What is heart disease?

Heart disease refers to a group of serious medical problems that affect your heart and cardiovascular system. Some of the most common types of heart disease include coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), and congenital heart defects.

Although there’s no cure for heart disease, it’s possible to manage uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life through healthy lifestyle changes. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your stress. 

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Heart disease symptoms are typically different for men and women. Men are more likely to experience chest pain, while women may experience nausea or sudden low back pain. Telltale signs of heart disease include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Indigestion
• Feeling faint
• Weak pulse
• Nausea
• Discomfort in the back or stomach
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or arms

If you suffer a heart attack, you might also experience jaw or neck pain. 

Who is at risk of heart disease?

Heart disease affects people of all ages, races, and genders. However, several factors can increase your risk, including smoking, eating a poor diet, and having a family history of heart disease.

You’re also more likely to experience heart disease if you have an underlying medical problem like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

How is heart disease diagnosed?

To diagnose heart disease, your We Care Clinic provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about your lifestyle and any unusual symptoms you’re experiencing.

Next, your provider orders blood tests and diagnostic imaging to rule out other potential problems, and to view your heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system. Depending on your health history, your provider might recommend an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, or an exercise stress test.

Your provider uses the information provided by these tests to develop a custom treatment plan. 

How is heart disease treated?

Treatment of heart disease depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Usually, the team at We Care Clinic recommends healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a low-sodium diet, limiting alcohol intake, and getting regular exercise.

If your symptoms don’t improve with conservative measures of care, you might benefit from prescription medications to control your heart disease. In serious cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. The type of surgery you’ll need depends on the heart disease you’re suffering from and the damage it causes.

To explore your treatment options for heart disease, make an appointment at We Care Clinic. Call the office and speak with a friendly team member or book a consultation online today.