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Heart Disease

What You Need to Know About Heart Disease

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and all over the world? Heart disease accounts for 697,000 deaths in the United States in 2020 alone. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 17 million people worldwide succumb to the disease every year.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease and you want to keep yourself from becoming a statistic, or you recognize the importance of being proactive about your cardiovascular health, knowledge is key. Below are some of the things you need to know about the deadly condition.

Causes

The term “heart disease” encompasses various disorders and diseases that affect the structure and function of the heart and its blood vessels. The causes, therefore, vary depending on the specific type of cardiovascular disease.

Below are the most common types of heart disease along with some of their causes:

  • Arrhythmia – high blood pressure, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, coronary artery disease, use of certain medications, hypertension, etc.
  • Heart failure – hypertension, damage to the heart valves, inflammation of the heart muscle, heart attack, etc.
  • Coronary artery disease – high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, etc.

How to Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease

Heart disease is partly hereditary, in that your risk increases if someone in your family also suffers from it.

If you are concerned about your heart health and want to reduce your risk for the disease, below are some things you can do:

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Quitting smoking
  • Managing stress
  • Seeing your doctor regularly

Treatment for Heart Disease

Outlined below are the methods by which doctors treat heart disease:

  • Lifestyle changes – Healthy food choices (low-salt and low-fat diet); engaging in regular physical activity; managing stress; getting good sleep; and not smoking are all crucial for effective heart disease management.
  • Medications – There are many different types of medications used for treating heart disease. These include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and more. Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication for your specific condition.
  • Use of cardiac devices –Types of implantable cardiac devices include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), stents, and artificial heart valves.
  • Surgery – Surgery is often necessary for complex heart conditions or those that don’t respond to nonsurgical treatment.

There are various types of surgical interventions for heart disease. These include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angioplasty/stenting procedures, valve replacement surgery, and transplantation.

Heart Disease Treatment and Management in Wellington, FL

It’s time take to take “matters of the heart” seriously! Whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease and you need a primary care provider to help you effectively manage your condition, or you think you’re at risk for the condition and need a comprehensive evaluation, our team is here for you.

At Advanced Medical, our board-certified primary care providers – Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, an internal medicine physician; and ShariffaGunawardene, a family nurse practitioner – recognize that patient education is an essential component of cardiovascular care. Thus, in addition to providing first-rate medical management, we delight in sharing useful information, which empowers patients to make the wisest decisions to stay on top of their cardiovascular health.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our primary care clinic today at (561) 434-1935 or use our convenient online appointment request form.

Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hypertension affects roughly 47 percent of the American adult population, and about 400,000 people succumb to the condition every year.

A person is considered hypertensive if their blood pressure chronically exceeds 130/80 mmHg, Hypertension puts anyone at a greater risk for potentially life-threatening complications, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Whether you suspect that you have hypertension or you have the risk factors for it (e.g., diabetes, excess weight problem, or unhealthy lifestyle habits), knowledge is crucial for keeping it under control and maintaining your quality of life.

Below, we’ve provided some information about hypertension, particularly its causes, symptoms, and treatment to give you a better understanding of this deadly condition.

Causes of Hypertension

Hypertension is broken down into two types: primary (essential) and secondary. The potential causes of high blood pressure vary, depending on the type, as outlined below:

  • Primary hypertension – This type has no identifiable cause but is thought to be linked to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetics, and obesity.
  • Secondary hypertension – This type is ascribed to other medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), thyroid problems, kidney disease, or adrenal gland tumors.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension has been dubbed by experts “the silent killer” and for a good reason: a person can have hypertension for years and not know it. It often doesn’t have symptoms, and if it does, they are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions.

If you experience the following, see your primary care provider for a blood pressure check:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Nose bleeds
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, and abdomen
  • Vision problems
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Hypertension requires vigilance to prevent hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This is usually caused by nonadherence to the treatment plan, severe stress or anxiety, and other conditions.

Below are the common signs and symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. If you experience any or some of these, time is of the essence – go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 for prompt intervention.

  • Blood pressure of 180/120 or higher
  • Nosebleeds
  • Seizures
  • Severe chest pain, especially if it occurs with sweating, nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, etc.
  • Sudden or severe headache, especially if accompanied by blurred vision and/or unilateral paralysis of the face or extremities

Treatment for Hypertension

Managing hypertension involves routine screenings, monitoring and coordinating treatment, checkups, and patient education.

Medications are the mainstay of treatment for hypertension. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic (medications to expel excess salt and water from the body) or a combination of a diuretic and either an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (medication to relax your blood vessels) or a beta-blocker (medication to lower your blood pressure).

Your physician will also likely give you dietary and lifestyle recommendations, such as the following, to ensure your condition is properly managed:

  • Consuming a low-fat and low-sodium diet
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Lowering or avoiding caffeine and alcohol intake altogether
  • Managing stress levels
  • Monitoring your blood pressure at home
  • Quitting smoking
  • Visiting your doctor regularly

Hypertension Treatment in Wellington, FL

For top-notch hypertension treatment and management in the Wellington, Florida area, visit us here at Advanced Medical. Our team is led by two board-certified primary care providers who are best known for their comprehensive and compassionate approach to care and commitment to guiding patients along the path to optimal health and wellness.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our office today at (561) 434-1935 or use our convenient online appointment request form.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Your Blood Vessels

Heart disease is an umbrella term for many heart conditions that affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which impedes blood flow to the heart. Certain people are at higher risk of heart disease. People who are sedentary, overweight or obese, smoke or drink excessively, have an unhealthy diet, or have diabetes can suffer from heart disease.

Many people may not have symptoms of heart disease until they suffer a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. However, for some, it can present symptoms. Let’s discuss the symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease symptoms usually occur when something happens in the arteries. Coronary heart disease can cause plaque – fat and cholesterol deposits – to build up in the walls of the arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the heart. The buildup of plaque causes a narrowing of an artery, which can partially or completely block the blood flow to the heart, also referred to as atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis include:

  • Chest pain or angina (even while at rest)
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling hot and clammy (even at comfortable temperatures)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the arms or legs. There are arteries in the arms and legs, and if plaque builds up in them, it causes peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can cause leg pain, cramping, or numbness.
  • Unexplained stomach pain.

Heart disease symptoms are not always severe. If you experience these symptoms, no matter how mild, seek medical care. These are not to be taken lightly, as they could lead to fatal outcomes.

What To Do About Heart Disease

Heart disease requires life-long management to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of mortality. Medicine to reduce cholesterol levels helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Lifestyle changes, which involve eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet, cutting down on smoking and drinking, and exercising regularly may also help.

Heart disease patients need support from a primary care doctor, who can order some tests to evaluate their heart function and monitor their weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. A primary care doctor is experienced in disease management and can design a treatment plan that can help with maintaining a normal weight, as well as controlling your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. In severe cases, doctors can perform surgery to remove plaque or create a detour around a clogged artery.

Heart Disease Treatment in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, FL

For individualized treatment from a primary care doctor, choose Advanced Medical. Dr. Ishan Gunawardene is a board-certified internal medicine provider trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of medical conditions that affect adults, including heart disease. Dr. Gunawardene will help get your heart condition under control and reduce your risk of complications.

Dr. Gunawardene uses a compassionate approach to each patient. He will oversee your care from diagnosis to recovery and long-term maintenance. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gunawardene, call our clinic today at (561) 434-1935 or use our online request form.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

A rise and fall in your body’s blood pressure is something to be taken seriously. This can happen throughout the day, depending on your activity and physical state. When you have high blood pressure, you are at risk of other life-threatening medical problems. High blood pressure can also occur with other health conditions, such as arthritis.

You can manage your health better by knowing the causes of various conditions. Continue reading to find out more about the causes of high blood pressure.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is abnormally high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These two numbers indicate the pressure in the arteries, the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Systolic blood pressure is the first or higher number. It measures the pressure when the heart beats. Meanwhile, diastolic pressure, the second number, measures the pressure between beats, when the heart rests. Your doctor can determine if you have high blood pressure based on blood pressure readings that check these numbers.

This condition usually has no severe symptoms, particularly in the early stages. You may feel headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath when your blood pressure becomes severely high.

Types and Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are two types of high blood pressure, depending on the cause. Your family doctor may examine your medical history to determine what causes your hypertension.

●     Primary Hypertension

Most adults suffer from primary or essential hypertension. This type of high blood pressure has no definite cause and gradually develops over time.

●     Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension appears more suddenly. This type of hypertension occurs because of another underlying medical condition in the heart, kidneys, or endocrine system. Examples are arthritis, thyroid problems, problems in blood vessels, obstructive sleep apnea, and more.

Risk Factors Causing High Blood Pressure

Some factors increase the likelihood of having high blood pressure. Although these do not directly cause hypertension, you should monitor your blood pressure closely if you are associated with these risk factors:

●     Age and Gender

Hypertension can affect people at any age. However, the likelihood of acquiring it increases as you get older. Although less common, children may also suffer from hypertension. Poor lifestyle habits and kidney or heart problems can contribute to hypertension in the younger population.

●     Family History and Race

Genetics can play a significant role in developing high blood pressure. Hypertension tends to run in families. According to studies, people of African descent may also develop the condition earlier than others. They are also more likely to develop serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

●     Physical Activity

Physical inactivity is generally associated with a higher heart rate. It causes the heart to work harder and produce more intense contractions, leading to hypertension.

●     Weight

Increased weight means the body needs more blood supply and oxygen. When there is increased blood flow in the arteries, the pressure against the artery walls may also increase.

●     Diet

The nutrients in your diet, such as sodium and potassium, can affect your blood pressure. Too much sodium or salt can promote fluid retention in your body, resulting in increased blood pressure. Low potassium levels due to improper diet or dehydration can lead to sodium buildup in the blood.

●     Use of Tobacco and Drinking Alcohol

The use of tobacco products does not only temporarily raise your body’s blood pressure immediately, it can also cause the narrowing of artery walls, leading to permanent damage. Alcohol consumption can also lead to heart damage, especially if the intake is more than one to two drinks a day.

●     Stress

High levels of stress are associated with a temporary spike in blood pressure. Stress-related habits or coping mechanisms such as binge eating, smoking, or drinking alcohol can also cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.

●     Pregnancy

Pregnant women may suffer from gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension, or preeclampsia. This condition can pose serious risks before, during, and after birth.

●     Use of Certain Medications

Some birth control pills, pain relievers, cold medications, decongestants, and prescription drugs may affect the body’s blood pressure. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also cause hypertension.

Treatment For High Blood Pressure and Arthritis in Wellington, FL

High blood pressure affects your overall health in many ways. It should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. To get the best medical treatment for hypertension, you should always listen to the experts. Primary care physicians are the trusted and first-hand doctors who can help diagnose and treat your high blood pressure.

If you are looking for a clinic to help you with your high blood pressure, we at Advanced Medical Clinic offer medical services in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Our skilled physicians and staff will surely accommodate your concerns, from diagnosis to treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. You may call our friendly staff at (561) 434-1935 or fill out this online request form. We look forward to serving you.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. About 647,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, or one person every 37 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are various types of heart disease, but the most common heart condition is coronary artery disease. This affects almost 7% of all adults in this country.

The second-most common heart condition according to the CDC is heart attack, and it is estimated that someone suffers from a heart attack every 40 seconds here in the U.S. About 20% of all heart attacks are “silent” heart attacks, which show no symptoms.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) is actually a group of a heart conditions. Some of the most common medical conditions affecting the heart include stroke, hardened arteries, atrial fibrillation (AFib), cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. The issue can be due to a problem with the heart muscle itself, due to the internal valves and vessels that run through the heart muscle, or due to how it beats and the regulative systems.

There are numerous factors that can affect the health and condition of your heart, including exercise, lifestyle, and diet. A sedentary lifestyle does not exercise the heart enough, and poor food choices may lead to clogging of the pulmonary arteries. Plus, too much psychological stress can cause harm to the heart.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease happens when the coronary (heart) arteries are blocked. This makes it difficult for the arterial vessel to supply blood to the heart. This disease usually starts with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Coronary artery disease is caused by the patient’s high levels of bad cholesterol and/or low levels of good cholesterol. Some of the risk factors include obesity, smoking, and stress.

Causes of Heart Arrhythmia

Heart arrhythmia (cardiac dysrhythmia) describes an irregular heartbeat wherein the heart may beat too fast or too slow. Arrhythmia usually occurs when the electrical signals to the heart that coordinate the heartbeats are not working properly.

A number of factors can cause the heart to beat improperly. These factors can include excessive coffee consumption, hypertension, an overactive thyroid gland, and drug abuse.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. It is usually caused by high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, or thyroid disease.

One of the most common causes of heart failure is an undiagnosed heart condition. Other contributors are an unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle choices.

Family Medical Clinic in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, we are a family-oriented primary care healthcare provider that offers patient-centered, high-quality medical care for people of all ages. With convenient locations in both Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, we are here to help you and your whole family achieve a better quality of life.

Call us today at (561) 434-1935 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to being your trusted family doctor!

How to Prevent Heart Disease

One in four deaths are attributed to heart disease in the United States. That works out to about 610,000 people who die from the disease each year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. That’s the bad news, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, there is also good news. You can prevent heart disease by knowing what causes it and by making lifestyle adjustments.

Associated Risks

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors that affect heart health. Smoking is also one of the greatest risks that people take, moving them closer to a heart event. Unfortunately, for nearly half of the American population, all three of these risks are in play.

A poor diet, obesity, and inactivity add to the risks of heart disease, as does drinking alcohol in excess. If addressed, these lifestyle choices can profoundly turn the tide toward good heart health. If you have a high level of triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood and related to cholesterol, it also raises your risk of heart disease.

Practical Steps to Defend Heart Health

Get to an ER If Alarming Symptoms Arise

If any acute symptoms appear that have you concerned, it’s best to proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room instead of waiting for a regular doctor appointment.

Pains in the chest or shortness of breath could indicate a heart attack event.

See Your Doctor

Barring any emergencies, the first step toward ensuring a healthy heart is to speak with your health care professional, especially if you’ve experienced discomfort in your chest that could be heart-related.

Schedule a regular appointment with your physician and be sure to communicate any symptoms. Your family health history will also be taken into account, as heart disease is often hereditary. The doctor may listen to your heart and order blood work for testing. If test results or the exam leads the doctor to have questions regarding your heart health, you may be referred to a cardiologist.

Control Your Blood Pressure

Controlling high blood pressure is critical to heart health. When cholesterol levels are high, it tends to block arteries and increase blood pressure, which raises the chance of a heart attack. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lower cholesterol.

Watch What You Eat

Talk with your doctor or nutritionist about a low-cholesterol diet. Paying attention to what you eat can have a profoundly positive effect on your heart health. A healthy diet that limits saturated fats, salt intake, and compound sugars helps lower high blood pressure, and cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood – which helps you lose weight that strains the heart.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Smoking places you at risk for high blood pressure and a heart attack. Once you quit, your risk goes down. If willpower isn’t enough to get you to quit, speak with your doctor for suggestions on how you can become less dependent on nicotine.

Keep Blood Sugar Managed

As if it didn’t come with enough concerns already, diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. Diabetes gone unchecked allows high blood sugar levels to cause damage to blood vessels and nerves in your heart. Make an effort to manage your blood sugar properly if you have diabetes. Your doctor will adjust your diet and medications to help protect you.

Internal Medicine Expertise in Wellington

If you have symptoms that could lead to heart disease, don’t ignore them. Start today to make lifestyle changes that will lead to a healthier heart. Our medical team at Advanced Medical Clinic can assess your condition and move you in the right direction.

Same-day appointments are available. Call us at (561) 434-1935, or you can request an appointment using our online form.

The Different Types of Heart Disease

It’s the leading cause of death in the United States.

More than 62 million Americans have some form of it.

And to top things off, there are many different types of this disease that health care providers must contend with.

What are we talking about? Cardiovascular disease: Some are born with it, but most cases of heart disease develop later in life.

Several of the most common forms of heart disease include:

·       Coronary artery disease – This is a condition in which the heart muscles receive insufficient blood and oxygen due to blockage in the coronary arteries. This can lead to a heart attack or other heart damage with the possibility of sudden death.

·       Silent ischemia – This is a condition in which blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced but there are no symptoms and little if any pain. Usually, discomfort is only experienced during physical exertion.

·       Angina – When your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients it can cause a narrowing of the coronary arteries or muscles spasms. This can be triggered by strong emotions, cold temperatures, cigarette smoke, or other factors. It’s not a heart attack and usually doesn’t cause permanent heart damage, but angina is nonetheless discomforting or painful. It occurs primarily in the chest and can radiate down the left arm, across various parts of the upper torso, and even in the neck, throat or jaw, usually when your heart is working harder than normal.

·       Arrythmia – When one’s heartbeat becomes slow, irregular, or skips a beat because the heart’s electrical system is not functioning normally. Its electrical signals aren’t moving in the proper sequence. Instead, the heart is beating slower, faster, or erratically, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

·       Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – This is a condition in which fatty plaques or arteriosclerosis prevent oxygen-rich blood from flowing from the heart to other areas of the body such as the legs and feet. Symptoms of PAD include brown spots on the skin, coldness, numbness and tingling, pain or cramping when walking short distances, ulcers, swelling, or the slow healing of wounds.

·       Heart defects – These include obstructions called stenosis that partially or completely block the flow of blood. They can occur in the heart valves, arteries, or veins. Examples include aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, and subaortic stenosis.

If left untreated, heart disease can lead to myocardial infarction – the clinical term for a heart attack – in which part of the heart muscle can be damaged or die from a lack of blood flow and oxygen.

Warning signs of a heart attack include:

·       A heavy feeling, pressure, or intense pain in the chest lasting more than a few minutes

·       Pain radiating to the shoulders, neck, or arms

·       Lightheadedness or fainting

·       Nausea or vomiting

·       Rapid heartbeat

·       Shortness of breath

·       Severe weakness

·       Profuse sweating

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than several minutes, call 911 or have someone transport you to the nearest emergency room as quickly as possible.

Of course, there are ways to prevent or manage heart disease by consulting with a physician.

The friendly staff at Advanced Medical is well-versed in the diagnostics and treatment of heart disease and looks forward to serving you. If you have any questions about our primary care services, please call our office at (561) 434-1935. To schedule an appointment, you can call us or use our secure online appointment request form.

Heart Disease and Heart Attacks: What’s the Connection?

The connection between heart disease and heart attacks is clear.

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, encompasses many different conditions that can lead to a heart attack. Most types of heart disease involve atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis: Most Common Cause of Heart Attacks

Atherosclerosis is characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and the rest of the body. When plaque builds up on artery walls, it narrows the passageway and restricts blood flow.

Plaque deposits – made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood – build up over time and harden, damaging the smooth, thin layer of tissue within arteries that allows for the easy flow of blood. And that’s not all. If some of the plaque breaks off, blood clots can form and stop blood flow.

Atherosclerosis can affect any of the arteries that carry oxygenated blood throughout the body. For example, when blood flow is blocked within the coronary arteries (the arteries taking oxygenated blood to the heart), it can result in a heart attack. When it occurs in arteries taking blood to the brain, it can result in stroke.

Heart Diseases That Also Can Lead to Heart Attacks

While atherosclerosis is common among the heart diseases that can lead to heart attacks – there are other types of heart diseases that can result in heart attacks, too. These include:

·      Arrhythmia is a condition when the heart beats abnormally, either too fast or too slow, depending on the type of arrhythmia. When the heart beats too fast (more than 100 beats per minute), it’s called tachycardia. Bradycardia is when the heart beats too slow (less than 60 beats per minute). Either is dangerous for the heart and may cause discomfort because your heart isn’t circulating enough blood or is moving it through the body too quickly.

·      Damaged heart valves are another form of heart disease. Heart valves open and close for allowing for blood flow. There are four valves in the human heart: tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic; each has a vital function and must open and close properly without leaking. When they don’t open wide enough, blood leaks can occur. A damaged heart valve may be incurred due to poor choices like smoking, or it might be a genetic defect. Whatever the cause, damaged valves are bad news for the heart, such as in these cases:

  •  Aortic stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the valve, which prevents proper opening, reducing blood flow from the heart.
  •  Aortic regurgitation is characterized by leaking that’s caused when the aortic valve doesn’t close tightly enough.

Many types of heart disease can be prevented – sometimes with just a lifestyle change if the heart or blood vessels are not too far damaged. Eating foods that are low in cholesterol and eliminating bad habits like smoking will help. Your doctor can help determine the current condition of your cardiovascular system and may recommend particular treatments with a specialist if needed.

In addition, a regular checkup can guard against heart disease and help prevent heart attacks. Advanced Medical Clinic will monitor your heart to ensure it’s healthy. And if it’s not, we will help you to get and stay on track to good heart health. Call (561) 434-1935 today to make your appointment or use our convenient online appointment request form.

 

 

 

 

Does My Weight Increase the Risk for Heart Disease?

As modern and advanced as we think the United States is, it may still come as a surprise to some that obesity is a very real and present epidemic. In fact, 35 percent of adults and 17 percent of children and adolescents are considered overweight to the point of being obese. And this number continues to grow! Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of how much body fat someone has, determined by looking at their weight and height. If your BMI is over 35, then you are considered obese. This epidemic is severe, and it is important for people to know that being obese poses a detrimental threat to their overall health. Many people who are obese also exhibit risk factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and conditions such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), stroke, and the number one cause of death – cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death around the world. Some of the most common forms are coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease), arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat), and congenital heart disease. So, does increased body weight contribute to an increased risk for heart disease?

Research has shown that being obese has been directly linked to heart failure and increased mortality rate, as a result of its correlation with the various types of heart diseases. Due to a decrease in blood flow to the heart muscle, the heart cannot pump blood as efficiently and effectively as it should.

So, to answer the question – yes, your weight does increase the risk for heart failure due to cardiovascular diseases. There are several ways obesity and cardiovascular disease are related, depending on the particular disease and the severity of how overweight or obese someone is. Coronary artery disease (CAD), where the arteries of the heart and its blood flow become blocked due to plaque build-up, is the leading cause of myocardial infarction, resulting in chest pain (angina), and possible death if left untreated.

After accounting for the risk factors generally associated with heart disease and obesity, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, a study done in the Journal of the American Heart Association investigated the role of severe obesity and the development of heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. While obesity has been a known risk factor for developing heart disease, results showed that severe obesity is in fact, its own independent risk factor for heart failure.

A team at John Hopkins University conducted a study with participants who were morbidly obese, and were found to be twice as likely to develop heart failure, comparable to the people with a healthy body mass index, and not considered obese. Obesity is an independent risk factor for heart failure. Someone with a BMI over 35 and diagnosed as obese is at risk for getting some form of heart disease. This study proved that these people who were morbidly obese were more likely than those of normal weight to have a stroke or coronary heart disease. Yes, obesity alone leaves a person at a significantly higher risk for heart failure, whether or not they have hypertension or diabetes. Even if patients have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, they are still at risk for heart failure if they are obese or overweight.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says almost six million people in the United States live with heart failure, so doctors have noticed that there needs to be an improvement in educating patients, and people in general of the risk factors, and ways to keep their heart healthy, in order to better help prevent heart failure, and decrease the number of deaths. This includes eating a heart healthy diet, and making an effort to have regular exercise or activity.

Well, research studies are one thing, and real life is another. If you are overweight, you generally know that there is a healthier you that you can attain to be. You should also know that it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional about whether you might be more at risk for heart disease. To learn more about how your weight can be an indicator that you are at risk for heart disease, call Advanced Medical at (561) 434-1935, or you can request an appointment online.

From the Doctor’s Desk: The Complete Guide to Hypertension

Your blood pressure is a measure of how much pressure is exerted against your arteries and your organs by the blood being pumped by your heart. The higher the pressure, the harder your heart has to work. Hypertension is diagnosed when someone’s systolic blood pressure (top number) is consistently greater than 140, or their diastolic pressure (bottom number) is consistently greater than 90. This doesn’t mean that if you have a single reading that is high, you have hypertension. But if you do have such a reading, you should be monitored to make sure it comes back to normal.

There are some instances in which hypertension can be caused by another treatable problem, but about 95% of diagnosed people have essential hypertension, which often has no one identifiable cause. In these cases, there are a number of lifestyle choices that can be made to lower blood pressure, and in many instances, blood pressure medications will be needed. What is important to remember is that hypertension is a chronic illness. There are usually no symptoms, so there will be no warnings if it goes uncontrolled.  Once you are diagnosed, it is essential to follow your doctor’s advice, continue a healthy lifestyle, and take your medications as prescribed for the rest of your life.

There are many things that contribute to hypertension – some factors you cannot control, while others you can. For instance, it is more common in men than women, more common in African American men, as well as older adults. Sometimes, hypertension can also be genetic, or hereditary. Obviously, these are things that you can’t control. However, being overweight or obese, being inactive, smoking, eating a diet high in sodium, and stress all contribute to hypertension; and these are things that you can control.

So what can you do to ensure that your blood pressure is under control? First, make sure that you have regular checkups with your doctor. Since hypertension often goes undiagnosed, this is an important step in catching it early. Then, if you are found to have high blood pressure, take a look at the things that you can change in your life.

Your diet can have a great influence on your blood pressure. If your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 25, you should plan to lose weight. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain foods. Also limit the high fat foods, including meats. Fish is a great source of protein without all the fat that many cuts of beef contain. Stay away from fast food and limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks per day. You should also limit the amount of caffeine you consume, restricting coffee to less than 2 cups per day. Also, make sure you lower your sodium intake. Anything canned, frozen, boxed or processed will tend to have more sodium. It is important to read labels, but fresh food is always a better choice. Make sure to also avoid foods high in sodium such as olives, soy sauce, Chinese food, bacon, and condiments. And put that saltshaker away!

In addition to diet, exercise will not only help you lose weight, but will help to keep your blood pressure regular. The recommendation is for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you are not active, start slow. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program, and walking is a great place to start. If you can’t tolerate 30 minutes per day, start with 10 or 15, but increase the time just a little each day until you meet your goal. And if you are a smoker, take a look at what that does, and stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about this, because there are ways to help you kick the habit.

If you still have a blood pressure over 140/90 after making changes to your lifestyle, it may be time to start on medication. Your doctor will determine which medication will be of most benefit. Sometimes you may need more than one prescription, but it is very important that you take all the medication as prescribed, every day. Remember, hypertension often has no symptoms; it is quietly doing damage to your heart and other organs. So don’t think that because you feel fine, that you don’t need your medication any more. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor. It is also a good idea to monitor your blood pressure at home from time to time, and keep a log to bring to your doctor visits.

Finally, even if you are vigilant about your lifestyle, and about taking your medications, there may be times when your blood pressure is high enough to require emergency treatment. If you have a blood pressure higher than 180/110, or if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, vision changes, problems speaking, or a severe headache, you should go to the emergency room or call 911.

If you would like to learn more about hypertension, you can visit the website of the American Heart Association. Advanced Medical has the caring and attentive medical staff you need to help monitor and treat conditions such as high blood pressure. Call today at (561) 434-1935 to schedule an appointment, or book an appointment online.