Heart Disease Specialist

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. If you are dealing with a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it’s crucial for you to be under a doctor’s care. That’s especially true if you have high blood pressure, are overweight, or have a family history of heart disease. then Healthonomic Primary Care in Orland Park, Illinois, can help you reduce your risk of becoming one of the more than 610,000 people who die each year as a result of this condition. If you have symptoms of heart disease or are at risk for developing it, then call today to make an appointment.

Heart Disease Q & A

What is heart disease?

There are many forms of heart disease, the most common of which is coronary disease. It occurs when the blood vessels in and around the heart are narrowed or blocked.

Coronary disease usually caused by a buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries, and can lead to less oxygen coming to your organs and tissues.

Another common form of heart disease is valve disease, which occurs when one of the four valves in your heart does not work properly. This can cause blood to leak into your lungs and body.

Regardless of the type that you have, we can prescribe drugs and monitor your condition so that it does not lead to other problems.

What are some complications of heart disease?

Many people fail to see a doctor to deal with the symptoms associated with heart disease. That’s unfortunate because, if left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Other complications include heart failure, aneurysm, and peripheral artery disease, as well as sudden cardiac arrest. All of these can lead to death if not dealt with immediately.

It’s important to make an appointment if you are over the age of 55, have a family history of the disease, or if you have diabetes. You need to be monitored to prevent hospitalization or death.

How can heart disease be prevented?

Most people who suffer from arrhythmia – which is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm – and valve disease are often born with these issues.

However, lifestyle choices often give rise to coronary disease. These include the habits that lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you’re inactive or don’t eat well, then you are at increased risk for heart disease and the complications associated with it. Those chances significantly increase if you’re overweight or obese.

We can counsel you on how to diminish your risk factors and possibly prescribe medication if needed. Diet and exercise don’t always help on their own. While this is important for both men and women, it’s especially important for women because they are more likely to die from heart disease than their male counterparts.

If you have concerns about heart disease, call or make your appointment with Healthonomic Primary Care today.