Heart Disease

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a general term that covers numerous conditions that affect your heart health. It may include:

• Diseases affecting your arteries
• Problems with the way your heart beats, arrhythmias
• Heart valve disease and dysfunction
• Conditions that affect your heart muscle
• Infections of the heart, endocarditis

Statistics show that 1 in 4 Americans die as a result of heart disease.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease, and probably the most familiar. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to your heart narrow or become clogged. This restricts the amount of blood your heart receives and is most often due to atherosclerosis. Sometimes called “hardening” of the arteries, atherosclerosis is a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries that narrow or block blood flow through these major vessels.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Symptoms of heart disease can vary and depend on the type of disease. CAD, for instance, may cause:

• Chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back

These symptoms can signal a heart attack in progress and require medical attention. Atherosclerosis can also affect blood vessels in your legs and arms (peripheral artery disease or PAD) and may indicate a problem with your coronary arteries as well. PAD can cause numbness, weakness, and a cold sensation in your legs or arms.

Other types of heart disease can cause dizziness and fainting, extreme fatigue, swelling in your legs, and a host of other symptoms related to the nature of the disease. Often, however, you may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed.

How can I prevent heart disease?

There are certain types of heart disease you can’t prevent, such as congenital heart disease. There is much you can do, however, to decrease your risk factors for developing other types of heart disease, including CAD, such as:

• Controlling health conditions linked to CAD, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes
• Exercising regularly for 30 minutes on most days of the week
• Following a heart-healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Schedule an appointment at Brandon Riverview Medical Associates today for an evaluation of your heart disease risks and/or effective, personalized treatment for current issues. Call the office or book your visit online.