Everything You Need to Know About Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Heart disease is a variety of types of conditions that affect the heart. The Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Group located in North Dallas TX, provides state-of-the-art treatments for cardiac and vascular diseases. We consider our team among the finest interventional cardiologists in the country. Here's everything you need to know about heart disease.

Heart Disease Overview

Heart disease includes disorders that affect the structures or function of your heart, such as coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, heart muscle disease, heart failure, heart attack and others. All of these disorders have an effect on the heart or blood vessels that supply the heart. If you have heart disease, there’s a lot you can do to increase your chances for a long and vital life.

Heart Disease Causes

There are many risk factors associated with the disease. Most people who develop heart disease do so because of a combination of factors such as lack of exercise, smoking and an unhealthy diet. The more risk factors you expose yourself to, the higher your chance of developing heart disease.

Heart Disease Symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. For many individuals, chest pain or a heart attack is the first sign. Someone having a heart attack may experience several symptoms, including: chest discomfort or pain, pain in the neck, jaw, or back, weakness, nausea and shortness of breath. 

Heart Disease Diagnosis

Our cardiologist will diagnose heart disease based on your physical exam, family and medical histories, and the results from procedures and tests. Your cardiologist can perform several tests to diagnose heart disease, including electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG), chest X-rays, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ask your cardiologist about what tests may be right for you.

Heart Disease Treatment

The goal of treating heart disease is to maximize the patient's quality and quantity of life. Treatment of heart disease may include medicines, lifestyle changes, medical and surgical procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation. We also may prescribe medicines to treat the disease.