Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). At Today’s Wellness and Primary Care in Wilmington, Reading, North Andover, and Stoneham, Massachusetts, Mohammed Jaleel, MD, Jeena Vaid, MD, and Mahmoud Sakr, MD, provide whole body care for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Call Today’s Wellness and Primary Care or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Heart disease is an umbrella term that describes many conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. Many types of heart disease affect the structure of the muscle, while others diminish its function. Some types of cardiovascular disease impact the blood vessels that carry blood to and from your heart. Without treatment, heart disease can significantly reduce your quality of life.
There are many types of heart disease, but the most common are:
Coronary artery disease occurs when your blood vessels start to narrow and become blocked. With congested arteries, your blood vessels can’t carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This limits blood flow and can lead to serious complications, like a heart attack.
Peripheral artery disease happens when the arteries narrow and can’t carry oxygen-rich blood to the limbs. PAD increases your risk of blood clots and leg pain.
An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast or too slow, which raises your risk of heart failure and stroke.
Heart failure is a gradual condition in which your heart no longer has the strength to pump blood as it should.
If your blood vessels are completely blocked and oxygen-rich blood can’t reach the muscle, a heart attack can occur. Heart attacks cause sudden tightness, squeezing, and heaviness that can be deadly.
Heart disease symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the type you have. Common symptoms of heart disease include:
Heart disease can lead to potentially fatal health complications without treatment. The sooner you receive care for your condition, the more likely you are to recover.
The team at Today’s Wellness and Primary Care takes a functional medicine approach to heart disease treatment that targets your underlying cause and symptoms. Common treatments for heart disease include:
To learn more about heart disease, call Today’s Wellness and Primary Care or schedule an appointment online today.