Heart disease is a general term that includes many conditions affecting the structure or functioning of the heart. Some people are born with heart abnormalities that affect heart health, while others develop heart problems because of lifestyle or aging.
You may not realize you have heart disease until you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. However, for many, a heart attack is their first symptom.
There are many kinds of heart disease. However, some are more common than others. Types of heart disease include:
CAD, or Ischemic heart disease, is the most common type. CAD causes narrowing or blockages in the arteries of the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Valvular heart disease is a structural problem that affects the valves separating the chambers in the heart. These valves may not close all the way, allowing blood to leak through. Or, the valves may not fully open, limiting blood flow through the heart.
Heart failure means your heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood throughout your body.
Aortic stenosis is a type of valvular disease. It occurs when there’s a narrowing of the aortic valve.
Cardiomyopathy is a stiffening of the heart muscle.
PAD isn’t heart disease but has the same cause as CAD. With PAD, there’s narrowing or blockages in the peripheral arteries in your extremities, so it increases your risk of heart disease.
Many factors might increase your risk of heart disease. These include:
Dr. Farah takes a preventive approach to heart health. If you have heart disease risk factors or concerning symptoms, like heart palpitations or syncope (fainting), schedule a consultation at Bentley Heart.
You can expect a patient-centered exam when you see Dr. Farah for a heart disease consultation. However, the specifics of your visit may depend on your medical history and symptoms.
After completing a thorough history and physical exam, Dr. Farah may recommend diagnostic testing to assess heart health. Bentley Heart is a full-service cardiology practice offering many tests, including electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiography, and stress testing.
Dr. Farah also performs cardiology consultations for pre-op evaluations.
To schedule heart disease care at Bentley Heart, call the office in Fort Worth, Texas, or book an appointment online today.