A Roadmap to Heart Health: Exploring Cardiovascular Treatment Options
Cardiologists use cardiovascular treatment to address any condition affecting any part of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Treatment is a broad term that can refer to various procedures or methods that range in invasiveness. Choosing one depends on your cardiovascular disease or condition, as well as the overall state of your health. Take a closer look at how the cardiologists craft a treatment plan and what it may entail.
A quick overview of cardiovascular treatment and the system it addresses
What is considered a healthy heart?
Knowing when one's heart functions optimally is not always easy, as many cardiovascular diseases are a "slow burn." However, Harvard Health says some signs indicate one is healthy or normal. They state that a normal resting heartbeat or heart rate lies somewhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but an incredibly healthy person's heartbeat will lie between 55 and 85 beats per minute. A resting heartbeat refers to the body being in an inactive state that allows the blood to pump at its lowest capacity to supply the rest of the body's oxygen. Of course, other factors such as stress, anxiety, and medications can affect this, but the aforementioned ranges refer to typical scenarios.
When to seek cardiovascular treatment
There are other factors to consider when determining if one's heart is healthy aside from checking their heart rate. If any of the following symptoms manifest, no matter their severity or duration, it is time to consult a cardiologist:
- Abnormally fast or slow heart rate
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Leg pain or discomfort from blood vessel disease
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Personal or familial history of cardiac issues
- Shortness of breath at inappropriate times
- Ulcers resulting from blood vessel disease
It is important to contact a cardiologist once these symptoms occur to receive a cardiovascular screening. Timing is often of the essence with cardiovascular diseases or other conditions that affect the target system.
Diagnosing a cardiovascular disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2021 alone, one in every five deaths—695,000 people— that occurred was a result of some form of heart disease. Some of these deaths could have been avoided with the help of cardiovascular screening and timely intervention. Screenings help determine the overall state of the cardiovascular system before determining if treatment is truly necessary. The cardiologist will perform various tests, which may involve multiple types of equipment. Each test is designed to check each aspect of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, patients may undergo an echocardiogram, EKG, cardiac stress test, and electrocardiogram.
Patients spend an average of an hour in these appointments. From here, the cardiologist can determine whether cardiovascular treatment is necessary or whether lifestyle changes can reverse a condition.
Cardiovascular treatment options
As mentioned, cardiovascular treatment is a broad term encompassing numerous procedures and methods ranging in invasiveness. The following are methods the cardiologist may consider:
- Endovascular treatment. Minimally invasive procedures that repair or widen heart valves or arteries
- General cardiology. Focus on preventing conditions from damaging the cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, through monitoring, medication, and recommending lifestyle changes
- Interventional cardiology. Painless procedures that involve inserting catheters in the heart's structures to increase its blood pumping abilities and remove blockages
There are a plethora of cardiovascular treatment options within each of the subgroups mentioned above that may also benefit a patient's condition. However, the best way to determine their need is to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, who can discuss them in greater detail.
Check-in on your cardiovascular system at our Delray Beach office
Prioritize your cardiovascular health. Florida Premier Cardiology provides screenings and cardiovascular treatment. So do not wait until symptoms manifest or worsen; contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://floridapremiercardio.com or call Florida Premier Cardiology at (561) 325-6495 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office
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