Heart Disease

About 1 in 20 adults over the age of 20 have heart disease. This article discusses the different types of heart disease with a focus on coronary heart disease. We will consider its causes and risk factors, as well as the symptoms to look out for. Finally, we will explore different treatments and how heart disease can be prevented.

One effective way to reduce heart disease is through weight management. At Detroit Weight Loss Center, we offer tailored strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Feel free to get in contact with our office in Commerce Charter Twp or Southfield, Michigan, to learn more about how we can help you!

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Heart diseases include:

Blood vessel disease, including coronary artery disease
Disease of the heart muscle
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Heart problems you’re born with (congenital heart defects)
Heart valve disease

This article will focus on heart disease in the blood vessels. One common condition that affects the blood vessels of the heart is coronary artery disease.

What Causes Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease (also referred to as coronary heart disease) usually occurs when cholesterol deposits (plaques) in the heart arteries. As these deposits build up, the blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body is reduced. The reduced blood flow can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina), or even a stroke. The plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.

Risk Factors

Genetics and family history play a significant role in developing heart disease. Other risk factors include the following:

Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Smoking

Having a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk of heart disease.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

If you have heart disease, you may experience the following symptoms:

Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Pain felt in the neck, jaw, throat, upper belly area or back
If the blood vessels in the legs or arms are narrowed, you may feel pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in those areas.

The symptoms of coronary artery disease can be different between men and women. Men often feel more chest pain, whereas women tend to experience other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and nausea.

Heart (cardiovascular) disease is sometimes detected in checkups. However, it is often diagnosed after someone experiences a heart attack, angina, stroke, or heart failure.

How Heart Disease Can Be Treated

Treatment for heart disease treatment will depend on the type of heart damage you’ve experienced and what caused it. In general, the following can be used to treat heart disease:

Healthy lifestyle: You will be encouraged to eat a low-fat, low-salt diet, get regular exercise and good sleep, and stop smoking.
Medications: Medications can support your lifestyle changes to help control symptoms.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery or another type of procedure is recommended to treat heart disease.

How to Prevent Heart Disease

You can take proactive measures to help prevent heart disease by looking after your heart health. The following lifestyle changes could help you prevent heart disease or even assist you in improving the current health of your heart:

Don’t smoke: Smoking will put you at great risk of developing heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Stopping can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and its complications.
Eat a healthy diet: Your diet should contain plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure will increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Lower your cholesterol: High cholesterol can contribute to heart disease.
Manage diabetes: Controlling your blood sugar control can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Physical activity: Exercise and being active during the day can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Exercising regularly can also help lower blood cholesterol and high blood pressure and control diabetes.
Maintain a healthy weight: The risk of heart disease is greater in those overweight. We offer FDA-approved weight loss medications and bariatric surgery that can help people reduce their risk of heart disease and improve cardiovascular function.
Manage stress: Reducing emotional stress can reduce the risks of heart disease. You can try exercising, peaceful mindfulness, and joining support groups to manage your stress.
Improve your sleep habits: Those who don’t get sufficient sleep may increase their risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours a day. Kids should get even more, depending on their age. It’s also essential to have a regular going-to sleep and waking-up time.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At Detroit Weight Loss Center in Southfield and Commerce Charter Township, MI, we offer effective weight loss strategies that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Our Coaching Corner can support you in any necessary lifestyle changes you need to make, including help with diet and exercise. Our services include medical weight loss and weight loss surgery to further help patients when necessary.

Book your appointment to see Dr. Blake Movitz today and start your journey toward a healthier future!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Blake Movitz, MD, FACS

Dr. Blake Movitz

Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.

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