Cardiovascular diseases refer to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is a common cause of death worldwide. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and atherosclerosis increase your chances of getting these diseases. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of you getting these conditions. Highly specialized cardiologist in Bakersfield, CA, uses comprehensive tools such as echocardiograms to diagnose cardiac disease and provides preventive measures and treatment options.
Table of Contents
Causes of cardiovascular disorders
The causes depend on the type of the condition, for example, atherosclerosis, scarring of heart muscles, genetics, medication, aging, infection, and rheumatic diseases. However, the following risk factors increase the chances of you getting these disorders:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Obesity and diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- High sodium, sugar, and fatty diet
- Alcoholism and smoking
- Autoimmune conditions and chronic kidney disease
Types of cardiovascular conditions
Arrhythmia: Abnormal heart rate due to a problem with the electrical conduction system.
Valve disease: Tightening and leaking of valves due to valve injury.
Coronary artery disease: Blockage of the arteries that feed the heart.
Heart failure. Build up of fluids and shortness of breath due to heart dilation, thickening of heart muscles, and stroke, which causes problems with pumping and relaxation.
Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing and blockage of blood vessels in the legs, arms, and abdominal organs causing fatigue, bloating, and numbness.
Aortic disease: Problem with the aorta, which supplies blood to the brain, heart, and rest of the body, causing an aneurysm.
Congenital heart disease: A heart problem that you are born with can affect different heart parts.
Cerebrovascular disease: Blockage and narrowing of brain blood vessels.
Deep vein thrombosis: Blockage in veins that bring blood from the brain and body to the heart.
Symptoms
Some people are asymptomatic while others as symptomatic, and the most common signs are as follows:
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Pain and numbness in the legs, arms, and back
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Pounding heart
Diagnosis
The cardiologists at Heart Vascular and Leg Center starts by conducting a physical exam about the symptoms, family history, and your health and performs the following tests to determine pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood flow:
Blood work
Echocardiogram
Ambulatory monitoring
Cardiac CT
Electrocardiogram
Stress test
Cardiac catheterization
Cardiac MRI
Prevention
It involves lifestyle modification as follows:
- Managing a healthy weight
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol
- Having a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Having cardiac rehabilitations
- Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes
Treatment
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies such as warfarin and aspirin prevent blood clots.
Beta-blockers help reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Calcium and cholesterol blockers such as Cardizem and statins to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
Digitalis, diuretics, and vasodilators such Lanoxin, Lasix, and Nitrostat to increase pumping action, reduce heart workload, and relax blood vessels.
Surgeries such as artery bypass, angiography, repair, maze, valve replacement, device implantation, and laser treatment help treat blockages, support blood flow, and regulate heartbeat.
Consult your cardiologist today
Cardiovascular conditions are a common health problem and can stem from bad lifestyle habits to genetics. By conducting cardiologist experts at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in California, you will be a step ahead to getting a healthy heart and enjoy daily activities without difficulties.