Heart Disease

Heart disease is largely preventable.

Heart disease is a term used to describe a range of diseases that affect your heart, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, endocarditis and congenital heart defects. Cardiovascular disease generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.

Diagnosing & Assessing Heart Disease

Early detection of heart and vascular disease can make all the difference. CoxHealth offers a full range of adult echocardiogram and vascular ultrasounds, so we can explore the symptoms you’re experiencing and examine your risk for disease.

Our affordable community screening program offers a personalized cardiovascular risk factor assessment and ultrasound quick-screen of your carotid arteries, aorta and extremities. For more information and to schedule a screening, call us.

We also provide cardiac clearance studies prior to surgeries requiring anesthesia, and offer timely appointment availability so you get faster diagnosis and treatment.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Smoking

People who smoke are more likely to die from heart disease. When you stop smoking, your risk rapidly drops. Over time, your risk becomes the same as a non-smoker.

Cholesterol — ADL and LDL

Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in your blood. It can build up in your arteries and cause them to narrow. Research has shown that having low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) puts you at higher risk for heart disease.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure makes your heart work harder than normal, damaging the smooth inner lining of your blood vessels. You’re more prone to high blood pressure if you’re 20 pounds over your healthy weight, have a family history of high blood pressure, take certain types of oral contraceptives or have reached menopause.

Number of Minutes of Daily Exercise

If you’re physically inactive you’re twice as likely to develop heart disease. You don't have to be an athlete, but 30-60 minutes of daily activity can make a difference.

Height, Weight and Waist Circumference

If you have too much fat, especially if a lot of fat is located in your waist area, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease. By watching your diet and exercising, you can loose the extra weight – and keep it off.

Blood Sugar Levels

If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t produce or respond properly to insulin–a substance it needs to use the sugar in your diet. People with diabetes have a three to seven times higher risk of heart disease.

Talk to your health care provider about additional ways you can make your heart healthy and keep it that way.

Related Conditions & Information

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  Heart Attack

  A heart attack occurs when blood flow to your heart is blocked. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of your heart starts to die. Quick treatment can restore blood flow to your heart.

  Learn More
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  Heart Failure

  While heart failure is a progressive disease, early diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life and life expectancy.

  Learn More