In the United States alone, more than 600,000 people die of heart disease each year. At Frisco Medical Center, Luis Palacios, MD, and Jessica Huerta, DO, MS, diagnose, and treat heart disease, offering lifestyle modification counseling, medication management, and other helpful services to restore your health. Early detection and a targeted treatment plan can help you live a long and prosperous life, even in the face of heart disease. To learn more, call or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.
Heart disease refers to many conditions that affect your heart and blood vessel system. Here are some of the most common forms of heart disease:
A common form of heart disease marked by blocked or narrowed blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.
Irregularities in your heart rate occur when the electrical impulses that control your heartbeat don’t work properly.
This refers to heart problems you’re born with. Sometimes, your heart or blood vessels near your heart don’t develop properly before birth.
You can never fully cure heart disease, but it can be effectively managed and treated. Once you have heart disease, your arteries or vessels are always damaged, making you more vulnerable to heart attacks.
Most forms of heart disease, however, can be prevented or effectively treated by adopting a healthier lifestyle and using medications.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of heart disease to look out for:
Symptoms tend to vary widely for each individual. For example, men with heart disease are more likely to experience chest pain, while women with heart disease are more likely to have symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
You may not be diagnosed with heart disease until something serious occurs, such as a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it’s very important to look for signs early and call Frisco Medical Center at the first sign of a potential problem.
There are a variety of risk factors for developing heart disease, including:
As you get older, your heart muscle may weaken, and arteries may become more susceptible to blockages.
Men are generally more likely to develop heart disease than women. However, after menopause, the risk of heart disease for women increases.
Poor eating habits, namely a diet with too much sugar, fat, or salt, can lead to heart disease.
Excess weight can exacerbate other risk factors and vastly increase your risk of heart disease.
A sedentary lifestyle with a lack of physical activity is associated with many forms of heart disease.
A variety of underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and excessive stress also increase your risk of getting heart disease.
Dr. Palacios will treat and manage your heart disease with a plan that’s customized for you. Based on your diagnosis, medical history, and family history, he will recommend options like lifestyle changes, such as improved dieting and exercise, as well as medication.
A key part of treatment is also cutting out bad habits, including smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Over time, Dr. Palacios will closely monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. With his help, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy many happy, productive years even after a heart disease diagnosis.
To learn more about how Dr. Palacios treats and manage heart disease, call Frisco Medical Center or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
