and prevention, treatment and care strategies. It will also cover the support networks accessible to patients and caregivers and advancements in heart disease research and treatments.

Note: this blog is for information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Heart Disease Prevention, Treatment and Care Strategies

Understanding Heart Disease

Types of Heart Disease

There are many types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart arrhythmias, heart valve disease, heart failure and congenital heart defects.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

It is a common type of heart disease and a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide (NHS).
It is also known as ischaemic heart disease or coronary heart disease (CAH).
It occurs when a person’s coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, are affected by blockages.
The blockages can cause decreased blood flow to the heart muscle and deprive it of essential oxygen.
This type of heart disease usually begins because of atherosclerosis, i.e. plaque or hardening of the arteries, but can also be caused by a build-up of fats or cholesterol.
It can cause squeezing chest pain, pressure or heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Medication and surgeries are often used to treat this disease.

Heart arrhythmias

A person’s heart beats irregularly or has an abnormal rhythm, i.e. too fast or too slow.
According to the NHS, more than two million people in the UK experience arrhythmias or heart rhythm problems.
There are different types of heart arrhythmias, such as:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) – irregular and faster than normal heartbeats. It is the most common type of heart arrhythmia and a leading cause of stroke.
Ventricular fibrillation – the rapid and disorganised rhythm of heartbeats, which can result in unconsciousness and death if left untreated. It is a rare type of heart arrhythmia.
Supraventricular tachycardia – episodes of abnormally fast heart rate at rest.
Bradycardia – the heart beats more slowly than normal.
Heart block – the heart beats more slowly than normal or with an abnormal rhythm and can cause people to collapse.
There are various causes, including heart damage, electrolyte imbalances, and genetic conditions.
They can cause palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort.
Medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like ablation are used to treat these diseases.
The NHS has further information on arrhythmias here.

Heart valve disease

One or more valves in a person’s heart do not work properly, affecting blood flow and putting additional strain on the heart.
It can involve valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage).
It can be caused by congenital defects, infections, or age-related changes.
It can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and swelling.
Medications or valve repair/replacement are used to treat this disease.
The BHF has further information on this disease here.

Heart failure

The heart cannot pump blood around the body properly.
It can affect the left side of the heart, the right side or both.
It can occur due to heart weakness and stiffness.
The risk is higher if a person has CAD, high blood pressure or other heart conditions.
It can happen at any age but is more likely in older people and may gradually worsen over time.
It can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention (swelling), and weakness.
Medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes heart transplantation are used to treat this disease.
The NHS has further information on heart failure here.

Congenital heart defects

Heart conditions people are born with and are structural abnormalities – affecting the heart or blood vessels.
These defects can occur because of genetic or environmental factors during a baby’s development in the womb.
According to the Heart Research Institute (HRI UK), it is the most common type of birth defect.
Some examples of types of congenital heart defects include:
Septal defects – holes between heart chambers (commonly known as a “hole in the heart”).
Coarctation of the aorta – narrowing of the main large artery (aorta).
Pulmonary valve stenosis – narrowing of the pulmonary valve controlling blood flow to the lungs.
Transposition of the great arteries – swapped positions of pulmonary and aortic valves and connected arteries.
Underdeveloped heart – difficulty pumping enough blood around the body or lungs.
The symptoms of these heart diseases and treatments will vary widely depending on the specific defect.

Risk Factors

Risk factors can increase a person’s chances of getting a condition, such as heart disease, and they can be non-modifiable or modifiable.

Non-modifiable risk factors – cannot be changed, for example:

Age – men’s risk increases after 55 and women after the menopause.
Sex – men are more likely to suffer from heart disease than women.
Genetics.
Ethnicity – certain ethnic groups are at an increased risk, e.g. Black Africans, African Caribbeans and South Asians (BHF).
Family history of heart disease.

Modifiable risk factors – can be controlled or changed by lifestyle modifications or treatment. Some examples include:

Being inactive and a lack of physical exercise.
Smoking.
Poor diet.
Being overweight or obese, especially carrying weight around the middle.
High blood pressure.
High cholesterol levels.
Diabetes or other metabolic syndrome.
Stress, especially chronic.
Alcohol.
Environment, e.g. work conditions and pollution.

If a person has more of these risk factors, their risk of heart disease increases. If they cannot change all of their risk factors, there are actions they can take to reduce their risk.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

The symptoms a person will experience will depend on the type of heart disease, age and sex. Some common symptoms and warning signs of heart disease include:

Chest pain, e.g. discomfort, heaviness, tightness or pressure.
Stomach pain or a burning feeling like indigestion.
Arm, jaw, neck or back pain.
Sweaty, hot and clammy.
Nausea or vomiting.
Throat pain and tightness, feeling like choking.
Swollen limbs.
Leg pain.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness.
Palpitations.
Extreme fatigue.
Blacking out.

The symptoms of heart disease can differ between men and women, for example:

Men – will typically present with intense chest pain.
Women – some will experience chest pain but are more likely to have less common symptoms, e.g. shortness of breath, new/extreme fatigue, indigestion and back pain.

It is important to note that some of these symptoms can be similar to other conditions, so it is always best to get checked by a doctor. Early intervention is vital to improve outcomes and, in some cases, can be life-saving.

Prevention Strategies

Some types of heart disease are preventable by adopting a healthy lifestyle, monitoring health and managing stress.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

We are always reminded of the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, and it really does play a vital role in preventing many diseases, including heart disease.

Healthy lifestyle choices can include:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It supports various bodily functions and helps protect against diseases.
Staying hydrated – drink plenty of water and reduce caffeinated, sugary and energy drinks.
Staying physically active and doing at least 30-60 minutes daily, depending on age and health.
Adopting good sleep hygiene
Stopping smoking or using tobacco products.
Reducing alcohol consumption.

Smoking is a major risk for heart disease, and the BHF has further information on what smoking does to the heart here. It is never too late to stop smoking, and it is essential to do so for heart health.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and weight gain, which are risk factors for heart disease. Reduce consumption to below the recommended units, i.e. 14 per week for men and women (BHF).

Tips for maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity

Make exercise fun. Keeping active does not mean hitting the gym for hours on end. There are many physical activities to suit everyone, e.g. cycling, swimming, dancing, pilates, yoga, hiking, gardening, weight lifting and even household chores can count. There are also many exercise videos on YouTube.

Choose interesting and colourful foods. The Eatwell Guide can help achieve a balanced and healthy diet. Be mindful of portion sizes, eat regular balanced meals throughout the day and avoid overeating by eating slowly and paying attention to hunger cues.

Limit empty calories, such as alcoholic and sugary drinks, processed foods and unhealthy snacks. Opt for nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit intake of sugar, salt and saturated fats. Include healthy, unsaturated fats, e.g. olive oil, avocados, oily fish and nuts. Look at labels on foods and drinks to make informed and sensible decisions.

Get help with smoking cessation or reducing alcohol consumption if struggling alone. In the short term, use alternatives to cigarettes or drink lower or non-alcoholic drinks. There are plenty of tips and support to help, for example:

Use resources to get some ideas on making healthy lifestyle choices, for example:

Monitoring Health

Monitoring is essential to preventing heart disease and identifying potential issues early, thus allowing for timely intervention and treatment. It can also help people make healthier lifestyle choices, avoid unhealthy and harmful habits, and empower them to take more control over their health.

There are a few ways to monitor heart health, including:

Regular blood pressure checks

These can be conducted by a GP/practice nurse or at local pharmacies and other places in the community.
Blood pressure monitors are available to buy so people can check their blood pressure at home.

Cholesterol level tests

These tests check a person’s cholesterol levels and are usually finger-prick blood tests.
Individuals can get a test by visiting their GP or local pharmacist or getting an NHS health check.
There are home tests available, but Heart UK recommends getting tested by a professional

Blood sugar (glucose) level tests

These tests measure glucose levels in the blood and are typically used to diagnose and manage diabetes.
The tests can include a finger-prick test, test strips or an electronic blood sugar monitor.
Individuals can get a test by visiting their GP, or they can do it at home if they have the right equipment.

Knowing about individual risk factors and managing them is vital, as it:

Helps individuals make changes to those modifiable and take proactive steps to prevent heart disease.
Allows those with one or more risk factors, especially non-modifiable ones, or existing health conditions, such as diabetes, to manage their condition better, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
Enables those diagnosed with heart disease to take the necessary actions to improve their health, potentially slow the progression of their disease and reduce the risk of complications.

Stress Management

Stress is defined as “the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure” (NHS). Not all stress is bad; in some cases, it can be beneficial. However, prolonged stress (chronic) can affect a person’s mental and physical health.

According to the BHF, stress alone does not cause heart disease. However, if a person is stressed, they are more likely to adopt unhealthy habits that can increase the risk, such as:

Eating comfort/junk food, e.g. typically high in sugar or fat.
Drinking too much alcohol.
Increased smoking.
No or little exercise.

When someone is stressed, their body releases adrenaline, which can increase their heart rate and blood pressure, and over time, it can strain their heart and blood vessels. Prolonged stress can also cause:

Chronic inflammation in the body, leading to plaque building up in the arteries, thus increasing the risk of CAD, strokes and heart attacks.
Elevated levels of cortisol (stress hormone), which can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and affect heart health.
Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and other heart rhythm problems.

Managing stress is crucial for overall mental and physical health, not just heart health. Some techniques for managing stress include:

Practising self-care – caring for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness. It also means looking after yourself by:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
Adopting good sleep hygiene practices.
Regularly exercising.
Making time for interests and hobbies.
Setting aside time to relax and wind down.
Spending time outside in nature.

Finding healthy coping mechanisms – to help deal with stress and emotions. The following can help:

Regular exercise reduces stress hormones and triggers the release of endorphins, thus improving mood.
Setting boundaries and learning to say no to avoid taking on too much and getting overwhelmed.
Managing time effectively and setting goals.
Seeking support where necessary from family, friends, communities and professionals.
Getting creative, i.e. journaling, art therapy and crafts.

Relaxation techniques – there are various relaxation techniques to try, including:

Mindfulness – bringing attention to the present moment and focusing on the breath or body.
Meditation – requires training your attention and awareness. There is mindfulness meditation and other types, such as transcendental and visualisation. The NHS has a beginner’s guide here.
Deep breathing – inhaling and exhaling deeply, e.g. diaphragmatic breathing. The BHF has some examples of breathing exercises here.
Progressive muscle relaxation – involves tensing and slowly releasing each muscle group in the body.

Treatment Options for Heart Disease

It can be a worrying time for individuals diagnosed with heart disease and their families. However, it is important to understand support is available. People can also manage many conditions effectively through various treatments.

The treatment options will depend on the type of heart disease, severity of the condition and the individual, i.e. their sex, age and preferences. Treatments can include medications, lifestyle modifications, and surgical/non-surgical procedures.

Medications

Several common medications are used to treat heart disease, each targeting different aspects of the condition. Some common medications include (this list is not exhaustive):

ACE inhibitors

They block the enzyme – Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE).
They widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure to help the heart to pump.
They can prevent heart failure from worsening, lessen the damage after a heart attack, treat high blood pressure and reduce the risk of further attacks.
Examples include enalapril, ramipril, perindopril and lisinopril.
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) are similar to ACE inhibitors, e.g. losartan and valsartan.

Anti-arrhythmics

They are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms by preventing them from happening or slowing the heart rate to make it more tolerable.
Examples include amiodarone or digoxin.

Beta-blockers

They ease the heart’s workload, slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
They can prevent angina attacks, reduce the risk of further heart attacks, improve heart failure symptoms and control abnormal heart rhythms.
Examples include bisoprolol, atenolol, metoprolol and carvedilol.

Statins

Collective name for cholesterol-lowering drugs.
They help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and the build-up of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries.
They are usually prescribed after a heart attack or for angina sufferers.
They can protect against further heart attacks and strokes.
Examples include atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin.

There are also other medications, such as calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants and nitrates. Healthcare professionals will determine the best medications for the type of heart disease as part of an individual’s treatment plan. The BHF has further information on medications here.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making lifestyle changes in conjunction with medication is crucial for managing heart disease. It can help individuals with their symptoms and reduce the risk of serious illness.

Healthcare professionals will encourage patients to:

Eat a healthy and balanced diet, e.g. fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil.
Reduce the amount of salt, saturated fat and sugar in their diet.
Undertake regular physical activity. In some cases, they will offer an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Manage stress by adopting techniques such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation.

Some examples of successful lifestyle interventions include:

Social prescribing – GPs, secondary care professionals and social care workers can refer patients to non-clinical community services and support. These can help heart health by encouraging individuals to undertake various activities and enrol on different schemes. For example, in Newcastle, patients with the Ways to Wellness reported improved self-confidence, healthier eating and increased physical activity (BHF).
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet – is effective for managing blood pressure and cholesterol. It is a plant-based diet prioritising fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. It contains moderate amounts of low-fat dairy and limits red and processed meat (Heart UK).
The Mediterranean diet – it is well-known for reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It focuses on healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts and oily fish, and plenty of fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals and whole grains. Heart UK has further information on this diet here.
The Ultimate Cholesterol Lowering Plan© (UCLP©) – a plan based on science for healthy cholesterol. It is from the cholesterol charity Heart UK, in partnership with Alpro and support from Danone.

A combination of lifestyle interventions, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, managing stress, smoking cessation and limiting alcohol, are all vital to improving heart health.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures

Surgical procedures may be necessary to reduce the risks of serious illness, especially if heart disease medications are ineffective. The types of procedure offered will depend on an individual’s condition, age, health and any comorbidities, i.e. other diseases.

Some examples of common procedures include:

Angioplasty – they insert a small balloon to open up a blocked or narrowed artery to allow blood to flow more easily. It can be a planned procedure or performed as emergency treatment.
Bypass surgery – a blood vessel is taken from another part of the body to bypass a blocked or narrowed artery in the heart.
Pacemaker installation – a small electrical device is implanted into the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms.
Stent placement – usually conducted with an angioplasty. A stent is a small metal mesh tube inserted to keep the artery open.
Valve repair/replacement – involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves to ensure blood flows properly.

If the heart is severely damaged or cannot effectively pump blood around the body, it may require a heart transplant.

Surgery may not be required or feasible for some people with heart disease. Non-surgical interventions can include lifestyle modifications, medications and also:

Cardiac rehabilitation – an individualised exercise, education and support programme built around a person’s circumstances and needs. BHF has further information here.
Cardioversion – used to get a person’s abnormal heart rhythm to return to a normal pattern. It can be done using electrical signals or medications.
Lifestyle coaching – provides individuals with the information, knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed, healthy lifestyle choices and empowers them to take control and better manage their condition.

Care Strategies for Individuals with Heart Disease

When a person is diagnosed with heart disease, it can be a worrying and confusing time for them and their families and caregivers, and they are all likely to go through a range of emotions. Therefore, having appropriate information, advice, care, and support is vital.

Comprehensive Care Plans

If a person is diagnosed with heart disease, healthcare professionals will typically give them and their caregivers a comprehensive care plan. These plans aim to help patients and their caregivers manage their condition effectively.

A care plan usually contains the following information:

Treatment plans, including medications, lifestyle modifications and potential surgical/non-surgical interventions.
Regular monitoring, e.g. blood pressure and cholesterol level checks.
Symptoms to be aware of if the condition worsens.
Rehabilitation programs, e.g. cardiac.
Emergency contact information, e.g. health and social care providers, if symptoms worsen or complications arise.
Support services, e.g. access to social care, counselling, resources and support groups for individuals and their families.

Care plans should be regularly reviewed by a healthcare professional, such as a GP.

For care plans to be effective, it requires communication and coordination between various health and social care professionals (multidisciplinary teams), such as cardiologists, GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, palliative care specialists, pharmacists, etc., and patients and caregivers. It ensures everyone involved in an individual’s care and treatment is on the same page.

Personalised care plans are vital to ensure a person with heart disease receives appropriate treatment, care and support in line with their condition, needs, circumstances and preferences. It empowers patients and their caregivers to take control of their condition and make shared decisions about their care. It can also reduce symptoms and hospital stays and improve health outcomes and overall well-being.

Managing Symptoms and Complications

The symptoms a person will experience with heart disease will depend on the type of condition with which they are diagnosed. Some strategies for managing common symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fatigue, include:

Quitting smoking (if applicable), as this can improve breathing and significantly improve heart health.
Undertaking light exercise, even though it may seem counterproductive, can help ease fatigue.
Maintaining a healthy weight, as it can reduce the strain on the heart and help with fatigue and shortness of breath.
Taking any prescribed medications as directed by healthcare providers, as they can help ease symptoms. Doctors may recommend oxygen therapy to ease breathlessness.
Adopting breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, where you breathe deeply from your abdomen rather than taking shallow chest breaths.
Being mindful of positioning, e.g. sitting upright rather than slouching, can help open your airways and make breathing easier.
Practice stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation or mindfulness, to manage stress levels when experiencing symptoms.

It is important to monitor for and respond to potential complications, such as heart attacks, angina or strokes, by:

Attending regular check-ups – with a healthcare provider to monitor heart health. It can include:

Blood pressure monitoring.

Blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels.

Imaging tests, e.g. electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, X-ray, CT/MRI scans and coronary angiography.

Self-monitoring – where a person can monitor themselves at home. It may include:

Conducting regular pulse checks – to detect irregular heartbeats.
Keeping a diary or log of symptoms – to track symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, and identify if they are worsening or if there are any new ones.

Knowing the signs of complications – to know when to seek immediate medical attention. Signs may include severe chest pain, dizziness, swelling in the legs or sudden numbness on one side of the body.

Seeking emergency help, i.e. calling emergency services – if experiencing severe symptoms, as a quick response is crucial in preventing further damage.

Supporting Emotional Well-being

Living with heart disease can have significant psychological and emotional impacts. Many will experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and stress, which can worsen their symptoms and overall heart health. They may worry about how they will manage their condition, what will happen in the future, and the impact on their and their family’s daily lives.

People with heart disease and their families and caregivers should receive appropriate psychological and emotional support, as mental health and heart health are interconnected. Some strategies for coping with anxiety, depression, and stress related to heart disease include the following:

Education – if a person with heart disease better understands their condition and knows what to expect, it can help them feel more in control and reduce anxiety. There is plenty of support and resources from charities and the NHS (details below).
Healthy lifestyle choices – eating a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy habits, such as alcohol and smoking, can improve mood and overall physical and mental health.
Regular exercise – not only is exercise beneficial for physical and heart health, but it also improves mood by releasing happy hormones, such as endorphins and dopamine. Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking/cycling/swimming, strength training and yoga, are beneficial. Patients should consult with their GP to ensure the exercise is safe for their condition.
Relaxation techniques – as previously mentioned, relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing, may help. Others may find reading a book or listening to music relaxing. Journaling can also help process emotions, which involves writing down your thoughts and feelings.
Social support – talking to family and friends and sharing feelings and concerns can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support. There are also support groups for people with heart disease to help them connect with others who understand what they are going through
Professional help – people with heart disease may want to seek help from mental health professionals, such as counsellors and therapists, who may provide coping strategies to manage anxiety, stress and depression. Healthcare providers, such as GPs, may also prescribe medication to help manage symptoms.

There are many resources out there to help people with heart disease cope with anxiety, depression, and stress related to their condition. Some examples include:

There are also general mental health charities, such as:

The Role of Caregivers and Support Networks

Caregivers and support networks are crucial for those living with heart disease. It can be a worrying time, especially after a diagnosis and surgery, and not only affects a person’s physical health but also their mental and emotional health and well-being.

Supporting a Loved One with Heart Disease

Caregivers play a vital role in supporting individuals with heart disease, and their responsibilities can vary. They may help manage medications, monitor symptoms and attend appointments. They may also assist in helping them make the necessary lifestyle arrangements and provide emotional and psychological support.

Whatever the responsibilities a caregiver has, it can be challenging for them. Here are some tips on providing practical and emotional support:

Practical support

Research and gain knowledge on their condition to understand the best way to help them and the signs and symptoms of their heart disease worsening.
If the person is taking medication, ensure they take them at the right time, i.e. set reminders and alarms if necessary.
Prepare heart-healthy and balanced meals while considering their preferences.
Accompany them to medical appointments and assist with communicating with healthcare professionals.
Assist with daily activities, such as household chores, paying bills, washing and dressing, changing dressings and running small errands where required.
Encourage them to undertake any exercise recommended by their doctor and participate with them or see if there are any group activities to make it fun.
See if any adaptations or assistive technologies can help with everyday activities and around the home. These can be useful as a person’s condition progresses.

Emotional

Encourage them to talk about their feelings and listen without judgment.
Provide reassurance, i.e. validate their feelings and let them know you are there for them.
Support them to be as independent as possible.
Respect their boundaries when providing support and always treat them with dignity and respect, regardless of their limitations.
Be aware of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and encourage them to seek professional help where needed.
Prompt them to participate in support groups.

It is also essential for caregivers to practice self-care, i.e. look after themselves and their own well-being. They should:

Take regular breaks and make time for themselves to relax and recharge.
Seek help from others where required, such as family, friends, professional services and respite care.
Eat healthily, exercise regularly, adopt good sleep hygiene practices and avoid unhealthy habits. It will also set a good example.
Talk to others and share their feelings with loved ones, friends, or professionals, such as counsellors.
Use resources provided by charities and healthcare providers, such as:
Age UK – Help and support for carers respite & support.
BHF – Support for carers.
Carers UK.
NHS – Support and benefits for carers.

Caregivers should encourage those with heart disease to adhere to their care and treatment plans and adopt healthy lifestyle choices. It will help them to manage their symptoms, reduce the risk of complications and improve their health outcomes. It will also demonstrate to the person they are supported, which can also enhance their well-being.

Building a Support Network

A support network includes people and communities offering advice and physical and emotional support. They can be informal and include family, friends, peers and the community. They can also be formal, e.g. professional individuals and groups.

Family, friends, and support groups play a crucial role in the care process, providing emotional, practical, and social support to individuals. They may help people with heart disease maintain social connections and get involved in decision-making and advocacy. They may also work together to provide the best possible care and support to people with heart disease and offer respite care to help primary caregivers.

There are community resources and online support groups for heart disease patients and their families and caregivers, for example:

Cardiomyopathy UK – offers in-person and online groups here.
BHF – has an online community and a helpline, and there are also local Heart Support Groups across the UK. Further information is here.
NHS – they have comprehensive information on heart disease here.
Managing heart failure @home – offers resources for managing heart failure at home. Further information is here.

GPs and NHS Trusts may also have information on further resources and local groups. Also, look on social media for groups.

Advancements in Heart Disease Research and Treatment

With advances in technology and medicines come innovative treatments and future directions to improve the lives of those with heart disease.

Innovative Treatments

There have been advancements in heart disease treatment, including new medications, minimally invasive procedures and personalised medicine.

New medications

There have been many new drugs for heart disease. They play a vital role in preventing heart disease, managing symptoms and preventing complications. Some examples include:

The drug, tafamidis, was approved for patients in England with a rare heart condition (NHS England).
A cholesterol-lowering injection, Inclisiran, was introduced to help patients control their cholesterol levels (NHS England).
A new treatment, dapagliflozin, was approved for people in England with a type of chronic heart failure (NICE).

Minimally invasive procedures

There are many risks with open heart surgery, and some procedures have been replaced with minimally invasive ones under light anaesthetic. It also means patients do not need to spend time in an intensive care unit and can leave the hospital more quickly. Some examples include:

A new procedure to treat patients with severe heart valve disease was carried out in 2023 using new technology (Oxford University Hospitals).
A laser procedure was used to treat re-narrowed stents, avoiding the need for heart bypass surgery (Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust).

Personalised medicine

People with heart disease may be able to get a faster diagnosis of a condition based on their unique situation and genetic makeup. Personalised medicine involves combining and analysing information about our genome with other clinical and diagnostic information to identify an individual’s risk of developing a disease (NHS England). It can detect illness early and determine effective interventions to help improve a person’s heart health.

Future Directions

Research into heart disease is ongoing and continually evolving. The aim is to “reduce the number of people developing and dying from heart disease while improving and extending the lives of those affected” (Heart Research UK). There are emerging research areas such as:

Gene therapy – modifies the genes of our cells to repair defects that cause diseases. It is showing promise in treating genetic heart diseases, e.g. researchers are developing a gene therapy for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Also, the BHF has funded a £30 million project (CureHeart), aiming to develop gene therapies to cure inherited heart muscle diseases (Jones, 2022).
Stem cell research – uses stem cells to treat diseases. It is another area showing promise for heart disease, as it can potentially repair damaged heart tissue and improve cardiac function. The BHF has information about ten breakthroughs in stem cell research here.
Wearable health technology – helps manage heart disease by continually monitoring symptoms, detecting potential issues early and providing users and healthcare providers with real-time health data. It can involve technologies, e.g. smartwatches and fitness trackers, to monitor heart rate and any irregularities. It may also alert users to seek medical attention, help them adopt healthy lifestyle choices and adhere to their treatment plans.

The BHF has articles on research in their Heart Matters magazine here.

Ongoing research plays a crucial role in enhancing the prevention, treatment, and care of heart disease:

Prevention – helps identify risk factors for heart disease and how to manage them through healthy lifestyle changes and early interventions. It also helps develop public health initiatives and campaigns to educate people about heart-healthy behaviours and encourage regular health checks.
Treatment – enables new medications and medical technologies to be developed to help treat heart disease, reduce the risk of complications, improve recovery times and enhance overall health outcomes.
Care – allows for more effective and tailored treatments and care through personalised medicine. Telemedicine has also expanded through research, which can help better monitor and manage people with heart disease, especially in remote areas.

Research and advancements are improving patient outcomes and helping reduce the overall burden of heart disease on healthcare systems worldwide.

CPD Online College has further information on cardiovascular disease innovations, treatment & management here.

Conclusion

Heart disease affects millions of people in the UK and is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. There are many types of heart disease with various symptoms, which can increase the risk of complications, such as heart attacks, angina and strokes if they are not diagnosed, treated and managed.

It is vital to assess modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors to understand the risk of heart disease and seek advice from healthcare professionals where necessary. Many types of heart disease are preventable. Therefore, understanding these conditions and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating healthily, managing stress and regular exercise, is crucial.

On diagnosis of heart disease, the treatment and care required will be specific to the condition and individual, and healthcare professionals will decide on the most appropriate course of action with individuals and their families. Monitoring and managing the condition and symptoms are essential to reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes. They should also receive appropriate emotional and psychological support.

Those living with heart disease and their families and caregivers must remember they are not alone. While it can be distressing and have emotional and mental impacts, there is plenty of information and support to help, i.e. charitable organisations, such as the British Heart Foundation, HEART UK, Heart Research UK and others detailed at Charity Choice. There is also information from the Heart Research Institute and the NHS.

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