Unmasking Heart Disease on the Central Coast

Are you concerned about developing heart disease and want answers from a trusted heart specialist? Dignity Health Central Coast’s cardiologists will help you recognize the subtle signs of heart disease. The symptoms range from mild to severe and, in some cases, go unnoticed. 

While most people think of heart disease as coronary artery disease, the term heart disease is used to describe several cardiovascular conditions, including arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), valve disease, heart failure, and heart infection.

At Dignity Health Central Coast, we want to address signs of heart disease early and help keep your heart beating strong for years to come. If you have questions regarding heart disease on the Central Coast, Find a Doctor online and make an appointment.

 

Detecting Heart Disease Symptoms

If you have a family history of coronary artery disease, you are at risk. The cardiac care team at Dignity Health Central Coast can help ease your concerns. Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of heart disease.

Working with our compassionate team of cardiologists, nurses, and specially trained staff, you will learn to recognize some of the common signs and symptoms of heart disease:

  • Fatigue, or feeling more tired than normal
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heavy sweating after minimal exertion
  • Swelling of your feet or legs
  • Upper body discomfort or pain (including your jaw and arm)
  • Dizziness
  • Pressure or pain in your chest

Your care is our No. 1 concern at Dignity Health Central Coast. If you experience chest pain, you should dial 911 since this is a symptom that should be evaluated by a doctor.

If you need help identifying common signs and symptoms of heart disease, our cardiac team can provide answers, along with personalized care with humankindness.

 

Caring for Your Heart Disease at Dignity Health Central Coast

There are several tests for detecting heart disease. Our caring cardiac care team first takes the time to understand your history and symptoms. Understanding your family history of heart disease is a key step in assessing your risk. Our team will combine this information with testing results when determining your diagnosis and treatment strategy. 

Tests that you may need can include: 

  • Stress test
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Blood tests
  • EKG
  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiogram

To keep your heart at its optimal health, understanding your risk and recognizing symptoms are important. The cardiac care team at Dignity Health Central Coast can help. When you need answers about heart disease, speak to a doctor about heart disease treatment.

Dignity Health offers award-winning cardiac care programs for heart disease throughout California’s Central Coast.