Cardiology

Warning signs include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness. Women may experience different symptoms like unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

For adults over 40, an annual cardiac check-up is recommended. Those with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, or smoking should consider more frequent check-ups as advised by their doctor. Basic cardiac screening includes blood pressure measurement, cholesterol testing, and ECG.

Key lifestyle changes include regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week), maintaining a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium), maintaining healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep.

Most patients can return to light activities within a week after angioplasty. Full recovery typically takes about 2-4 weeks. However, recovery time varies based on individual health conditions and the complexity of the procedure. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and adjust medications if necessary.