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Heart Disease
Heart Disease Care
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. But heart disease isn’t just one disease. It’s several conditions that affect the heart’s ability to function normally, including:
- Coronary artery disease – the narrowing of arteries
- Heart attack
- Abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart muscle disease or cardiomyopathy
- Vascular or blood vessel disease
Heart problems often progress over a long time, and you don’t always experience symptoms until you have a heart attack or heart failure. Symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the specific condition. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
Treating Heart Disease
Heart disease is more accessible to treat when detected early. Talk to your Mercy physician or heart specialist if you are concerned or have symptoms. Every doctor, nurse, and cardiac team member is dedicated to your heart care.
We’ll develop a plan to reduce your heart disease risk. And if you already have heart disease, Mercy's heart and vascular team will provide the latest diagnostic and treatment options you'll need to live a healthier life.
Preventing Heart Disease
The good news is that your lifestyle choices can help prevent heart disease. And if you are already showing signs, these changes will help prevent it from getting worse:
- Quit smoking
- Control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce and manage stress
