Heart Disease Specialist

What is heart disease?

Many people think of coronary artery disease (CAD) or arteries clogged with cholesterol when defining heart disease. CAD is certainly one condition linked with heart disease. However, heart disease includes any condition that affects the health and function of your heart.

Conditions that fall under the umbrella of heart disease include:

• Abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Congestive heart failure
• Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)
• Heart valve disease
• Thickening of heart walls (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
• Endocarditis or infection of heart membranes

While narrowing from plaque affects the arteries leading to your extremities rather than those supplying your heart, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), your specialist may recommend a workup for possible heart disease.

What causes heart disease?

Heart disease has many underlying causes, which are as diverse as the people it affects. You may, for instance, be at risk for developing CAD due to poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, or family history. Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can also lead to or worsen your risk of CAD.

Other issues that may cause heart disease include:

• Smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
• Drug abuse
• Stress

Arrhythmias, caused by abnormal electrical activity in your heart, might be related to congenital defects, certain over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. 

The trigger for your heart disease might never be identified, but it’s likely due to a combination of factors. You can act, however, to reduce your risks of developing heart disease.

How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?

Modifying your diet, exercise patterns, and certain lifestyle habits can greatly reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other conditions that often do grave damage to your heart muscle, such as diabetes and elevated blood pressure.

You can also greatly reduce your risk of developing life-threatening heart disease by seeking medical care early if you’re experiencing concerning symptoms such as dizziness, abnormal heartbeats, swelling in your extremities, or other problems. 

If you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease or obesity, you may want to consider a cardiac workup to help gauge your current heart health.

Patients throughout Long Island and New York City can rely on the skill of the specialists at Premier Cardiology Consultants. Schedule a visit today for all your heart health needs. Call or book online.