Heart Disease

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary heart disease happens when the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or hardened. This condition is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque inside the artery walls.

When blood flow to the heart is reduced, the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, and reduced exercise tolerance.

If the blockage becomes severe, it may lead to a heart attack, which requires immediate medical treatment.

Causes

The main cause of coronary heart disease is atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries and restricts blood flow.

Common risk factors include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Family history of heart disease

Managing these risk factors with lifestyle changes, medication, and physiotherapy can help reduce disease progression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of coronary heart disease may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue during physical activity

In severe cases, coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack.

What Should I Do?

If you experience symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

A doctor may perform several tests to diagnose coronary heart disease, including:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure heart activity
• Echocardiogram to assess heart function
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce complications.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy plays an important role in cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease. After a comprehensive assessment, a physiotherapist will create a personalised program designed to improve heart health safely.

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapy treatment may include:

Cardiovascular Exercise Training

Structured activities such as walking, cycling, treadmill training, or rowing exercises to improve heart health and endurance.

Strength Training

Gentle resistance exercises using light weights or resistance bands to improve muscle strength and support daily activities.

Flexibility Exercises

Stretching routines to maintain joint mobility and improve movement efficiency.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Exercises that help control breathing and reduce stress on the heart.

Functional Exercise Training

Exercises designed to improve everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs, and household activities.

Hydrotherapy

Water-based exercises that reduce strain on joints while improving cardiovascular fitness.

Physiotherapists also provide guidance on safe exercise intensity, warm-up routines, and cool-down techniques to prevent strain and injury.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

People with coronary heart disease should avoid activities that may worsen symptoms or increase cardiac stress.

Avoid:

• Starting intense exercise without professional guidance
• Ignoring chest pain or breathlessness
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Poor dietary habits
• Sudden heavy physical exertion

Following medical advice and physiotherapy guidance helps manage symptoms safely.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Coronary heart disease is a long-term condition, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people can manage symptoms effectively.

With structured physiotherapy and cardiac rehabilitation, patients can:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Reduce angina symptoms
• Increase stamina and strength
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Improve confidence and independence in daily activities

Regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits play an essential role in maintaining long-term heart health.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide specialised physiotherapy programs designed to support people living with coronary heart disease.

Our cardiac rehabilitation services include:

• Detailed physiotherapy assessment for heart health
• Personalised cardiovascular exercise programs
• Strength and mobility training
• Supervised gym-based or home-based rehabilitation
• Hydrotherapy for low-impact exercise
• Education on safe exercise intensity and heart health
• Gradual progression of fitness and endurance

Our goal is to help patients improve cardiovascular fitness, regain confidence, and maintain independence in everyday life.

Book Appointment

If you are living with coronary heart disease and would like professional physiotherapy support, contact ACE Physio Sports today.

Website https://acephysiosport.com

Phone +65 81535374

Email admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your appointment today and begin your cardiac rehabilitation and physiotherapy program.