Asthma
Carroll Family Medicine LLC
Family Medicine & Aesthetics located in Hampstead, MD
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that 1 in 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease. But you don’t have to become a statistic. With preventive care at Carroll Family Medicine LLC and heart-healthy lifestyle changes, you can protect your cardiovascular health. Their dedicated heart health team is available to help you help your heart. Call their Hampstead, Maryland, office or book your appointment online.
Heart Disease Q & A
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is the term used to encompass a number of potentially life-threatening conditions that impact your cardiovascular health. Heart disease is linked to:
- Heart attack
- Aneurysms
- Cardiac arrest
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Peripheral artery disease
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
The symptoms of heart diseases differ depending on what’s causing it.
Abnormal heartbeats
When your heart doesn’t beat in a steady rhythm, you have a heart arrhythmia. This might mean your heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or too quickly (tachycardia), but it can also mean that your heart sometimes skips beats. Arrhythmia can cause lightheadedness and dizziness. You might also have the sensation of your heart fluttering in your chest.
Blood vessel problems
Known as atherosclerotic disease, issues with your blood vessels can cause symptoms including:
- Chest tightness that’s uncomfortable or even painful
- Weakness, numbness, or pain in affected body areas
- Shortness of breath
- Pain around your jaw, throat or neck
- Pain in your upper back or abdomen
Heart infections
Also known as endocarditis, infections in the membrane of your heart can cause:
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weakness
- Abdominal or leg swelling
Trouble pumping blood
When your heart has a problem pumping blood to the rest of your body, it’s called cardiomyopathy. As it advances, cardiomyopathy can cause:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Swelling in the lower half of your body
Problems with your valves
When you have valvular heart disease, your symptoms can include:
- Chest pain
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
How is heart disease diagnosed?
Keeping your heart healthy is one of the best things you can do for your body. And Carroll Family Medicine helps you do that by offering accurate in-office heart disease diagnosis through electrocardiograms (EKGs).
These noninvasive tests allow them to monitor the structure of your heart and its rhythm. That way, they can diagnose the problem with your heart so you can start an effective treatment.
While a heart disease diagnosis may sound frightening, simple changes can help you keep your heart healthy. Lifestyle adjustments like eating healthily and getting regular exercise go a long way toward protecting your cardiovascular health.
If you want a partner in protecting your heart health, call Carroll Family Medicine or book your appointment online.