Do you suspect you may have heart disease and don’t know what to do and where to go?

In this article we will discuss the next steps to take in order to address or prevent heart disease from taking over your life.

Heart Disease Diagnosis

The first step to addressing heart disease is to visit your local physician in order to undergo the appropriate testing.

While a physical exam and an assessment of your personal and family medical history will be taken, your doctor will often perform other tests on your heat disease based on your anticipated needs.

These tests can include:

·       Blood tests

·       Chest X-ray

·       Electrocardiogram (ECG). 

·       Holter monitoring. 

·       Echocardiogram

·       Stress test

·       Cardiac catheterization

·       Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan. 

·       Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Heart Disease Treatment

Each treatment plan for heart disease is not the same.

It is important to sit down with your doctor to discuss which treatment plan is best for you depending on what your body needs.

Depending on your specific needs your doctor might recommend treatment plans which include lifestyle modifications, medical procedures or surgery and blood pressure or cholesterol monitoring.

Lifestyle Changes

Heart disease almost always requires an assessment of the lifestyle choices that might be hurting your health.

Adopting a low-sodium and low-fat diet plan can make a huge difference on your heart health.

Additionally, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, quitting smoking and taking at least 30 minutes of exercise each day can greatly impact your health and heart disease for the better.

Maintaining a healthy weight is key in addressing and preventing heart disease. Be sure to monitor your BMI with the target goal being a BMI or less than 25 (waist circumference of 35 inches.)

Stress can also be a powerful force in exacerbating your heart disease. Intentional breathing practices and exercise programs such as yoga are a great way to manage stress.

Managing Chronic or Acute Heart Disease

If you or someone you love may be suffering from heart disease be sure to visit your doctor today to begin a treatment plan. Call Bowie Internal Medicine Associates today for a consultation at (301)262-8188.