What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a general medical term used to describe health conditions that affect your heart and/or blood vessels. It’s very common and very deadly. Heart disease can develop due to a congenital defect or from poor lifestyle choices.
Some of the medical conditions that fall under the heart disease umbrella include:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Heart murmur
- Cardiomyopathy
- Endocarditis
- Congestive heart failure
- Valvular disease
- Coronary heart disease
Whether your heart disease was something you were born with or something that developed over time, taking steps to improve heart health may help prevent complications, such as a heart attack or stroke.
What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood get damaged or clogged. Plaque along your blood vessel walls is the most common cause of coronary artery disease. It develops when cholesterol binds with other substances in your blood and sticks to the walls of your blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen.
A lack of blood supply to your heart may lead to angina, also known as chest pain, or a heart attack.
How is heart disease diagnosed?
The team at Verma Health specializes in cardiac health and performs comprehensive examinations when you come in for cardiac care.
During the evaluation, your provider reviews your medical and family history and conducts a physical exam. They may also recommend diagnostic tests to assess heart health or various risk factors that may affect cardiac function. Some of the tests may include:
- Blood lipid profile
- Basic metabolic profile
- Electrocardiogram
- Stress test
- Echocardiogram
Many of these tests are performed in-house, which means you don’t have to wait long to get the results.
What is the treatment for heart disease?
Treatment for heart disease depends on the type of heart disease you have and your overall health. Your treatment plan may include:
- Healthy diet
- Exercise program
- Weight loss if you’re overweight or obese
- Smoking cessation
- Disease-specific medication
- Stress management
Your provider closely monitors your progress, along with your heart health, and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.
To schedule a consultation with the cardiac experts at Verma Health, call the office or request an appointment online today.
