Cardiovascular Conditions FAQs

Cardiovascular Disease Treatment in Peoria, AZ

Learn More About Cardiovascular Diseases

A diagnosis indicating a cardiovascular disease is nothing short of terrifying. Patients and their families often have lots of questions, and understandably so. At Cardiac Solutions, we’re committed to offering patients the answers they seek. Our Peoria, AZ cardiologists are well-versed in these diseases, and we strive to find the procedure that is right for your situation. Below, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about cardiovascular diseases.

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

“Cardiovascular disease” is a catch-all term that refers to a variety of conditions involving the heart and blood vessels. Heart attack, stroke, heart disease, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems are all common examples of cardiovascular diseases. Many of these conditions are severe are require immediate treatment.

What Are the Signs of Heart Disease?

Patients with heart disease report various symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and tightness in the chest.

Is Heart Disease Reversible?

With several major lifestyle changes, heart disease may be reversible. Aggressive measures for lowering blood cholesterol have reversed in the condition in some cases.

Is Heart Disease Hereditary?

If you have a family history of heart disease, you may be at increased risk. You should take special care to check for diabetes and high blood pressure each year.

What Might Increase My Risk for Heart Disease?

Those who smoke regularly are at increased risk for developing heart disease, as are people who are overweight. If one of these risk factors applies to you, we recommend considering treatment or a lifestyle change.

How Often Do I Need an Echocardiogram?

In the most severe cases, patients might need an echocardiogram every six months. However, most can get by with tests every three years.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease is a condition that results from plaque buildup inside the arteries. This is among the most common types of heart disease in the country. If you suspect you may be dealing with this condition, seek coronary artery disease treatment as soon as possible.

What Are Some Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors?

Symptoms of coronary artery disease can occur for many reasons. Women who are past menopause and men are at higher risk for this condition, as are those with a family history of the disease. Some risk factors can be minimized with lifestyle changes. These include smoking, high cholesterol, being overweight, excess stress, and lack of adequate exercise.

What Is Atherosclerosis?

Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis. But what exactly does this mean? Atherosclerosis is the process by which the arteries are damaged as plaque builds up along the walls. Then, this buildup causes the artery to thicken and make it more difficult for blood to pass through as usual.

What Are the Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease?

Symptoms of this condition include leg cramps, numbness, unexplained soreness, foot pain, slow hair growth, and differences in the temperature of the affected limb. If you notice any of these symptoms, we urge you to seek peripheral artery disease treatment.

How Can I Prevent Peripheral Artery Disease?

Peripheral artery disease is usually the result of advanced atherosclerosis, so it’s important to make a few lifestyle changes to minimize your risk. Refrain from smoking and choose low-fat foods. Try to lose weight, reduce stress, and lower your blood pressure.

What Is Chronic Venous Disease?

The chronic venous disease occurs when the valves inside the vein become damaged and cause blood to flow backward in the legs.

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Venous Disease?

Visible varicose and spider veins are common chronic venous disease symptoms. Other symptoms you might notice include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling
• Pain or cramping in the legs
• Redness
• Ulcers

How Common Is Chronic Venous Disease?

Some estimates indicate that up to 80 million people in the United States are affected by venous disease. This condition is widespread, and you should seek reliable treatment providers.

Is Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Venous treatments done for medical reasons are typically covered by insurance. The team at Cardiac Solutions will work with you to determine whether you have adequate coverage.

What Is the Success Rate of Venous Treatment?

Today’s venous treatments are highly effective and boast long-term results. Commonly-used laser and radio frequency treatments are up to 98% effective.

What Causes Valvular Heart Disease?

Valvular heart disease might develop for one of several reasons. Infections, degenerative conditions, and congenital issues are common culprits causing the disease. Coronary artery disease and rheumatic fever diagnoses might also put you at increased risk for valvular heart disease.

How Can Valvular Heart Disease Be Treated?

The good news is that treatment is possible. Sometimes, your physician might recommend you wait and see if the condition improves over time on its own. If the disease progresses, you may need surgery to repair or replace the damaged heart valve.

What Are My Surgical Options for Heart Valve Repair?

A typical patient with valvular heart disease may need an open-chest surgery to solve the problem. During this procedure, your cardiovascular surgeon will use a large incision in the chest to access the faulty valve and repair or replace it. However, some patients do well with less-invasive surgeries requiring only a tiny incision. Be sure to discuss these surgical options with your doctor to learn which is best for your circumstances.

Ask Cardiac Solutions Your Questions

Whether you’re concerned about coronary artery disease causes or the signs of a venous condition, Cardiac Solutions is here for you. We understand how daunting it can be to deal with a cardiovascular condition, so our team will be at your side every step of the way. Our cardiovascular surgeons are leaders in the industry, and we’re dedicated to providing top-tier surgical options that implement innovative technology. No matter your concern, we welcome you to reach out to our Peoria, AZ cardiologists.