HEART DISEASE

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death in the United States. The term encompasses coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, and other conditions that impair the heart’s ability to function effectively.

Common Types of Heart Disease

Some of the most prevalent forms of heart disease include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) — narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
• Heart Failure — when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
• Arrhythmia — irregular heartbeat, which may be too fast, too slow, or erratic
• Heart Valve Disease — problems with valves that control blood flow through the heart’s chambers
• Hypertensive Heart Disease — heart problems caused by high blood pressure
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Major risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, family history of heart disease, and advancing age. Many of these risk factors are manageable with lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment.

Symptoms to Watch For

Heart disease symptoms vary depending on the type. Common warning signs include chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, swelling in the legs or ankles, and in severe cases, heart attack symptoms such as crushing chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Our providers use a comprehensive approach to diagnosing heart disease, including physical exams, electrocardiograms (EKG), echocardiograms, stress tests, blood work, and imaging studies. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include lifestyle modifications, medications, cardiac rehabilitation, or referral to a cardiologist for advanced intervention.

If you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease or have risk factors, call our office today at (631) 656-9040 or click here to schedule an appointment.