Heart Disease

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a group of conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels. The most common heart disease among Americans is coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease, in which the arteries that bring blood to the heart narrow. This prevents adequate blood flow and can lead to a heart attack and many health problems.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today. But, you can prevent it, especially if you start a healthy lifestyle now. 

What causes heart disease?

Heart disease occurs when deposits made of cholesterol and other fatty materials build up inside your arteries. These deposits, called plaque, gradually narrow the arteries in a process called atherosclerosis. 

Atherosclerosis usually occurs in certain high-risk groups. Smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, extra weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet that’s high in saturated fats are all common contributors to atherosclerosis and heart disease. 

Does heart disease cause symptoms?

Heart disease is often “silent,” so it’s quite common to not have any obvious symptoms until a medical emergency arises, like a heart attack or heart failure. Some possible heart disease symptoms are: 

• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Breathing difficulties
• Fluttering sensation in your chest (heart palpitations)
• Swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, or other areas

Because heart disease is so often silent, it can be deadly with virtually no warning. Fortunately, preventive care may be able to reduce your risk of serious health outcomes. 

How can I prevent heart disease?

Heart disease prevention starts with whole-body wellness. Phillips Family Medical can help you minimize your heart disease risk factors through approaches such as:

• Monitoring your blood pressure
• Weight loss management
• Monitoring cholesterol levels
• Blood glucose screening (Type 2 diabetes)
• Heart-healthy eating plan
• 30-60 minutes of daily exercise 

These measures aren’t only good for your heart: they can help you prevent the many health problems associated with heart disease, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.  

Preventing heart disease and connected conditions means long-term lifestyle change, and Phillips Family Medical specializes in guiding you through the process. You can live a healthy and happy life, with more energy and an improved outlook, if you start heart disease prevention today. 

To learn more about ways to prevent heart disease and treat underlying conditions, call Phillips Family Medical or book an appointment online today.