Heart Disease & Stroke Specialists in Maharashtra
Heart disease encompasses conditions affecting the heart's structure and function, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Stroke occ…
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What is Heart Disease & Stroke?
Heart disease encompasses conditions affecting the heart's structure and function, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain damage.
Life-threatening
Leading cause of death globally — 17.9 million deaths annually from cardiovascular disease; stroke kills 5.5 million per year
No
Causes of Heart Disease & Stroke
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol, family history, age, stress. Stroke: same risk factors plus atrial fibrillation, blood clots.
Symptoms of Heart Disease & Stroke
Heart disease: chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, palpitations. Stroke (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Also sudden severe headache, vision problems.
Treatment & Types of Heart Disease & Stroke in Maharashtra
Heart disease: medications (statins, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers), angioplasty, bypass surgery, lifestyle changes. Stroke: tPA (clot-busting drug within 4.5 hours), thrombectomy, rehabilitation.
This category spans several distinct conditions: coronary artery disease and heart failure affecting the heart's blood supply and pumping function, arrhythmias affecting heart rhythm, and stroke, which is itself classified as ischaemic, caused by a blocked blood vessel, the most common type, or haemorrhagic, caused by a burst blood vessel, each requiring very different emergency treatment.
Cardiology/Neurology Specialists in Maharashtra (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FAST stand for in recognising a stroke?
FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services, and recognising these signs quickly is critical since faster treatment leads to better recovery.
Why is time so critical in stroke treatment?
Clot-busting medication is only effective within a narrow window, typically 4.5 hours from symptom onset, so every minute of delay in seeking care can mean more permanent brain damage.
Do heart disease and stroke share the same risk factors?
Yes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and physical inactivity are major shared risk factors, which is why managing them benefits both heart and brain health together.
Can someone fully recover from a stroke?
Recovery varies widely depending on stroke severity and how quickly treatment was received, with rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapy playing a major role in regaining function over the following months.
Does atrial fibrillation increase stroke risk?
Yes, this irregular heart rhythm allows blood to pool and form clots that can travel to the brain, which is why blood-thinning medication is often prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation to reduce stroke risk.