Heart diseases or Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in several countries across the world. Scientifically, heart diseases refer to any problem that affects your cardiovascular system. They are categorised into several different types and affect the heart and blood vessels in different ways. Types Of Heart Diseases Coronary artery disease Congenital heart defectsArrhythmiaDilated cardiomyopathyMyocardial infarctionHeart failureHypertrophic cardiomyopathyMitral valve regurgitationMitral valve prolapseAortic stenosisAre There Symptoms Of Heart Diseases Which Are Ignored?There are some common signs and symptoms that may be indicative of heart disease but are snubbed. They include angina, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue and lightheadedness, swelling due to fluid retention, or oedema. While these are common, there are others which often get snubbed. Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, senior consultant, at Sharda Hospital underscored that there are certain atypical symptoms of heart diseases. "These subtle symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath on early exertion, swelling in both lower legs, lightheadedness, jaw pain, and chest pain on exertion," he said. He added that women are more likely than men to experience atypical symptoms, such as indigestion, extreme fatigue, or upper abdominal pain, rather than classic chest pain. These silent signs are frequently overlooked or attributed to stress or aging, delaying diagnosis.What Is A Lifestyle Change That Can Be Done?As per Dr Srivastav, one impactful lifestyle change to improve heart health is committing to a brisk 30-minute walk daily. Regular walking helps lower blood pressure, manage weight, and boost circulation. Pair it with a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein for optimal cardiovascular benefits. He also warned people against the damage of chronic stress. "Mental health issues like depression and anxiety can significantly impact heart health. Chronic stress, a common symptom of these conditions, can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease," he said. What Is The Right Age For Checkups?Regular health screenings are crucial for identifying silent heart conditions. As per Dr Srivastava, women are more at risk as compared to men when it comes to heart diseases. "Obesity is more prevalent in females than their male counterparts and is a greater risk factor for Heart failure in women with an increased tendency for HFpEF ( Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction)," he said. Therefore, women should start checkups earlier in their lives than men. Women should start with a baseline assessment around age 30 and have regular checkups thereafter. For men, the beginning age stretches to 35.While we continue to discuss the risk factors, here are 4 simple everyday activities that you can do to boost your heart health: Wiggle Your Toes: A simple habit like wiggling your toes for 30 seconds every hour can help maintain healthy circulation. Maintain Proper Posture: Posture plays a crucial role in respiratory and cardiovascular health. Laugh More for a Healthier Heart: Laughter isn’t just good for the soul—it's great for your heart too! Studies have shown that laughter therapy can improve cardiovascular health and ease symptoms of heart disease. Practice Gratitude Daily: By practising gratitude—such as keeping a journal or reflecting on positive moments—you can lower stress and anxiety. Try Pursed Lip Breathing: Pursed lip breathing, a simple technique where you inhale deeply and exhale slowly as if blowing out birthday candles, can improve airflow and prevent airway collapse.