Heart Disease

Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is a broad term that refers to a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels that make up your cardiovascular system. Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide, and it’s also a leading cause of disability. But you can prevent many forms of heart disease simply by making healthy lifestyle choices.

You need a team of experienced doctors, working together, to see you through any heart problems you may be experiencing. The cardiologists strive to be the medical practice of choice for patients. They’ll counsel you about the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Types of Heart Diseases

There are many different conditions that fall under the umbrella term of heart disease. The most common is coronary artery disease. This condition causes a buildup of plaque in your arteries, squeezing the passages so that the heart can’t get enough oxygen and blood. Other types of heart disease include:

• Heart valve diseases
• Arrhythmias
• Peripheral artery disease
• Heart infections
• Heart failure
• Congestive heart failure
• Aorta disease

Complications from heart disease can happen without warning, even if you haven’t experienced any symptoms. Untreated cardiovascular disease has the potential to lead to the development of serious complications, including:

• Heart attack
• Aneurysm
• Stroke

Preventing Heart Disease

While not all types of heart disease are preventable, you can avoid many by making good lifestyle choices. A healthful lifestyle greatly reduces your risk of heart conditions. Your doctor takes the time to learn what you’ve done to reduce your chances of developing heart disease and preventing severe consequences. Then your cardiologist recommends other choices, such as:

• Developing a regular strength and aerobic exercise routine
• Eating more healthily, concentrating on reducing sodium and increasing your intake of fiber, fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables
• Achieving and maintaining your best weight
• Keeping your blood pressure under control
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Reducing and managing stress through a variety of popular programs
• Avoiding excessive drinking and smoking

Diagnosing the Symptoms of Heart Disease

The symptoms you experience if you have heart disease vary depending the condition you have. You may not experience any symptoms until you have a stroke or a heart attack. But before you have a traumatic heart event, watch for symptoms such as:

• Pressure or pain in your chest
• Unexplained pain in your left shoulder, arms, jaw, back or elbows
• Unexplainable fatigue
• Nausea and dizziness
• As shortness of breath
• Cold sweats

We may decide to put you through a variety of tests if he suspects you have heart disease. The first step is a thorough medical history of your family and a review of your lifestyle. Then come the physical exam and blood tests. Other tests that may be done to diagnose heart disease include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Stress test
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac CT scan

What Causes Heart Disease?

There are many possible causes of cardiovascular disease, including congenital defects, infections and lifestyle choices. One of the most common causes of heart disease is atherosclerosis, a condition that includes a buildup of fatty plaque in your arteries. This causes the blood vessels to narrow and inhibit the blood flow to your heart. Smoking accelerates the growth of plaque in the arteries.

Health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Leading a sedentary lifestyle, consuming a diet of mostly junk food and excessive use of caffeine and alcohol gradually impact your health, including your heart health.