Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is a term used to define several types of diseases that affect the cardiovascular system in your body. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana heart disease can include cardiac disease, vascular diseases affecting the brain and kidneys and peripheral artery disease. According to the American Heart Association heart disease can be attributed to atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds along the arterial walls constricting blood flow in the body. A clot can form when the arteries narrow, causing any number of life threatening issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Symptoms of heart disease can be vast depending on the particular disease you may have. Sweating, nausea, dizziness and a rapid heartbeat can be symptoms of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue can indicate an arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation. It is extremely important to consult a doctor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana if you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is needed to ensure proper treatment.
Heart disease is preventable and treatable with the right care. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, dietary changes and treatments for other diseases can help prevent or treat heart disease. Eating foods high in omega 3’s such as salmon, tuna, and walnuts can help stave off heart disease. Leafy green vegetables are high in Vitamin A and fiber which can help lower cholesterol to prevent various forms of heart disease.
If you feel you are suffering from heart disease, see your doctor immediately to get diagnosed. Tests such as an EKG, stress test and chest x-ray can help determine which type of heart disease you may have. A myocardial biopsy, where a catheter is inserted to remove a small portion of heart tissue, or pericardiocentesis, a procedure that utilizes a needle to extract a sample of the fluid from the sac surrounding the heart, can be effective tests to determine if heart disease is present.
Each type of heart disease requires its own treatment and medication. Stents, Angioplasty, bypass surgeries, ablation and various medications can be used to treat the specific type of heart disease you may have. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana doctors can be consulted to assess and treat all types of heart disease. The doctors at the Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center are experts in the field of vascular diseases and can help you determine the best course of action. Contact them at (225) 269-4493 or at www.brvsc.com to help you start your journey to a heart healthy lifestyle.