Coronary Heart Disease: What Is It and How Is It Treated?
In addition to being the most common type of heart disease, coronary heart disease is the deadliest. In fact, it’s the deadliest disease in the world, killing 365,914 people in 2017. For these reasons and more, it’s important to understand what differentiates this type of heart disease from others. In this brief article, we will be discussing this topic and treatment options available to people in various stages of this disease. Because the first sign of coronary heart disease is often a heart attack, it’s important to consult a heart doctor in Tampa Bay if you are at all concerned with your heart health.
What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, or simply heart disease, is one of a number of conditions that impairs the heart and its structure. Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in arteries. Overtime, this collection of fat, cholesterol, and calcium clogs arteries and inhibits blood flow to and from the heart. This process can take years, even decades.
Related: The Dangers of High Cholesterol
Signs of coronary heart disease include chest pain, also known as angina, and shortness of breath. Chest pain results from a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart, whereas shortness of breath results from a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the rest of the body. However, many people experience no symptoms at all until a blocked artery or blood clot caused by plaque build up leads to a heart attack. This is why it’s so important to consult a heart doctor in Tampa Bay if you believe you are at risk for coronary heart disease. There’s no telling how a person’s heart is affected until they consult a medical professional.
Related: The Dangers of High Cholesterol
Signs of coronary heart disease include chest pain, also known as angina, and shortness of breath. Chest pain results from a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart, whereas shortness of breath results from a lack of oxygen-rich blood reaching the rest of the body. However, many people experience no symptoms at all until a blocked artery or blood clot caused by plaque build up leads to a heart attack. This is why it’s so important to consult a heart doctor in Tampa Bay if you believe you are at risk for coronary heart disease. There’s no telling how a person’s heart is affected until they consult a medical professional.
What Are Possible Treatment Options?
Treatment for coronary heart disease will depend on how far along the disease is. Those who are in early stages or who would like to prevent the disease could benefit from healthy lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, eating healthily, and exercising regularly. Those in more advanced stages of coronary heart disease can benefit from various medications and medical treatments to restore blood flow. Modern minimally invasive procedures can restore heart functions while ensuring faster recovery times and improved outcomes.
Related: 5 Reasons to Undergo a Stress Test
At Ascent Cardiology Group, our surgeons can perform cardiac catheterization to gain access to the heart, diagnose heart conditions, and perform surgical procedures, if necessary. We can also perform echocardiography and stress tests to assess the heart’s structure and function without the need for surgery. Although there are numerous diagnostic and treatment options available, they are only helpful when patients take the first step by scheduling an appointment with a heart doctor. If you are suffering from or believe you are suffering from coronary heart disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sachin Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, to get a clear picture of your heart health and what to do next.
Related: 5 Reasons to Undergo a Stress Test
At Ascent Cardiology Group, our surgeons can perform cardiac catheterization to gain access to the heart, diagnose heart conditions, and perform surgical procedures, if necessary. We can also perform echocardiography and stress tests to assess the heart’s structure and function without the need for surgery. Although there are numerous diagnostic and treatment options available, they are only helpful when patients take the first step by scheduling an appointment with a heart doctor. If you are suffering from or believe you are suffering from coronary heart disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sachin Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, to get a clear picture of your heart health and what to do next.
To consult the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
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Maintaining Your Cardiovascular Health May Prevent Cognitive Decline
A research study recently published by Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals with a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease are likely to experience cognitive decline which may, in turn, lead to dementia. This is important because the evidence suggests that monitoring and controlling cardiovascular health may be the key to maintaining cognitive health later in life. In this brief article, a heart doctor in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group will review what actions you can take to maintain your heart health and prevent future cognitive decline.
Diet and Lifestyle
A healthy diet and lifestyle are your first line of defense against cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. The American Heart Association recommends the following steps to reap the long-term benefits of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods
• Limit saturated fats, sodium, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages
• Limit alcohol intake
• Adopt a physically active lifestyle
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco products
With regard to exercise, you should aim for at least one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate physical activity, seventy minutes of vigorous physical activity, or an equal combination of the two for each week, if possible. Harvard Health Publishing states that, in addition to relieving anxiety and depression, regularly engaging in an exercise program has been shown to improve cognitive function in those with memory problems or who carry the APOE4 gene variant for Alzheimer’s.
Related: The Dangers of High Cholesterol
• Eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods
• Limit saturated fats, sodium, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages
• Limit alcohol intake
• Adopt a physically active lifestyle
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco products
With regard to exercise, you should aim for at least one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate physical activity, seventy minutes of vigorous physical activity, or an equal combination of the two for each week, if possible. Harvard Health Publishing states that, in addition to relieving anxiety and depression, regularly engaging in an exercise program has been shown to improve cognitive function in those with memory problems or who carry the APOE4 gene variant for Alzheimer’s.
Related: The Dangers of High Cholesterol
Blood Pressure Control
High blood pressure is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease that often goes unnoticed and untreated. Uncontrolled high blood pressure hardens and thickens your arteries and puts additional strain on your blood vessels and organs, such as the brain and kidneys. It rarely has noticeable symptoms but, if left untreated, can significantly increase your risk for a number of life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and vascular dementia.
While there is no cure for high blood pressure, there are lifestyle changes you can make to enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. First and foremost, you should be regularly monitoring your blood pressure to remain alert to any changes or patterns. Then, through a combination of managing your stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and communicating with your healthcare provider, you can successfully live a heart-healthy life. Related: How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Heart and Body
While there is no cure for high blood pressure, there are lifestyle changes you can make to enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. First and foremost, you should be regularly monitoring your blood pressure to remain alert to any changes or patterns. Then, through a combination of managing your stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and communicating with your healthcare provider, you can successfully live a heart-healthy life. Related: How High Blood Pressure Affects Your Heart and Body
Stress Management
Let’s be honest — managing the level of stress in your day-to-day life can be stressful. It’s impossible to control whether or not you’ll get stuck in traffic or experience the loss of a loved one; however, it’s important to understand how high levels of stress and your body’s reaction to it can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. In stressful situations, your body produces chemicals, such as cortisol and adrenaline, that can interfere with your sleep and appetite over time.
To reduce stress and stimulate your mind, try focusing on patterns of positive thought. Laughter has been found to reduce inflammation in the arteries and lower levels of stress chemicals. Similarly, exercise can lower your blood pressure and produce endorphins. All you need to do is find the right combination of techniques which work for you, whether it be meditating or playing a sport. For additional recommendations on what preventative measures may work best for you, contact a Tampa heart specialist from Ascent Cardiology Group today.
To reduce stress and stimulate your mind, try focusing on patterns of positive thought. Laughter has been found to reduce inflammation in the arteries and lower levels of stress chemicals. Similarly, exercise can lower your blood pressure and produce endorphins. All you need to do is find the right combination of techniques which work for you, whether it be meditating or playing a sport. For additional recommendations on what preventative measures may work best for you, contact a Tampa heart specialist from Ascent Cardiology Group today.
To consult with a Tampa heart specialist from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
More Resources
Stress and Heart Disease: What You Can Do to Improve Your Heart Health
Working long hours, filling up free time, and taking on additional responsibilities is a way of life for Type A
What is Nuclear Cardiology?
Nuclear cardiology is a subspeciality of general cardiology that involves the use of radioactive substances and advanced medical imaging modalities
Coronary Heart Disease: What Is It and How Is It Treated?
In addition to being the most common type of heart disease, coronary heart disease is the deadliest. In fact, it’s