Cardiovascular Disease
 

Cardiovascular Disease

 

We will be covering the following:

 

  • What is Cardiovascular Disease?
  • Cardiovascular Symptoms
  • Cardiovascular Diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Disease Treatment and Cost in India
  • Health Insurance for Asthma
  • Other Diseases
What is Cardiovascular Disease?

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the usual term for the conditions or disorders that affect people’s blood vessels and heart. It is generally related to building up of fatty deposits in the internal part of arteries with the increased chances of blood clots. It may be associated with damage to arteries too in organs like eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.

 

CVD is one of the primary reasons for disability and death in several countries; however, it can be prevented if one can lead a healthy lifestyle.

 

There are various types of CVDs. The four major ones are given below:

 

  • Coronary heart disease: Blood is rich in oxygen. Coronary heart disease occurs if the flow of blood to the heart is reduced or blocked.
  • Strokes and TIAs: A stroke refers to the condition when the supply of blood is cut-off to various parts of the body, causing brain damage and even death.
  • Peripheral arterial disease: Peripheral arterial disease happens if a blockage is present in the arteries.
  • Aortic disease: Aortic disease is a condition that affects the aorta.

Health insurance is vital for the person who has a cardiovascular disease as it is beneficial in the long run. The treatment costs of such conditions can run into lakhs. In such cases, a health insurance policy acts as your financial support.

 

Cardiovascular illness symptoms

 

The symptoms of CVD vary depending on the particular situation. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes type 2 initially may cause no symptoms. However, the following are the typical symptoms of cardiovascular illness:

  • Pressure or pain in the chest that can indicate angina
  • Discomfort or pain in the left shoulder, back, jaw, elbows or arms.
  • Shortness in breathing
  • Fatigue or nausea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Cold seats

One must have medical insurance as it is the best way of being prepared for the medical expenses owing to the symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

 

Cardiovascular illness Diagnosis

 

The tests for diagnosing heart disease are:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Electronic signals are recorded for helping the doctor to detect the irregularities in the structure and rhythm of the heart.
  • Holter monitoring: A Holter monitor is a portable device which is worn for recording a continuous ECG, generally for twenty-four to seventy-two hours. Holter monitoring is used for detecting irregularities of the heart’s rhythm that are not found in ECG.
  • Echocardiogram: It shows the detailed picture of the function and structure of the heart.
  • Stress test: This test is used for determining how the heart is responding during times while it is working its hardest. The doctor monitors the heart rate.
  • Cardiac catheterisation: Cardiac catheterisation is done to check if the heart muscle or valves have any disorder. The blood flow and pressure can be measured during the method.

Cardiovascular illness is a severe disease. And in such cases, you need emotional as well as financial support. Thus, having a health insurance policy is a sensible idea.

 

Cardiovascular illness treatment and cost in India

 

The treatment of heart disease differs from situation to situation. Antibiotics are given to those who have a heart infection. Usually, treatment for cardiovascular disease involves:

Change in lifestyle: You must make lifestyle changes like– having low-sodium or low-fat diet, having thirty minutes of physical exercise moderately almost every day in the week, limiting consumption of alcohol, and quit smoking.

Medications: Only changing your lifestyle is not sufficient, timely intake of medicines prescribed by doctors for controlling the heart disease is also essential. The kind of medication depends on the kind of heart illness that one has.

Medical procedures and surgery: If the medicines are not sufficient, the doctor might recommend particular surgery or procedures. The kind of procedure depends on the type of disorder and the extent of the damage to the heart.

The treatment of heart illness is costly in India. The expense is dependent on the kind of disease ranging between Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs or even more.

 

Health insurance in India

 

Buying a health insurance policy is quite necessary these days, as medical care is costly, particularly in private hospitals. Earlier, heart ailments were more common in people over 50, but surprisingly, 25% of all heart attacks in India now happen to people under the age of 40. With increasing pollution and stressful lifestyles, cardiovascular diseases are now a cause of worry for the young and old alike. For people who may have a family history of cardiac ailments, getting health insurance, as early as they can, can be very beneficial in the long run. A health insurance policy generally covers expenses like the fee of doctors, medical tests, ambulance costs, hospitalisation charges, etc.

 

If your parents or grandparents suffer from  heart diseases, apart from the essential covers, make sure to also look out if your insurance provider has a cardiovascular specialist in their list of network hospitals for cashless services. This can be very helpful in emergencies. You must also opt for a health insurance policy that is valid across the country, covers pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, pharmacy and diagnostic costs, and annual health check-ups. Make sure to also understand the terms and conditions of pre-existing disease covers if you suffer from an ailment prior to taking up a policy.

 

Health insurance plans cover almost all health issues, including cardiovascular diseases. But, having a clear understanding of your requirements and your family’s history of health issues can help you get the right plan for you and your loved ones.

 

Other diseases

 

Generally, all diseases are covered under a health care policy. Some particular inclusions include:

However, there are other treatments which the health insurance policy does not cover. These include:

  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Dental treatment
  • Treatment for HIV
  • Weight loss surgery
  • Infertility treatment