RICHLAND, Wash.– February is American Heart Month; what better time to keep your heart on your mind?
The bad news: Coronary artery disease (CAD), along with heart diseases in general, remain leading causes of death. The good news: these deaths are preventable with early diagnosis and treatment.
The signs of CAD can vary, making it crucial to consult your primary care provider if you have concerns.
Dr. Marwan Qattan from Kadlec Clinic emphasized that the first step in diagnosing coronary heart disease involves recognizing symptoms.
Symptoms of CAD may include chest pain or a heaviness in the center of the chest, difficulty exercising, and labored breathing. However, symptoms can vary from person to person and gender to gender. It’s essential to see a primary physician to explore these symptoms further.
Dr. Qattan also pointed out that an EKG is one of the initial tests used, but it may not detect coronary artery disease as it occurs at rest. In some cases, a stress test might be necessary to investigate further.
In addition to CAD, other heart diseases exist, making it vital to visit a primary care doctor for accurate diagnosis.
Acute chest pain spreading to the neck, jaw, back, arms, shoulders or epigastric area, accompanied by sweating, nausea, dizziness or indigestion, could signal a heart attack and require immediate medical attention.
Risk factors for CAD include diabetes, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking.
Many people may find these risk factors relatable, but it’s important not to panic.
Dr. Qattan noted, “While coronary artery diseases are common and is a leading cause of death…all those deaths are preventable, including heart disease, when diagnosed early and treated early.”
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