Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is important to learn about your heart and help prevent it. But if you, have it, it is also important that you learn how to live a healthier, more active life and take care of yourself. Your Covington interventional cardiologist provides expert cardiovascular services designed to treat individualized needs. Below is what you need to know about the disease.
What are some of the conditions for CVD?
Cardiovascular disease constitutes conditions that affect the functions or structures of your heart. The types of cardiovascular diseases can have various causes. While some might develop at the same time, there is also a possibility that some conditions could lead to other conditions within the group. These conditions include;
- Angina: Chest pain that results from a decrease in the blood flowing into your heart.
- Arrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythm or heartbeat.
- Coronary artery disease: Affects the arteries that feed your heart muscles.
- Congenital heart disease: Results from heart structures or functions present from birth.
- Heart attack: Sudden flow of oxygen supply or blockage of the flow of blood to your heart.
- Heart failure: Abnormal relaxation or contraction of your heart.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: A form of heart failure resulting from the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. It normally occurs when the heart is too large.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Results from the thickening of heart muscle walls. This condition may result in problems associated with the flow of blood and electrical stability.
- Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heart rhythm that increases your chance of stroke.
- Radiation heart disease: It results from radiation in the chest that can damage your blood vessels or heart valves.
Some of the symptoms that you’re likely to experience.
The symptoms will vary depending on your condition. However, some of the specific symptoms underlying cardiovascular issues that you are likely to encounter includes;
- Pressure or pain in your chest, which can indicate angina.
- Discomfort or pain in your arms, jaw, elbows, left shoulder, or back.
- Shortness of your breath.
- Nausea and fatigue.
- Cold sweats.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Lifestyle tips
There is a possibility that you can prevent this disease. You can take the following steps to prevent the conditions that result in cardiovascular disease.
- Manage your body weight. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, if you lose 5-10% of your current body weight, you may reduce the risk of developing CVD.
- Regularly exercise. You should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity every week.
- Adhere to a heart-friendly diet. You should get food containing omega-3 and polyunsaturated fats like oily fish, alongside vegetables and fruits, to reduce CVD risk.
- Quit smoking. If you are an active smoker, you are at a greater risk of developing CVD. This can be difficult for you; however, taking steps to quit can drastically reduce its damaging effects on your heart.
Treatment
Medication, surgery, or cardiac rehabilitation are some of the main forms of treatment you are likely to get for CVD. Louisiana Heart Center specializes in CVD treatment, leading to heart failure, stroke, heart attack, or valve abnormalities. Knowing the risks and being tested for heart-related diseases can save your life.
For more information on screening for cardiovascular disease, call 718-931-5620 or book your appointment via the website.
