What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Since heart disease refers to numerous conditions, the symptoms associated with it cover a wide range. Some of these include the following:
- Chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, and other signs of heart disease that affects your blood vessels
- Fluttering or rapid heartbeat, slow heartbeat, and other signs of abnormal heartbeat conditions
- Leg swelling, shortness of breath while exercising, and other signs of heart defects
- Fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and other signs of heart disease that affects your heart valves
When should I seek medical care for heart disease symptoms?
Keep in mind that heart disease doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms until later on. However, if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, and other signs of severe heart disease, seek emergency care. Otherwise, you can have screenings done to determine if you have heart disease.
What are the risk factors for heart disease?
If you have at least one risk factor for heart disease, it means that you have a higher chance of developing it. There are several risk factors for heart disease, including the following:
- Having a family history of heart disease
- Being a smoker
- Having a diet that’s high in cholesterol, sodium, fat, and sugar
- Being physically inactive
- Being obese
- Having high blood pressure
- Having diabetes
How do I know if I have heart disease?
Since heart disease doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, it’s crucial to have screenings done if you have a higher risk of it. Dr. Allen offers a few different screenings for heart disease, including plethysmography (PTG), electrocardiograms (EKG), and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.
PTG tests measure blood volume changes, while EKG tests measure electrical activity in your heart. Blood pressure monitoring gives you a way to watch your blood pressure readings.
What kinds of treatments are available for heart disease?
Depending on the type of heart disease you have and how severe it is, your treatment options might differ. Dr. Allen discusses your options, which might include lifestyle changes and medications that correct heart problems, such as lowering blood pressure. He might also recommend seeing a cardiologist if you end up needing more specialized treatment.
If you need screenings or treatment for heart disease, please contact Total Care Family Practice to set up an appointment with Dr. Allen.
