Find a Heart Disease Specialist at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
As the leading cause of death in America, heart disease takes more than 647,000 lives annually. That’s about one in every four deaths that take place in our country every year.
The risk of a person developing heart disease continues to increase across the nation, and people have become extremely vigilant about seeking early diagnosis and treatment.
Heart disease generally refers to a wide range of conditions that affect the heart, including heart rhythm abnormalities, blood vessel disorders, plaque buildup, bacterial/viral heart infections, and heart defects that were present at birth.
People with heart disease can reduce their chances of angina, stroke or heart attack by detecting the disease and taking precautions as well as treatment early.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
While symptoms of heart disease largely vary based on the specificity and severity of the condition, they generally include:
- Chest pain and tightness
- Breathlessness
- Heart palpitations
- Discomfort and coldness in the legs or arms
- Lightheadedness
- Slow pulse
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest congestion characterized by severe coughing
- Fever
- Profuse sweating
- Fast heartbeat and breathing
People who have one or multiple symptoms should consult an experienced cardiologist for a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis.
In many cases, specialists and physicians may prescribe lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, as a precautionary measure. Adhering to a set of prescribed preventative guidelines can be extremely effective in controlling the condition before it escalates.
Causes of Heart Disease
Common causes of heart disease include:
- Heart defects that were present at birth
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Drug abuse
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress and anxiety
- Unhealthy diet
- Family history of heart disease
- Excessive alcohol or caffeine use
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 47% of Americans exhibit at least one of the top three risk factors, i.e. high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking. Limited physical activity also puts individuals at risk of developing heart disease.
Types of Heart Disease
Depending on the symptoms, someone with heart disease may suffer from one or more of the following conditions:
- Congenital heart disease: Heart deformities that were present at birth
- Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat
- Atherosclerosis: Hardened arteries
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): cholesterol-laden plaque buildup in the arteries
- Heart infections: Commonly caused by bacterial and viral invaders
- Cardiomyopathy: Hardened or weak heart muscles
- Mitral regurgitation: Improper closing of the heart’s mitral valve
- Pulmonary stenosis: Narrowing and stiffness of the pulmonary valve
Treatment for Heart Disease at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
Our team of cardiologists uses state-of-the-art technology and years of medical expertise to effectively diagnose and treat heart disease. In many cases, a timely consultation also prevents heart disease from developing, allowing the patient to fight the onset of symptoms before the condition sets in. Our treatment plans include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication
- Surgery which may include:
- Angioplasty
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Insertion of a pacemaker
- Valvular surgery
- Myectomy
- Heart transplant
- Congenital heart surgery
Visit our website to find a heart specialist who’s right for you at our Heart and Vascular Solutions Center. Our expert surgeons can diagnose and treat your heart disease and reduce the risk of potential complications, ensuring your long-term cardiovascular health, wellness, and vitality. Our cardiologists treat patients across Southeast Texas including South Houston, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, and Galveston, and surrounding areas.
