Heart Disease
Heart disease includes a range of conditions that affect the heart. Vast majority of heart disease depends on the heart blood vessel disease called Cardiovascular Disease, which is caused by Atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is often caused by high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, among others.
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of arteries, refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaque). They will then become narrow and harden, which can restrict blood flow. Advanced atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.
Living healthy with atherosclerosis is possible with proper management, so take steps toward better heart health now. Atherosclerosis doesn’t have to be a losing battle. In fact, the disease can be reversed through lifestyle changes.
The umbrella of heart diseases also includes heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), which often present with palpitations, and heart failure, which leads to shortness of breath, and valvular heart disease.
Ideally, one should become aware of one’s personal risk to develop heart disease before the onset of symptoms. That’s where cardiac evaluation comes in place.
If appropriate, individualized treatment is provided.
If found to have hypertension, modern, combined medication treatment is started without delay.
If high cholesterol, a right dietary modification and, if needed, statin medication treatment is indicated.
Antiarrhythmic treatment is chosen with regards to underlying cause of mechanisms.
If significant cardiovascular disease is strongly suspected, one has to undergo an invasive diagnostic called coronary angiogram, and if indicated, obtain a treatment of coronary stenosis with a stent.
If any form of heart disease is established and diagnosed, personalized treatment is provided, according to European Society of Cardiologists Guidelines. This will decrease symptoms, and in many cases can reverse the organ damage. The ongoing treatment is regularly modified to meet the needs of accuracy and to limit risks of side effects.
It is estimated that up to 90% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is preventable. Prevention of CVD involves improving risk factors through: healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of tobacco smoke and limiting alcohol intake. Treating risk factors, such as high blood pressure, blood lipids and diabetes is also beneficial. Motion is prescribed to everybody!
Motion
Lace up your sneakers.Exercise more in October with a goal of at least 20 minutes of daily activity or exercise. If you have a family history of heart disease, you can reduce your risk to someone without a family history of the disease by increasing your fitness.
No Smoking
Quit cigarettes. Yes, Smoking affects your heart.And not only your heart. Almost 80 years of research have shown that smoking negatively effects your lungs, all your blood vessels and your blood pressure.
Move to fight heart disease!
Diet
Some diets are good. Weight loss is good. But which diet is optimal?
Keto? Paleo? Mediterranean? 5:2? Gluten-free? Vegan?Family History
How do I know I am prone to get heart disease?
Do you have a family history of heart disease?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Are you stressed?
Are you overweight?
Do you have diabetes?
If answer is yes or I don’t know you might want to find out.
Cardiovascular disease is not difficult to detect. There are numerous tests and diagnostic modalities to visualize both the structure and the function of the heart. What can be challenging is finding clues that will lead to future cardiovascular disease BEFORE actual damage occurs.
The cardiology department at HealthBay offers heart-health assessment tools to help you lower your risk of heart disease and live your best life.
Welcome to your new healthier life with focus on prevention of heart disease!
To book an appointment with Dr. Alexandra Andras, please call 800 4272 or email at [email protected]
