How to Treat Heart Problems

Heart disease is a growing problem in America. With the rising rates in obesity and increased popularity of fatty, deep fried fast food, it's no wonder that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. If you suffer from heart disease, there are many different treatments that you can benefit from. Heart disease isn't just one disease, but rather an umbrella term for various heart conditions.

Types of Heart Problems

• The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when the heart isn't getting an adequate supply of blood pumped into it. This results in the heart being deprived of oxygen, and it can't pump blood back to the rest of the body like it should. Endocarditis is another form of heart disease that affects the heart valves. A bacterial infection invades the endocardium, the membrane that lines the inside of the heart's valves. High blood pressure is a type of heart disease that causes the heart to beat faster due to the extra pressure on the artery walls. Congestive heart failure happens when the heart doesn't beat effectively. This type of heart disease can be caused by a damaged or weak heart. The muscles and tissues of congestive heart failure patients don't get an adequate supply of blood and oxygen.

Diet

• If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, one of the most important things you can do for your condition is to control your diet. Limiting your saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol intake is the most crucial step in working towards a heart healthy diet. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as they're a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Cut the salt out of your diet as much as possible, because high salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure. Practice portion control and plan your meals ahead so you're not tempted to eat fast food as a quick, last minute meal.

Exercise

• Exercise can help your heart tremendously. Be sure to get at least 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day. You don't have to do all of your exercises in one session. Opt for smaller, 10 minute sessions if that will fit your schedule better. The most important thing is that you get your daily fill of physical activity, not how you get it. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine. That way he can make suggestions on specific exercises that can benefit you the most.

Medication

• There are many medications on the market that are used for the treatment of heart problems. Aspirin, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers, nitrates, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, blood cholesterol-lowering agents and thrombolytic agents are all used to treat heart disease patients. If you experience adverse side effects with your medications, be sure to let your doctor know about them. That way he can change the dose or type of your medications, or maybe add another medication to be used in combination with the ones you're already taking.

Surgery

• Your doctor may recommend surgery, depending on your particular condition. Coronary artery bypass grafting, transmyocardial laser revascularization, valve repair or replacement, arrhythmia treatment, aneurysm repair, ventricular assist devices, heart transplant, open-heart surgery and minimally invasive heart surgery are all medical procedures to repair different problems with the heart. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of the surgery that he recommends for your situation. In most cases, the benefits of heart surgery far outweigh the risks.