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Cardiology & Heart Disease

Heart disease, sometimes referred to as cardiovascular disease, refers to a number of conditions and diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease represents the most common cause of death worldwide. According to the Mayo Clinic, 40 percent of deaths in the United States occur from heart disease. However, heart disease is often preventable. The study of heart disease is called cardiology, and a doctor specializing in heart disease is called a cardiologist.

  1. Types

    • There are many types of heart disease. Some of the most common include arteriosclerosis, which refers to the hardening of the arteries; angina, which causes chest pain; stroke, which occurs when a blood clot prevents blood from reaching the brain; atherosclerosis, which involves the narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup; and heart attack, which results from a loss of blood flow to the heart.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of heart disease vary according to the condition. Some symptoms may not be present until heart disease is serious and life-threatening, so regular checkups are important. Common symptoms of heart conditions, however, include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and numbness or pain in the arms and legs. Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one experiences chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath, as these symptoms may indicate a heart attack.

    Risk Factors

    • Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, a diet high in cholesterol, sodium and fat, diabetes, obesity, stress and physical inactivity. In addition, getting older, being male or having a family history of heart disease also increases your chances of developing a heart condition.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for heart disease varies according to the specific condition. For example, mild heart conditions may be treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is often required to treat advanced heart disease. For example, coronary artery bypass surgery can treat damaged arteries.

    Diagnosis

    • Cardiologists perform several tests to diagnose different heart conditions, including chest x-rays, blood tests, electrocardiogram tests, echocardiograms and Holter monitors. CT scans, MRI scans and heart biopsies may also be performed.

    Prevention

    • Everyone can make changes in their lifestyle to decrease their chances of developing heart disease. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies for quitting. Get regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. In addition, try to maintain a healthy weight and keep your stress level low.

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