Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death across the world. These conditions affect the health and function of heart and blood vessels and can range from chronic health issues, such as high blood pressure, to life-threatening events, such as heart attacks and strokes. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common cardiovascular conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is a chronic cardiovascular condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Several factors can contribute to hypertension, such as smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress and genetic predisposition. Some people may be completely asymptomatic. Because of this, hypertension has been nicknamed the “silent killer.”
Doctors define high blood pressure as anything consistently above 130/80. The top number in the fraction is called systolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when the heart has just contracted. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when the heart is relaxed between beats. Together, these blood pressure numbers indicate how hard your heart and blood vessels work at rest.
Treatments for hypertension include:
- Regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Following a healthy diet to control weight.
- Deep breathing techniques to relieve stress
- Blood pressure medications such as beta blockers and diuretics
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is the most common kind of heart disease. It consists of a build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries which supply blood to the heart muscle, or myocardium.
Plaque reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, causing chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart failure.
Heart failure consists of inefficient blood circulation to vital organs, such as the lungs and brain, and to the extremities. People with coronary artery disease are at elevated risk for development of dangerous peripheral artery disease, or PAD, in the legs and feet.
Risk factors for developing coronary artery disease include:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Heredity
Treatment options for coronary artery disease include:
- Medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Blood thinners to prevent blood clots, ex. aspirin
- Routine and rehabilitative exercise
- A heart-healthy diet (typically the popular and effective Mediterranean diet)
- Stress reduction
- Stent placement
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia in which the heart’s upper chambers flutter instead of beating in a regular rhythm. This inefficient health rhythm can lead to blood clot formation and increase the risk for stroke and other serious complications.
Symptoms of Afib may include heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. However, some people with Afib may not experience any symptoms whatsoever. So, it is wise to discuss your risk factors for Afib with your primary care physician or heart doctor.
Treatment options for Afib include:
- Medications to control heart rate and rhythm–beta blockers, such as Atenolol as an example
- Blood thinners to prevent blood clots
- Cardioversion (electrical shock therapy) to restore normal heart rhythm
- Catheter cardiac ablation to destroy the abnormal heart tissue causing the irregular heartbeat
It is important for individuals with Afib to work closely with their healthcare providers, including board-certified heart doctors, to develop the best treatment plans. Your care plan may involve lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, exercising and weight reduction.
In addition, regular check-ups and monitoring of heart health are an important aspect of Afib care. You and your cardiologist will track symptoms, check blood pressure and cholesterol levels and discuss routine electrocardiograms (ECGs) or other tests as necessary.
Individuals with Afib should learn all they can about their conditions and be aware of potential triggers which may worsen their symptoms. Stress, caffeine, certain medications, and even dehydration can contribute to an irregular heartbeat for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Expert Heart Doctors Near Me in Sarasota, FL
Intercoastal Medical Group serves patients in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. We have 8 fully qualified heart doctors on staff, and we provide advanced cardiovascular assessments, such as stress tests, nuclear medicine and echocardiograms all in our office. We offer cardiac stenting, aneurysm repair, heart failure management and more.
To book a consultation with one of our cardiologists, call us today at one of our cardiology locations. These include Beneva Cardiology, Cattleridge Medical Building II and Lakewood Ranch II. We will assist you in all your heart health needs.
