Heart Disease FAQs

Heart disease is a broad term for conditions that affect the heart's structure or function, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valve disorders, and congenital defects. Most forms develop gradually, which is why cardiovascular evaluation matters even when you feel well.

A heart attack occurs when a blocked coronary artery cuts off blood flow to part of the heart muscle. The heart typically keeps beating, but the affected tissue may be damaged without prompt treatment. Cardiac arrest is an electrical failure that causes the heart to stop beating entirely and requires immediate intervention.

No. Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart can no longer pump efficiently enough to meet the body's demands. A heart attack is an acute event caused by a sudden arterial blockage. The two are distinct, though a heart attack can sometimes damage the muscle enough to contribute to heart failure over time.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heart rhythm that originates in the upper chambers of the heart. The atria quiver rather than beat in a coordinated pattern, which disrupts blood flow and raises the risk of stroke and clotting. Many patients are unaware they have it until it is found during a routine evaluation.

An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart's electrical rhythm. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. Some arrhythmias require only monitoring, while others affect the heart's ability to pump effectively and may need treatment. Symptoms can range from palpitations and dizziness to fatigue or fainting.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to become enlarged, thickened, or rigid. Some forms are inherited; others develop from high blood pressure, viral infections, or long-term stress on the heart. Severity varies widely, and treatment is tailored to the type and underlying cause.

The most common symptom is chest pain or pressure, often described as squeezing or heaviness. Pain may also spread to the arm, jaw, neck, or back. Shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and lightheadedness can accompany it. In some patients, particularly women, symptoms may be subtler and chest pain may be absent entirely. If a heart attack is suspected, call 911 immediately.

Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, typically during exertion or stress. Stable angina comes on predictably and eases with rest. Unstable angina can occur at rest and demands prompt evaluation. Unlike a heart attack, angina does not permanently damage the heart muscle, but it signals an underlying condition that needs attention.

Chest pain or pressure, unexplained shortness of breath, a racing or irregular heartbeat, frequent dizziness, and fainting episodes all warrant evaluation. A family history of early heart disease is also sufficient reason to see a cardiologist, even without current symptoms.

Common cardiac diagnostic tests include the electrocardiogram (EKG), stress tests, echocardiograms, Holter and event monitors, CT coronary angiography, and cardiac catheterization. The appropriate tests depend on symptoms and individual risk factors. San Diego Cardiac Center's diagnostic testing center is fully accredited and equipped to perform and process most tests on-site.

An EKG records the heart's electrical activity using small electrodes placed on the chest. It is painless and takes only minutes. Results can reveal rhythm irregularities, evidence of a prior heart attack, and certain structural abnormalities. It is typically one of the first tests ordered during a cardiac workup.

A stress test evaluates how the heart performs under physical exertion, usually by having the patient walk on a treadmill while heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored. For patients who cannot exercise, medication can simulate the effect. Some stress tests are paired with imaging, such as SPECT or PET/CT, to assess blood flow to the heart muscle more precisely.

Mild blockages may be managed with medication and lifestyle modification. More significant narrowing is often treated with balloon angioplasty, which compresses the plaque against the artery wall, usually followed by stent placement. Patients with complex or multiple blockages may be evaluated for bypass surgery.

A coronary stent is a small mesh tube placed inside a narrowed artery to keep it open after angioplasty. Stents are permanent implants. Modern drug-eluting stents are coated to reduce the likelihood of re-narrowing over time. After placement, a blood-thinning medication is typically prescribed for a period determined by the treating cardiologist.

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects abnormal heart rhythms by delivering radiofrequency energy through a catheter to a small area of tissue causing the electrical disruption. It is most commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and other tachyarrhythmias, and can eliminate or significantly reduce symptoms in appropriate candidates.

An ICD is a small device implanted just beneath the skin near the collarbone that continuously monitors heart rhythm. When it detects a dangerously fast or life-threatening rhythm, it delivers an electrical shock to restore normal function. It may be recommended for patients who have experienced cardiac arrest or serious arrhythmias, or who carry an elevated risk for sudden cardiac death.

Yes. Heart failure cannot be cured in most cases, but it can be managed effectively with medication, close monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. San Diego Cardiac Center's Heart Failure Program, established in 1998, has achieved an over 80% reduction in repeat hospitalizations among enrolled patients. Advanced cases may be candidates for mechanical circulatory support or heart transplant evaluation through our partnership with Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Family history is a meaningful risk factor. If a close relative had coronary artery disease or a heart attack at an early age, personal risk may be elevated. Genetics can influence cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and predisposition to certain conditions. Regardless of family history, proactive screening can identify concerns before symptoms develop.

Exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within normal ranges all support cardiovascular health. Managing blood sugar is equally important, particularly for those at risk for diabetes. Our team can help patients identify which changes will have the most meaningful impact based on their individual health profile.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means the force of blood against artery walls is consistently elevated. Over time, this strains the heart and accelerates arterial damage, significantly raising the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Because hypertension rarely causes noticeable symptoms, many people are unaware they have it. Regular monitoring is essential to catch it early.