Tanmay Swadia, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist with Michigan Heart Livonia, a Saint Joseph Mercy Health System medical clinic. He attended Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College in India and completed training at Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Swadia spoke with Friday Musings about the key signs and symptoms of heart disease, how to prevent heart disease and the available help and treatments for heart disease.
Q: What are some common symptoms of heart disease? And are there not-so-common symptoms people should look out for?
Dr. Swadia: Chest pain and chest discomfort are the two most common symptoms of heart disease, but there are other symptoms that are not as common but still important to be cognizant of. Back pain, jaw pain, arm pain, shoulder pain and heartburn during physical exertion are all symptoms and are clear indications to seek medical attention right away.
Another major symptom I want to highlight is the feeling of getting old. For example, if you have been taking the stairs all your life but now are taking the elevator instead because you get tired walking up a flight of stairs, that could be a sign of developing coronary artery disease. This could be the first sign that you are developing a heart condition. Remember, “age is just a number” and if you feel like you are losing your energy or exercise capacity, you should discuss that with your doctor.
Q: What should someone do if they are showing severe symptoms?
Dr. Swadia: If someone is having active chest discomfort, are getting sweaty or having other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately and let the health care workers figure out what is exactly going on. It is not advised to drive if you have symptoms of a heart attack, as the situation can worsen at any time.
Q: How old is the average heart disease patient, and how often does heart disease impact younger people?
Dr. Swadia: The general belief is heart disease only affects middle-aged people and the elderly, and that isn’t true. Heart disease affects all age groups, and we are seeing more young people have heart attacks or other heart problems. This all has to do with changing lifestyles.
But believe it or not, heart disease can start in your 20s. Studies have been done on patients in their 20s that showed plaque inside the arteries. It was minor, but the buildup had already begun. There is a high likelihood of it progressing once that starts, so maintaining a healthy heart is vital early in life.
Q: What are some things we can do to prevent heart disease?
Dr. Swadia: A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are both great places to start. Avoid eating excessive amounts of fast food, foods that are high in sugar, red meats, and anything fried. Staying active is also important; I recommend exercising five days a week for at least 30 minutes. Avoiding tobacco of any kind is also key for heart health.
Getting quality sleep also goes a long way in lowering your risk for heart problems. I recommend 6-7 hours of sleep each night. Finally, avoid stress as much as possible. Stress is growing and there is less interconnectivity these days due to social media, the pandemic and other factors. Quality time with loved ones is a great way to lower your mental and emotional stress
Q: What services are offered at St. Mary Mercy Livonia that can help people who may have heart disease, or for people who want to get their heart checked for any problems?
Dr. Swadia: The hospital has grown exponentially over the last few years to provide excellent cardiovascular care. The hospital has built two brand-new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs so we can provide treatment for heart disease, heart attacks, and blocked arteries right here in Livonia. The hospital has also grown to provide care for various heart rhythm disorders, whereas in the past we would have to transfer patients to other hospitals. Another great thing we provide is preventative care to protect you from developing heart disease. This care includes coronary calcium scoring, stress testing, and echocardiography, to name a few.
There is a real sense of community here at St. Mary Mercy Livonia and we love taking care of patients and their families — this is why we do what we do.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Swadia, call 734-462-3233.
