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Heart Disease

Brandon Riverview Medical Associates

Primary Care Practice, Urgent Care, & Weight Loss Center located in Brandon, FL & Riverview, FL

The physicians at Brandon Riverview Medical Associates in Brandon and Riverview, Florida, want you to know there are things you can do to help prevent heart disease from affecting your health. And if it’s already part of your medical history, they can help prevent future damage by designing a strategy for keeping your heart as healthy as possible. To learn more about heart disease, how it can affect your life and whether you’re at risk, schedule a visit at Brandon Riverview Medical Associates. Call the office or book your appointment online.

Heart Disease Q & A

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a general term that covers numerous conditions that affect your heart health. It may include:

Diseases affecting your arteries
Problems with the way your heart beats, arrhythmias
Heart valve disease and dysfunction
Conditions that affect your heart muscle
Infections of the heart, endocarditis

Statistics show that 1 in 4 Americans die as a result of heart disease.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease, and probably the most familiar. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to your heart narrow or become clogged. This restricts the amount of blood your heart receives and is most often due to atherosclerosis. Sometimes called “hardening” of the arteries, atherosclerosis is a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries that narrow or block blood flow through these major vessels.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Symptoms of heart disease can vary and depend on the type of disease. CAD, for instance, may cause:

Chest pain, pressure or tightness
Shortness of breath
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back

These symptoms can signal a heart attack in progress and require medical attention. Atherosclerosis can also affect blood vessels in your legs and arms (peripheral artery disease or PAD) and may indicate a problem with your coronary arteries as well. PAD can cause numbness, weakness, and a cold sensation in your legs or arms.

Other types of heart disease can cause dizziness and fainting, extreme fatigue, swelling in your legs, and a host of other symptoms related to the nature of the disease. Often, however, you may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed.

How can I prevent heart disease?

There are certain types of heart disease you can’t prevent, such as congenital heart disease. There is much you can do, however, to decrease your risk factors for developing other types of heart disease, including CAD, such as:

Controlling health conditions linked to CAD, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes
Exercising regularly for 30 minutes on most days of the week
Following a heart-healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy weight

Schedule an appointment at Brandon Riverview Medical Associates today for an evaluation of your heart disease risks and/or effective, personalized treatment for current issues. Call the office or book your visit online.

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