Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions on Heart Disease and Treatments
Helping You Understand Your Cardiovascular System
Cardiac Solutions is dedicated to getting you answers to questions about your heart and cardiovascular system. We have several routes of cardiovascular disease treatment and aim to provide our patients with the highest quality care that we can.
What is a heart attack?
Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by the buildup of cholesterol and fat. Because of this, parts of the heart do not get enough oxygen and the tissue begins to die.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, like a heart attack, involves the lack of blood getting to a critical part of your circulatory system. However, a stroke occurs when blood to a section of the brain is reduced or interrupted. If not treated immediately, brain cells begin to die and the condition can cause severe brain damage.
What is carotid artery disease?
Carotid artery disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries—more specifically, the arteries that deliver blood to your brain and head. Those who suffer from carotid artery disease are at a significantly higher risk of stroke.
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is a rapid and irregular heartbeat. Those who suffer from a-fib may experience heart palpitations and skipped heartbeats. Atrial fibrillation increases the risks of suffering a stroke, blood clots, and heart attacks.
What is cholesterol and why is it so important?
The word cholesterol generally has a negative connotation surrounding it. While your liver produces cholesterol naturally to regulate metabolic processes, you don’t need to go out of your way to eat foods that contain cholesterol. Eating too many high-cholesterol foods can increase your chances of heart disease and heart attacks.
What are my treatment options?
The good news is that modern medicine allows us to offer patients several options for treating cardiovascular disease. Depending on your condition, we may recommend stents, bypass surgery, a pacemaker, or heart valve repair. However, treatment doesn’t stop at cardiac surgical options. Lifestyle changes are equally important for combating heart problems.
What can I do to avoid heart disease?
There are a lot of lifestyle choices you can make to lower your risk of heart disease. Monitoring and controlling your blood pressure is a great first step, in addition to being mindful of your cholesterol intake. Regularly exercising and eating a balanced diet, in addition to limiting your alcohol and tobacco consumption, can dramatically decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
What is atherosclerosis and what causes it?
Atherosclerosis is a condition that thickens and hardens the arteries. Unlike carotid artery disease, the plaque builds up in the inner lining of an artery. This decreases blood flow, hurting your circulatory system and increasing your risk of a heart attack.
What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?
The major risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Certain conditions such as diabetes or obesity can contribute to it as well. Low physical activity, poor diet, or frequent smoking can also cause plaque to build up in your arteries.
Cardiovascular Disease Treatment in Peoria, Glendale & Sun City West
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Getting answers to your questions about your health and heart condition have never been more important. If you still have questions or need cardiovascular diagnostic testing, contact our expert cardiologists today!