AI Summary Overview
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for disorders of the heart and blood vessels. These conditions may affect the heart muscle, valves, electrical system, coronary arteries, brain circulation or blood vessels supplying the limbs and other organs.
Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside artery walls) is an important cause of coronary heart disease, ischaemic stroke and peripheral arterial disease. However, not every cardiovascular condition is caused by atherosclerosis. Congenital conditions, heart-muscle disorders and electrical disturbances may also cause CVD.
What are the Types of Cardiovascular Disease?
Various conditions fall under CVD. Each condition affects the heart or blood vessels differently. Take a look at the various types of cardiovascular disease:
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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary heart disease develops when the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked. It may cause angina, breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance or a heart attack.
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Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke Cerebrovascular disease affects blood flow to the brain. A stroke occurs when a brain artery becomes blocked or when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding.
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Heart Failure Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump or fill with blood effectively enough to meet the body's needs. Common symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue and fluid-related swelling.
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Arrhythmias Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the heart's rate or rhythm. They may cause palpitations, dizziness, fainting or breathlessness. The causes of arrhythmias vary and may include heart disease, electrolyte disturbances, thyroid disorders, medicines or abnormalities in the heart's electrical system.
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Rheumatic and Valvular Heart Disease Rheumatic heart disease can develop after rheumatic fever damages the heart valves. Heart valve disease may also result from ageing, infection, congenital abnormalities or other cardiac conditions.
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Congenital Heart Disease Congenital heart disease includes structural abnormalities of the heart or major blood vessels that are present from birth. Its severity ranges from minor defects to conditions requiring early surgery.
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Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle and may make it enlarged, thickened or stiff. It can contribute to heart failure, arrhythmias or sudden cardiac events.
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Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Deep-vein thrombosis occurs when a clot forms in a deep vein, usually when part of the clot travels to the lungs and obstructs blood flow.
How Common is Cardiovascular Disease in India?
Cardiovascular disease includes several different conditions and thus, India does not have one single prevalence figure for all CVDs. As per a systematic review and meta-analysis carried out in April 2025, India has a pooled prevalence of 11% for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults. Besides, the estimate was higher in urban populations than in rural populations.
India's National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases includes population-based screening for hypertension and diabetes among adults aged 30. Early identification and risk-factor management can reduce cardiovascular complications.
What are the Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease may remain silent for years, particularly when blood vessels are gradually affected. Some people first become aware of the disease after a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms also differ according to the affected organ and type of CVD.
Some of the early warning signs and advanced stage symptoms of a cardiovascular disease are:
| Early Warning Signs | Advanced Stage Symptoms |
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Diseases Similar to Cardiovascular Disease
Symptoms, such as breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness and chest discomfort, can also occur in conditions outside the cardiovascular system. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anaemia are two such conditions.
The table below gives a comparative overview of these conditions:
Cardiovascular Disease Vs. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Vs. Anaemia
| Feature | Cardiovascular Disease | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) | Anaemia |
| How It Happens | A disorder affects the heart, blood vessels or circulation | Persistent inflammation and damage obstruct airflow through the lungs | The blood has insufficient healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin |
| Location | Heart and blood vessels | Airways and lung tissue | Blood and, depending on the cause, bone marrow or nutrient stores |
| Associated Symptoms | Chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, swelling, dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance | Chronic cough, sputum, wheezing and progressive breathlessness | Fatigue, pallor, dizziness, breathlessness and a rapid heartbeat |
| Severity | Ranges from controlled risk factors to heart attack, stroke or may progress to heart failure | May progress from mild airflow limitation to severe respiratory disability | Ranges from mild fatigue to severe oxygen-delivery problems and cardiac strain |
| Can It Be Reversed? | Risk factors may be controlled, although established damage may require long-term treatment | Lung damage is generally not fully reversible, but symptoms and progression may be managed | Many forms improve when the underlying cause is identified and treated |
What Causes Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease does not have one single cause. Different conditions develop through combinations of biological mechanisms, modifiable risk factors and inherited susceptibility. Some of the common causes of CVD are listed below:
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Atherosclerosis: Plaque build-up narrows or blocks the arteries.
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High Blood Pressure: Damages blood vessels and increases strain on the heart.
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High Cholesterol: Promotes fatty deposits inside artery walls.
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Diabetes: High blood glucose damages blood vessels over time.
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Tobacco Use: Injures arteries and increases the risk of blood clots.
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Obesity: Raises the risk of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
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Physical Inactivity: Contributes to poor fitness and cardiovascular risk factors.
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Unhealthy Diet: Excess salt, sugar and unhealthy fats affect heart health.
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Excessive Alcohol Use: May raise blood pressure and weaken the heart muscle.
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Family History and Age: Inherited factors and increasing age may raise cardiovascular risk.
What are the Complications of Cardiovascular Disease?
Potential complications of cardiovascular disease depend on the underlying condition and may include:
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Heart Attack: Reduced or blocked coronary blood flow damages part of the heart muscle.
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Stroke: A blocked or ruptured brain blood vessel can cause permanent neurological injury.
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Heart Failure: Heart damage or prolonged pressure overload may impair pumping or filling function.
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Dangerous Arrhythmias: Severe rhythm disturbances may cause fainting, stroke or cardiac arrest.
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Cardiac Arrest: The heart suddenly stops maintaining effective circulation.
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Kidney Damage: Heart and blood vessel disease can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, while kidney disease can further worsen cardiovascular health.
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Critical Limb Ischaemia: Severe peripheral arterial disease may cause rest pain, ulcers, infection or tissue death.
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Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot can travel to the lungs and obstruct circulation.
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Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Repeated strokes or chronic blood vessel damage may affect memory and thinking.
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Reduced Quality of Life: Breathlessness, pain, fatigue and mobility limitations may interfere with work and independence.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
Get immediate medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:
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Severe or persistent chest pressure
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Chest discomfort with sweating, nausea or breathlessness
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Sudden facial weakness or drooping
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Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
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New speech difficulty, confusion or loss of vision
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Sudden severe breathlessness
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Fainting or collapse
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A sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat with chest pain
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A cold, pale, painful or suddenly numb limb
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Signs of cardiac arrest
Note: Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke constitute a medical emergency.
How is Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosed?
The investigations recommended by doctors to diagnose a cardiovascular condition depend on the patient's symptoms, risk factors and the specific condition suspected.
Some commonly used diagnostic methods and their purpose are mentioned in the table below:
| Test | Purpose | What the Doctor Detects |
| Medical History and Physical Examination | To assess symptoms, risk factors and general cardiovascular health | Abnormal pulse, raised blood pressure, heart murmurs, fluid retention, reduced limb pulses or signs of poor circulation |
| Blood Pressure Measurement | To identify hypertension and assess cardiovascular risk | Persistently raised systolic or diastolic blood pressure |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | To record the heart's electrical activity | Arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, heart muscle strain or signs of current or previous heart injury |
| Echocardiogram | To examine the heart's structure and movement | Reduced pumping function, valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, congenital abnormalities or fluid around the heart |
| Blood Tests | To assess cardiovascular damage and risk factors | Troponin elevation, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, anaemia, electrolyte abnormalities or raised natriuretic peptides |
| Chest X-Ray | To examine the heart and lungs | Heart enlargement, lung congestion, fluid accumulation or another chest condition |
| Holter or Event Monitor | To record the heartbeat over a longer period | Intermittent arrhythmias not captured during a standard ECG |
| Exercise or Stress Test | To assess the heart during increased workload | Exercise-related ECG changes, symptoms, arrhythmias or reduced exercise capacity |
| Ankle-Brachial Index | To compare blood pressure in the ankle and arm | Reduced blood flow suggesting peripheral arterial disease |
| Cardiac CT | To assess cardiac structures and coronary arteries | Coronary plaque, narrowed arteries, calcium deposits or anatomical abnormalities |
| Cardiac MRI | To obtain detailed heart muscle and structural images | Cardiomyopathy, inflammation, scar tissue, congenital disease or heart muscle viability |
| Coronary Angiography | To directly examine coronary arteries when clinically indicated | The location and severity of coronary narrowing or blockage |
How is Cardiovascular Disease Managed?
Treatment of cardiovascular disease depends on the specific diagnosis, symptom severity, risk of complications and the patient's overall health. Some of the treatment methods to manage cardiovascular disease include:
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Lifestyle and Risk-Factor Management Management may include stopping tobacco use, following a balanced diet, limiting salt and harmful alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight and undertaking physical activity appropriate to the patient's condition.
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Medicines Medicines may be prescribed to control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, relieve angina, prevent blood clots, manage heart failure, regulate heart rhythm or control diabetes.
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Procedures and Surgery
Depending on the condition, treatment may involve:
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting
- Coronary artery bypass grafting
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator placement
- Catheter ablation for selected arrhythmias
- Surgery for congenital heart disease
- Peripheral angioplasty or vascular surgery
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Cardiac Rehabilitation Cardiac rehabilitation combines supervised exercise, risk-factor education, medicine support and psychological care after selected cardiac events or procedures.
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Ongoing Monitoring Regular follow-up may include blood tests, ECGs, echocardiograms, device checks or repeat imaging. These tests are used to assess or identify disease progression, treatment response and new complications.
Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease. Persistently high blood glucose can damage blood vessel walls and contribute to atherosclerosis.
People with diabetes should receive regular cardiovascular risk assessment, including blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and smoking status evaluation.
Common Medicines Used to Treat Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease includes many different conditions, so no single medicine is appropriate for every patient. The exact medicine depends on the diagnosed condition and the patient's overall health. Treatment aims to control risk factors, improve heart function, prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Some of the common medicines prescribed for CVD conditions are:
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Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in appropriate patients. It is commonly used for people with coronary artery disease or high cardiovascular risk.
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Aspirin: Aspirin may be prescribed for selected patients to reduce platelet activity and lower the risk of blood-clot formation. It is not appropriate for everyone, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
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Clopidogrel: Clopidogrel may be prescribed after certain coronary interventions or for selected patients with established cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of blood clots. It helps reduce the formation of harmful blood clots.
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Metoprolol: Metoprolol can reduce heart rate and blood pressure and lower the heart's workload. It may be used for selected patients with coronary disease, arrhythmias or heart failure.
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Ramipril: Ramipril can lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. It may also be used in selected patients with heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions.
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Amlodipine: Amlodipine lowers blood pressure and can help control angina in suitable patients. It may be prescribed when hypertension or coronary symptoms require treatment.
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Furosemide: Furosemide helps remove excess fluid from the body. It may be prescribed for fluid retention associated with heart failure.
Note: These medicines require medical supervision and are not suitable for every patient. The dose depends on the specific cardiovascular condition, other medicines, kidney function, blood pressure and bleeding risk. Medicines should not be started, stopped or changed without medical advice.
Living with Cardiovascular Disease in India: Daily Challenges and Patient Safety
Living with cardiovascular disease often requires long-term management rather than a short treatment course. Patients may need regular medical reviews, medicines and monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. Some people also require cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack or procedure.
Some critical challenges and everyday patient care points to manage cardiovascular disease are given below:
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Challenges
- Long-Term Medicine Use: Several medicines may need to be taken every day, sometimes for life.
- Reduced Physical Capacity: Breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort or leg pain may limit work and routine activity.
- Dietary Adjustments: Patients may need to reduce excess salt, saturated fat, trans fat and highly processed food.
- Repeated Medical Visits: Follow-up consultations, blood tests, imaging and device checks can be time-consuming.
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Patient Well-Being
- Safe Physical Activity: Exercise should match the diagnosed condition and medical advice, particularly after a heart attack or procedure.
- Medicine Management: Pill organisers, reminders and caregiver support may help maintain the prescribed schedule.
- Emotional Support: Fear of another cardiac event may contribute to anxiety, low mood or loss of confidence.
- Emergency Preparedness: Patients and families should recognise heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest warning signs and know how to obtain emergency care.
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Expenses
- Medicines: Recurring expenses may include medicines for hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, heart failure or clot prevention.
- Monitoring: Costs may include cardiologist consultations, blood tests, ECGs and echocardiograms.
- Procedures: Angioplasty, bypass surgery, pacemaker implantation and valve treatment may involve substantial one-time costs.
What is the Prognosis for Cardiovascular Disease?
The prognosis varies considerably because cardiovascular disease includes conditions ranging from manageable risk factors to advanced heart failure, stroke and severe vascular disease. Outcomes generally improve when the condition is identified early, risk factors are controlled and prescribed treatment is followed.
Some cardiovascular damage cannot be completely reversed, but treatment can often reduce symptoms, slow progression and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke or hospitalisation. Prognosis also depends on age, kidney function, diabetes, smoking, treatment response and the extent of existing heart or blood vessel damage.
How Can I Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?
Not every cardiovascular condition can be prevented, particularly congenital or inherited disorders. However, many heart attacks, strokes and complications related to atherosclerosis can be prevented or delayed. Some tips to prevent cardiovascular disease are:
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Avoid smoking, smokeless tobacco and second-hand smoke.
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Have blood pressure checked regularly and follow an individual treatment target.
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Monitor cholesterol and blood glucose when recommended.
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Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week when medically suitable.
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Eat vegetables, fruit, pulses, whole grains, nuts and appropriate protein sources.
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Limit salt, added sugar, saturated fat, trans fat and highly processed food.
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Maintain a healthy body weight.
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Avoid harmful alcohol consumption.
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Take prescribed medicines consistently.
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Attend regular health checks, particularly when aged 30 years or above or when risk factors are present.
Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Cost in India
There is no standard monthly treatment cost for cardiovascular disease because CVD covers multiple conditions and treatment pathways. Long-term medicines may create recurring expenses, while angioplasty, bypass surgery and pacemaker implantation involve higher one-time costs. Treatment expenses vary considerably according to the condition, procedure, hospital, city and complexity of care.
The table below provides an overview of the various costs involved in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases in India:
| Treatment Component | Indicative Cost Range |
| Cardiologist consultation | ₹700 - ₹2,500 per consultation |
| ECG | ₹300 - ₹1,000 |
| Echocardiogram | ₹1,500 - ₹5,000 |
| Coronary Angiography | ₹10,000 - ₹25,000 |
| Coronary Angioplasty | ₹1,20,000 - ₹4,50,000 |
| CABG Surgery | ₹2,00,000 - ₹6,00,000 |
| Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting | ₹1,00,000 - ₹2,50,000 |
Note: The above-mentioned cardiovascular disease treatment costs are approximate. Actual treatment costs may vary based on the hospital, city, procedure, treatment complexity, medicines, complications and duration of care.
Does Health Insurance Cover Cardiovascular Disease?
Yes. Health insurance plans in India provide coverage for cardiovascular diseases. Expenses relating to hospitalisation for heart attacks, cardiac surgeries, angioplasty, stenting, implantation of a pacemaker, etc. and related complications are generally covered.
The coverage may be provided for the following:
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In-patient hospitalisation expenses
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Day care procedures like angioplasty
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Intensive care charges, including the ICU cost
Outpatient tests and procedures like ECG, echocardiogram, and angiography are covered under the OPD benefit. The exact coverage may depend on the policy terms and conditions.
Additional coverage is provided by critical illness insurance plans, which pay you a lump sum upon being diagnosed with specified diseases, such as a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, irrespective of hospitalisation costs.
Furthermore, a waiting period will apply before coverage becomes available. Moreover, a waiting period for pre-existing conditions of up to a maximum of 36 months will apply if the condition has been diagnosed before policy purchase.
Make sure to go through the terms, coverage, sub-limits and exclusions of the policy carefully before purchasing.
How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment?
The amount of health insurance coverage needed for cardiovascular diseases is based on the illness to be treated, how severe the illness is, the required medical treatment and in which city the treatment is being done. Since the costs of various heart treatments vary, a policy of at least ₹10 lakh should provide reasonable coverage against hospitalisation, diagnostics and some uncomplicated surgeries.
People with existing risk factors for heart disease, like diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, or those over 45 years, a higher sum insured of ₹15 - ₹20 lakh should be considered, as repeated surgeries, expensive medications and ongoing treatment may be required, which can increase overall treatment costs.
However, make sure to compare different plans before making a decision to buy a policy to ensure the coverage is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q1. What is cardiovascular disease?
Ans: Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias and peripheral arterial disease. -
Q2. What are the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease?
Ans: Cardiovascular disease may cause chest discomfort, breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, ankle swelling or leg pain during walking. -
Q3. Can cardiovascular disease be cured?
Ans: Some cardiovascular conditions can be corrected, while others require long-term management. Treatment can often reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
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References
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https://www.apollohospitals.com/procedures/peripheral-angioplasty-and-stenting
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https://www.carehospitals.com/surgery-cost/coronary-angioplasty-cost
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