What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease includes multiple conditions that affect how the heart pumps blood and delivers oxygen throughout the body.

Some heart conditions develop gradually because of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or aging. Others may involve abnormal heart rhythms, valve problems, congenital abnormalities, or weakened heart muscle.

Common Types of Heart Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. It may cause chest pressure, shortness of breath, reduced stamina, or a heart attack.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

Arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Common symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and fainting.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease develops when one or more valves become narrowed or do not close properly. This can affect blood flow and place additional stress on the heart.

Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart cannot pump blood as effectively as the body needs. It may cause fatigue, shortness of breath, swollen legs, rapid weight gain, or difficulty breathing while lying down.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle and may cause enlargement, thickening, stiffness, or reduced pumping ability.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease includes structural abnormalities present from birth. Some conditions are diagnosed during childhood, while others are discovered later in adulthood.

Common Heart Disease Symptoms

Possible warning signs include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Persistent fatigue
• Reduced exercise capacity
• Swollen ankles or legs
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing while lying down
• Unexplained sweating or weakness

Some people with high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or early valve disease may have no noticeable symptoms.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor sleep or sleep apnea
• Older age
• Long-term stress

Regular cardiovascular screening can help identify risk factors before serious complications develop.

When Should You See a Cardiologist?

A cardiovascular evaluation may be recommended when you experience:

• Recurrent chest discomfort
• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Frequent palpitations
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Persistent fatigue
• Swelling in the legs
• Abnormal blood pressure
• A newly detected heart murmur
• Abnormal ECG results
• A strong family history of heart disease

Patients with diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension may also benefit from routine heart monitoring.

How Are Heart Diseases Diagnosed?

Dr. Lim Do-Sun may review your symptoms, medical history, medication use, cardiovascular risk factors, and family history.

Testing may include:

Electrocardiogram

An ECG evaluates the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart.

Echocardiogram

Heart ultrasound assesses heart muscle function, chamber size, valve movement, blood flow, and structural abnormalities.

Holter Monitoring

A portable ECG records the heartbeat over an extended period to detect intermittent arrhythmias.

Exercise Stress Testing

A stress test evaluates heart rhythm, blood pressure, symptoms, and cardiovascular response during exercise.

Blood Tests

Blood testing may assess cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, thyroid function, anemia, electrolytes, and cardiac biomarkers.

Additional imaging or hospital-based testing may be recommended when necessary.

Heart Disease Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and may include:

• Blood pressure management
• Cholesterol-lowering medication
• Heart rhythm treatment
• Heart failure medication
• Blood-thinning medication when appropriate
• Diabetes management
• Lifestyle and dietary changes
• Smoking cessation
• Weight and exercise management
• Referral for advanced procedures or surgery

The goal is to relieve symptoms, protect heart function, and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.

Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease risk may be reduced by:

• Controlling blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol and diabetes
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking
• Limiting excessive alcohol
• Reducing salt intake
• Sleeping adequately
• Managing stress
• Receiving regular cardiovascular check-ups

Early detection is especially important because many cardiovascular conditions develop silently.

When Is Heart Disease an Emergency?

Seek emergency medical care for:

• Severe or persistent chest pain
• Sudden breathing difficulty
• Fainting with chest symptoms
• Cold sweating and nausea
• Sudden weakness or speech difficulty
• A very rapid or irregular heartbeat with dizziness
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Rapidly worsening swelling or breathlessness

These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, stroke, serious arrhythmia, or acute heart failure.

Heart Disease Care for International Patients

Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic welcomes international patients, expatriates, tourists, and overseas residents seeking cardiovascular evaluation in Seoul.

Patients may bring:

• Previous ECG results
• Echocardiogram reports
• Blood test results
• Medication lists
• Blood pressure records
• Smartwatch heart rhythm data
• Previous cardiology reports

Why Choose Dr. Lim Do-Sun Heart Clinic?

The clinic provides:

• Cardiologist-led consultations
• Comprehensive heart disease evaluation
• ECG and echocardiography
• Heart rhythm monitoring
• Cardiovascular risk assessment
• Personalized treatment planning
• Long-term heart disease management
• International patient support

Book a Heart Disease Evaluation in Seoul

Early diagnosis can help prevent heart disease from progressing into a serious cardiovascular emergency.

Dr. Lim Do-Sun Cardiovascular Clinic provides professional evaluation, testing, and management for heart diseases in Seoul, Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common heart diseases?

Common conditions include coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and hypertensive heart disease.

Can heart disease exist without symptoms?

Yes. High blood pressure, early coronary artery disease, and some valve conditions may develop without noticeable symptoms.

What tests are used to diagnose heart disease?

Common tests include an ECG, echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, exercise stress testing, blood tests, and cardiovascular imaging.

Can young adults develop heart disease?

Yes. Congenital conditions, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, and inherited cholesterol disorders can affect younger adults.

Is heart disease preventable?

Not every condition can be prevented, but controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, weight, and physical activity can significantly reduce risk.

How often should I receive a heart check-up?

The appropriate schedule depends on age, symptoms, medical conditions, family history, and cardiovascular risk factors.

When should chest pain be treated as an emergency?

Chest pain that is severe, persistent, occurs with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, weakness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw requires urgent medical attention.