Decoding Cardiovascular Health: Understanding Common Conditions and Diagnostic Tests

Cardiovascular health is vital to your quality of life. Dr. Mark Jenkins and Dr. Luis Bowen of The Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Group provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions. In addition to South Dallas, we also have an office in DeSoto, TX.  

Common Cardiovascular Conditions

Peripheral artery disease

 Arteries carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body. When you have artery disease, the blood can't reach the extremities and the organs where it is needed. Many different symptoms can be indicative of peripheral artery disease, including chest pain, balance issues, dizziness, and pressure in the chest. You may experience weakness or numbness in your legs. 

Vascular disease

 The term vascular disease covers many different conditions that can happen to your veins. Some of them are more serious than others but all of them should be diagnosed and treated. 

Heart disease

 Heart disease also covers a great many conditions that can affect the performance of the heart. It is a very common cause of death, and it needs to be detected and treated as early as possible. Some of the conditions that are considered heart disease are angina, arrhythmias, pericarditis, and atrial fibrillation

Coronary artery disease

 When plaque builds up in the arteries, it causes major problems with the function of the heart. The coronary arteries carry oxygen to the heart. If they are not able to get the oxygen there because the arteries are too narrow, the heart suffers and may sustain damage. 

Cardiovascular disease

 Many other conditions that you have may cause cardiovascular disease. If you have hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoke or have sleep apnea, you need to be under doctor's care to avoid damaging your heart. 

Diagnostic Tests

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (EKG)is used to check the activity of the heart. Electrodes are placed on the skin and the heart's rhythm is recorded. It is simple and non-invasive. It is often combined with a stress test to determine your cardiovascular health at our South Dallas and DeSoto, TX, clinics. With a stress test, you usually walk on a treadmill while your heartbeat is recorded. 

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to check the size and shape of your heart to detect any abnormalities. 

Many other diagnostic tests are available and depending on what your doctor sees, they may recommend others to help them narrow down the issues. 

Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Bowen of The Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Group in South Dallas and DeSoto, TX, specialize in cardiovascular health. To make an appointment, give our office a call at (469) 437-3560.