Heart Disease

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect your heart’s structure and function. The most common kind of heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, also called coronary artery disease. It causes the arteries connected to your heart to narrow.

This usually happens when plaque buildup restricts blood flow or causes a complete blockage. Coronary heart disease can cause a heart attack or death if untreated.

Some other kinds of heart disease include arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), congestive heart failure, valvular disease, and cardiomyopathy. Some kinds of heart disease are present from birth, but most develop over time.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

You might have heard heart disease called a “silent” disease. That’s because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms until it’s reached advanced stages. Unfortunately, many people find out that they have heart disease only after having a heart attack.

In other cases, you could experience warning signs, including:

• Chest pain
• Chest pressure
• Neck, throat, or jaw pain
• Upper back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Lower extremity swelling
• Chronic fatigue
• Numbness, coldness, or weakness in your arms or legs
• Dizziness
• Fainting

These are only some of the possible symptoms that the many kinds of heart disease can cause. Because you might not get a warning about heart disease until you have an emergency, it's essential to get regular check-ups.

How is heart disease diagnosed?

Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC offers a full range of diagnostic cardiology tests, including treadmill stress tests, echocardiograms, nuclear cardiology tests, Holter monitoring, and others.

Your regular wellness exams at Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC include cardiology screenings and tests based on your health, age, and medical history.

How is heart disease treated?

How your heart disease is treated will depend on what stage it’s in and your medical history. With all treatment approaches, you must commit to a healthy eating plan, regular exercise, and other heart-healthy measures to stay well.

Many heart medications and medical procedures, including surgery, can help restore your heart health. But by focusing on early diagnosis and prevention, you can avoid a medical crisis instead of reacting to one.

If you’ve suffered one heart attack, you don’t have to have another. Making an effort to get healthy now can save your life.

Call Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC or book your heart disease evaluation through online booking now.