Heart health is essential to your overall well-being. The Centers for Disease Control report that heart disease is the primary cause of death among both men and women in the United States. Some ethnic groups face a greater risk compared to others. They include Black, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders, Asians, and those of Native American or Native Alaskan descent have some of the higher death rates associated with heart ailments.
The Statistics are Alarming
Heart disease is responsible for the death of one person in the U.S. Every 33 seconds. In 2021, more than 695,000 individuals passed away due to cardiovascular disease. That is one in five U.S. deaths. The cost of treating heart disease is staggering. From 2018 to 2019, U.S. residents with heart disease paid over $239.9 billion for treatment, medication, health care services, and the loss of productivity.
There is a common misconception that coronary heart disease primarily affects older individuals, but this belief is incorrect. Nearly one in 20 adults who are 20 years old or older show signs of coronary artery disease (CAD). So it is never too late to keep a check on your heart health, no matter what your age is.
Signs of Coronary Artery Disease
According to The Mayo Clinic, coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease, has many symptoms that occur when the heart doesn’t get the proper amount of oxygen-rich blood.
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain or angina: This issue presents itself as heavy pressure or tightness in the chest area. It is usually concentrated in the middle or left side of the chest. Some people, mostly women, feel a warning sign like a sharp pain in the neck and arm, and occasionally the back.
- Shortness of breath: Many people feel like they are out of breath and can’t catch their breath. This is a similar feeling to those who have finished a strenuous activity and are out of breath.
- Tiredness/fatigue: This common problem occurs when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood through the heart to meet the body’s requirements.
Treating Cardiac Issues
In some cases, specialists are called in to handle specific heart issues. An electrophysiologist, for instance, is often called in for irregular heart arrhythmias. They collaborate with patients to examine the heart’s “electrical” system, which transmits electrical signals across cells and the body, governing heart rate and rhythm. Dr. Ian Weisberg is a specialist in treating these types of cases. He is highly specialized in the testing, procedures, and diagnosing of a wide range of heart conditions in this area, which include:
- Bradycardia: This is a heartbeat that is lagging or too slow.
- Tachycardia: This refers to a heartbeat that is excessively rapid. Since there are three main types, tests are done to determine the exact cause of the problem.
- Atrial Fibrillation: This is a fluttering heartbeat, which means the heart is not beating consistently.
- Cardiac Arrest: This issue means that the heartbeat has stopped altogether, causing a cardiac arrest.
According to Ian Weisberg, cardiac arrest occurs when an artery in the heart is completely closed. This will bring on chest pain that can run down the shoulders and arms and into the neck, jaw, and even teeth. It can produce cold sweats, heartburn, nausea, and dizziness. These issues should never be overlooked.
Those who have a family history of heart disease should take care of their heart health and overall health to ensure they can live long, healthy lives.
