Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. In fact, approximately a quarter of deaths are due to heart disease.
Yes, genetics can contribute to your risk of developing heart disease; however, so can other factors. We work with you to encourage eating a diet rich in whole foods and plants, getting sufficient cardiovascular exercise, and managing stress.
Heart Disease Q & A
What is heart disease?
Heart disease, sometimes called cardiovascular disease, includes a wide range of conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels. Heart disease causes a wide range of symptoms depending on the specific type of heart disease you have. Chest pain and shortness of breath are two of the most common signs of heart disease, but you might also experience:
- Pain, numbness, and coldness in your legs or arms
- Pain in your neck, jaw, or back
- Abnormal heart rate (fluttering, racing, or slow)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Blue skin tone
- Tiring easily
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
- Dry, persistent cough
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment at Family Medical Center for customized, comprehensive care. If you think you’re having a heart attack or a stroke, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. can have a severe impact on your quality of life. The team at Family Medical Center uses lifestyle medicine to address the root causes of your health problems and optimize your overall wellness. Dr. Heldzinger also works with patients with conditions that are hard to diagnose.
What causes heart disease?
Your lifestyle is a significant factor in your risk for heart disease, including your:
- Weight
- Diet
- Activity levels
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
If you have other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea, your risk of heart disease is higher.
Fortunately, many of the contributing factors for heart disease are under your control. You can take action to improve your health and reduce your risk of disease.
How is heart disease treated?How can I reduce my risk of chronic disease?
At Family Medical Center, the team offers a highly customized, patient-focused approach to managing heart disease. They specialize in lifestyle medication, which aims to address unhealthy choices in your daily habits that contribute to the root cause of your heart disease.
The team helps you understand the mind-body connection and adjust your relationship with food. The food that you consume impacts your physical, mental, and emotional health. Changing the way you eat can not only break an addiction to nutrient-deficient foods but also enhance your overall health.
Adapting to significant lifestyle changes can be challenging. The team at Family Medical Center offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you explore and resolve the negative thoughts and feelings that lead to your unhealthy behaviors. CBT can also help you commit to new healthy habits, manage stress, and improve your sleep habits.
If you’re interested in a personalized, natural approach to managing heart disease, call Family Medical Center, or request an appointment online today.