What is cardiovascular disease? – When it comes to the heart having anything at all perceived as “wrong” with it is a very scary thing. After all, your heart is the very core of your being. It beats and keeps all of the rest of your organs working thanks to life-giving blood being pumped through.

To hear the words “You have cardiovascular disease” is likely second only in terrifying phrases to the sentence “you have cancer.” Let us break it down so that you really understand what cardiovascular disease entails, your risks and how to manage it and have the best quality of life possible.

Cardiovascular disease is an illness of the heart and blood vessels. There are several different forms heart disease can take.

Atherosclerosis – is a condition where plaque develops and builds up in the artery walls. It makes the passageways more narrow and blood flow becomes constricted.

Heart Failure (Congestive heart failure) doesn’t mean the heart stops beating. It means that the blood isn’t able to pump as well as it should. The heart has to keep working harder and harder to meet the body’s blood and oxygen needs. It can get progressively worse if left untreated.

Heart Valve Problems (Stenosis) – The heart valves don’t open and close enough to allow proper blood flow.

Arrhythmia – the Abnormal beating of the heart. It can beat too slowly, too fast or off rhythm. Arrhythmia can affect how efficient the heart is able to work.

When the heart doesn’t work properly it leaves you feeling weak, tired, and often with chest pains. Left untreated cardiovascular disease often leads to heart attacks and or strokes in patients.

If you suspect you may have heart-related issues the time to get them properly diagnosed is now. Do not wait another day, the sooner you seek treatment the better the outcome can be in the long run.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area we would love to work with you to get your health on track and you on your way to the best most productive healthy life you can live. Give Tampa Cardiovascular Associates a call today at 813-975-2800 or visit us online at www.tampacardio.com.