Heart problems are common and can affect people in different ways. Some conditions develop gradually over many years, while others may present more suddenly with symptoms. Many patients worry that symptoms automatically mean serious heart disease, but in practice there is a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from mild and manageable to more significant problems that require ongoing care.
Understanding the common types of heart problems helps place symptoms and test results into context and supports informed decisions about assessment and treatment.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is one of the most common heart problems. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed by a build up of plaque. This process develops slowly over time and is influenced by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history.
Symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, particularly during exertion, which is often referred to as angina. Some people have no symptoms until the disease is more advanced. Assessment may involve ECGs, imaging tests, and sometimes coronary angiography. Treatment depends on severity and may include lifestyle changes, medication, stents, or surgery.
Heart rhythm problems
Heart rhythm problems, also known as arrhythmias, occur when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat become irregular. The heart may beat too fast, too slowly, or in an uncoordinated way.
One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation. This condition can cause palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue, or dizziness, although some people have no symptoms at all. It is important to diagnose because it increases the risk of stroke and often requires specific treatment.
Other rhythm problems are entirely benign and may be related to stress, caffeine, or anxiety. ECGs and rhythm monitoring are usually used to assess these symptoms.
Heart valve disease
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves do not open or close properly. This can lead to obstruction of blood flow or leakage across the valve.
Valve problems may develop due to ageing, infection, previous heart damage, or inherited conditions. Symptoms can include breathlessness, chest discomfort, fatigue, and sometimes palpitations.
An echocardiogram is the key investigation for assessing valve function. Many valve conditions are mild and only require monitoring, while others may need medication or, in some cases, surgical or catheter based intervention.
Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should. It does not mean that the heart has stopped working, but rather that it is struggling to meet the body’s demands.
Common symptoms include breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, and fluid retention. Heart failure can be caused by coronary artery disease, previous heart attacks, valve disease, rhythm problems, or long standing high blood pressure.
Diagnosis usually involves ECGs, echocardiography, blood tests, and sometimes further imaging. Treatment focuses on improving symptoms, supporting heart function, and addressing the underlying cause.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself. These conditions can affect how the heart contracts, relaxes, or conducts electrical signals.
Some cardiomyopathies are inherited, while others develop due to infections, alcohol excess, or unknown causes. Symptoms vary widely and may include breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, or blackouts.
Assessment often includes echocardiography and sometimes additional imaging or genetic evaluation. Management depends on the type and severity of the condition.
Congenital heart conditions
Congenital heart conditions are present from birth. Some are detected early in life, while others are mild and may not be identified until adulthood.
Adults with congenital heart conditions may present with breathlessness, palpitations, or heart murmurs. Many live normal lives with minimal intervention, but some require ongoing monitoring or specialist care.
Pericardial conditions
The pericardium is the thin sac that surrounds the heart. Inflammation of this lining, known as pericarditis, can cause sharp chest pain that often changes with position or breathing.
Pericardial conditions are less common but can be distressing. They are usually diagnosed with ECGs, echocardiography, and clinical assessment. Treatment depends on the cause and is often medical.
When symptoms are not due to heart disease
It is important to recognise that many symptoms commonly associated with heart problems are often caused by non cardiac conditions. Chest pain may come from muscles, the oesophagus, or the lungs. Breathlessness can be related to fitness, lung disease, or anxiety. Palpitations are frequently benign.
Careful evaluation is essential to distinguish between cardiac and non cardiac causes and to avoid unnecessary anxiety or treatment.
Assessment and next steps
The approach to heart problems is always individual. Symptoms, examination findings, risk factors, and test results are considered together rather than in isolation.
Some people require reassurance and monitoring only. Others benefit from targeted investigation or treatment. The aim is always to be proportionate and evidence based.
If you have symptoms or concerns about common heart problems, or would like help understanding test results or risk factors, you can get in touch with me to arrange an assessment and discuss your situation in a clear and measured way.
But to summarise, heart problems are common, but many are manageable when identified appropriately. With careful assessment and sensible follow up, most patients can be guided through diagnosis and treatment without unnecessary alarm.