Receive Expert Care for Cardiovascular Disease in Arizona

The term cardiovascular disease, often called heart disease, covers a range of conditions that affect heart structure and function. These conditions affect the heart’s blood vessels and electrical system, and the heart itself. 

Dignity Health treats the following types of cardiovascular disease in Arizona:

Cardiovascular disease can be mild to life threatening, depending on the specific problem, underlying causes, and damage done to the heart muscle. Many cardiovascular diseases develop over many years before symptoms are noticeable. Ultimately, these diseases affect the amount of oxygen-rich blood your body needs to thrive. Emergency treatment, when needed, can minimize heart damage, heart failure, and disability.

 

Cardiovascular Disease Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease depend on the severity of the disease and what type of damage it is causing or has caused. 

Classic symptoms of cardiovascular disease may include:

  • Chest pain (a)ngina, which may be constant or come and go over time
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Pain in your jaw, throat, or back
  • Fluttering feeling in your chest
  • Sensation that your heart is skipping beats
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Poor skin color (p)ale or grayish tone
  • Swelling (edema) in your hands and feet

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, Find a Doctor today at Dignity Health, and learn about how we treat heart disease in Arizona.

 

Cardiovascular Disease Causes

You can be born with heart defects that can cause cardiovascular disease (c)ongenital or it can develop over time. The most common cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease due to atherosclerosis. This condition — commonly called hardening of the arteries — is caused by a buildup of plaque along the inside wall of arteries. The arteries become stiff and narrow, reducing blood flow and limiting the amount of freshly oxygenated blood your body receives.

 

Cardiovascular Disease Treatment & Prevention at Dignity Health

At Dignity Health, treatment and prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease depend on the disease and the severity. Not all heart disease is preventable, but by taking certain steps, you may reduce your risk. 

As nationally recognized as leaders in heart and vascular care, Chandler Regional Medical Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center offer a full range of diagnostic assessments and treatments. 

Treatment for cardiovascular disease may include lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medication, or surgical interventions, such as angioplasty, valve replacements, coronary artery bypass grafting, or even a heart transplant. Cardiac rehabilitation may also help. The rehabilitation program is specific to helping people with heart disease adapt to their condition. 

Prevention of cardiovascular disease includes not smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Following treatment plans for chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension, are also an essential part of a healthy living plan.

Dignity Health is a leader in prevention and treatment for heart disease in Arizona, as part of our comprehensive cardiology services.