Heart Disease

As a leading cause of death, heart disease is problematic when left untreated. At LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, the outstanding urgent care team detects heart disease and its risk factors, so you can get the treatment needed to avoid life-altering complications. Call the office to schedule an evaluation or use the online booking feature today.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a chronic condition that develops due to damage to your heart blood vessels. It’s a common disease, especially among older adults. Untreated high blood pressure and high cholesterol are common risk factors. See the primary care providers at LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care if you’re at risk of heart disease or experience its symptoms.

What are the hallmark symptoms of heart disease?

Heart disease may cause:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Pain, numbness, coldness, or weakness in your limbs
• Jaw, throat, upper belly, back, or neck discomfort
• Dizziness
• Near fainting
• Lightheadedness 
• Fluttering or irregular heartbeat
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Leg, ankle, or feet swelling
• Fatigue

When left untreated, heart disease can lead to a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, or even death. See your provider at the first sign of a problem. 

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

While some forms of heart disease are present at birth or develop due to genetic reasons, many heart and blood vessel disorders stem from unhealthy lifestyle habits. Common risk factors include:

• Aging
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes 
• Excess body weight
• Family history of heart disease
• Stress
• Poor dental health

Diets high in added sugar, sodium, and animal fats, but low in plant-based foods, may increase your risk of heart disease. Adopting healthy habits is the best prevention strategy.

How does my provider diagnose heart disease?

Your LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care provider diagnoses heart disease using various methods. They weigh you, determine your body mass index (BMI), and check your blood pressure and other vital signs. They also complete a physical exam and order blood work or other diagnostic tests.

You might need an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, echocardiogram, or additional heart-function tests or imaging procedures. 

How is heart disease treated?

Heart disease treatments include healthy lifestyle habits, medications, and surgical procedures if needed. The LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care team may refer you to a cardiologist for a complex heart-related issue.

Follow a diet low in animal fats, sodium, and added sugar but rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, get plenty of sleep and regular exercise, and minimize stress. Consider weight loss with the help of the LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care team if you carry excess body weight.

Take medication exactly as directed and properly manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes to prevent heart complications. See the LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care experts routinely for checkups to manage heart disease.

To get screened or treated for heart disease at LexaMD Urgent and Primary Care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.