Common Heart Problems Treated by a Cardiologist

The heart is the engine of the human body — tirelessly pumping blood to every organ from birth to old age. Yet, heart problems are among the leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Recognizing and treating heart conditions early can save lives, restore health, and improve quality of life.

A cardiologist is a heart specialist trained to diagnose, manage, and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Patients experiencing chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, or unexplained fatigue should seek evaluation by a cardiologist.

In Delhi, Dr. Gautam Naik, practicing at Apollo Hospital, is widely acknowledged as the best cardiologist in Apollo Hospital, Delhi — known for precision in diagnosis, advanced treatment approaches, and compassionate patient care.

Let’s explore the common heart problems that cardiologists treat, how they impact health, and why early intervention matters.


1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What Is CAD?

Coronary Artery Disease is the most common heart condition. It occurs when the coronary arteries — blood vessels that supply the heart — become narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Symptoms

  • Chest discomfort or pressure (angina)
  • Pain spreading to shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue and weakness

Treatment Options

A cardiologist may manage CAD with:

  • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)
  • Medications to lower cholesterol and improve blood flow
  • Interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery in severe cases

2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

What Happens During a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, cutting off blood supply to part of the heart. If untreated quickly, it can cause permanent heart damage.

Signs to Recognize

  • Intense chest pain or tightness
  • Heavy sweating
  • Nausea, dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pain radiating to the arm or jaw

Urgent Care

Immediate medical treatment can prevent extensive heart damage. Cardiologists specialise in rapid diagnosis using ECG, blood tests, and imaging to guide emergency treatment.


3. Heart Failure

Understanding Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart cannot pump effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped — rather, it is weakened or stiff and struggles to circulate blood efficiently.

Common Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying down
  • Leg, ankle, or abdomen swelling
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

How Cardiologists Treat It

Treatment focuses on improving heart function and quality of life:

  • Medications to reduce fluid retention and support heart strength
  • Lifestyle management — low-sodium diet, exercise
  • Monitoring and long-term care plans

4. Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat)

What Are Arrhythmias?

Arrhythmias are disruptions in the normal heartbeat rhythm — the heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

Symptoms

  • Palpitations
  • Skipped beats
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fatigue

Treatment Options

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medication to stabilise rhythm
  • Pacemaker implantation for slow heart rhythms
  • Catheter ablation to correct abnormal electrical pathways

5. Valvular Heart Disease

What Causes Valve Problems?

Heart valves regulate blood flow direction through the heart. Diseases occur when valves don’t open fully (stenosis) or leak (regurgitation).

Symptoms

  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Heart murmur detected on exam

Management

Treatment ranges from monitoring mild cases to:

  • Medications to ease symptoms
  • Interventional procedures
  • Valve repair or replacement surgery

6. Congenital Heart Disease

What Is It?

This refers to structural heart defects present from birth. Some are mild, while others require medical or surgical correction.

Examples

  • Septal defects (holes in heart walls)
  • Valve abnormalities
  • Structural irregularities

Role of a Cardiologist

Cardiologists assess and manage congenital conditions through imaging, medications, and surgical referrals when necessary.


7. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Heart & Blood Pressure

High blood pressure doesn’t always cause symptoms but places extra strain on the heart and vessels, increasing risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Treatment Approach

Cardiologists design long-term care plans including:

  • Blood pressure medications
  • Dietary guidance
  • Stress management
  • Regular monitoring

Why Early Detection Matters

Many heart diseases develop gradually and may be “silent” in early stages. Regular checkups with an expert cardiologist can:

  • Detect risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Prevent progression of disease
  • Reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure
  • Improve overall health outcomes

Meet Dr. Gautam Naik — Best Cardiologist in Delhi at Apollo Hospital

When it comes to heart care in Delhi, Dr. Gautam Naik stands out for his extensive experience, strong clinical judgment, and patient-centric approach.
He specialises in diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of heart conditions including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, valvular disorders, and complex cardiac cases.

Patients benefit from:

  • Accurate and timely diagnosis
  • Evidence-based treatment plans
  • Advanced cardiac procedures
  • Personalized follow-up and preventive strategies

With a reputation for excellence and trust, Dr. Gautam Naik is recognised among patients and peers as one of the best cardiologists in Delhi, delivering care that strengthens hearts and changes lives.


Conclusion

Heart diseases are preventable and manageable when detected early. Awareness of symptoms, regular heart health check-ups, and expert care can make all the difference. If you or someone you know experiences persistent chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, consulting a cardiologist like Dr. Gautam Naik can be the first step toward a healthier heart.