Heart Health

The heart is the central organ of the cardiovascular system that serves your whole body by pumping blood to all its organs, tissues, and cells. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the US for both men and women. Health heart management is crucial for the overall well-being of your health.

The management of your heart health involves learning about heart diseases, recognizing the risks, making healthy choices, and addressing your heart-related condition with the proper medical care.

At Destiny Internal Medicine, we recognize the impact of heart-related conditions on your life and understand the crucial role that medical care and effective management play in navigating through them. 

Our dedicated team provides comprehensive care and support for various heart conditions. Our skilled primary care doctors collaborate with you to address and manage the heart condition you may be experiencing.

Some common heart-related conditions include:

• Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common cardiovascular condition that, if untreated, can result in severe health complications.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) occurs when major blood vessels supplying the heart are damaged by plaque buildup, leading to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. 
• Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, impacting its ability to meet the body's needs.
• Arrhythmia is a medical condition characterized by irregular heart rhythms. It can disrupt the heart's efficiency in pumping blood.
• Valve disease signifies a malfunction in one or more of the heart's valves that can restrict blood flow and strain the heart.
• Congenital heart disease comprises a group of heart abnormalities and structural defects present in a child at birth and affects normal heart function in various ways.

Risk factors are conditions or habits that increase the likelihood of developing a disease. These risks vary, with some being manageable and others not. 

Factors that increase the risk of developing heart-related conditions include:

You can make specific lifestyle changes to improve your heart disease and reduce the risk of heart disease. The factors you can manage include:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol 
• Diabetes 
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
• Obesity and unhealthy diet 

Lifestyle changes along with medications can help manage these factors and lower the risks of developing any heart-related conditions. Collaborating with a healthcare professional is essential for the effective management of these conditions.

Certain factors that contribute to an increased risk of health-related conditions are non-modifiable. These include:

• Age: The risk of heart disease tends to increase with age. Therefore, it is crucial to stay proactive about your heart health.
• Gender: Men and postmenopausal women face a higher risk of heart disease.
• Family history: A family history of heart disease may elevate your risk, but adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can still have a meaningful impact.

The first steps towards managing heart health involve recognizing your risk factors and taking steps to reduce them. 

Various heart conditions manifest in distinct ways, exhibiting diverse signs and symptoms. Symptoms of heart disease may include: 

• Palpitations of the heart
• Sweating
• Feeling lightheaded
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Swelling in the lower body
• Extreme fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Fever
• Chest pain

It is crucial to stay prepared for potential cardiac emergencies, as conditions like heart attacks or strokes can be life-threatening. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack or stroke is crucial for saving lives. Although heart attacks can sometimes be asymptomatic, the following key symptoms can help identify a heart attack:

• Experiencing tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest, which may extend to the arm, below the breastbone, or reach into the back, jaw, throat, or arm
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Symptoms like sweating, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• Sudden weakness, extreme fatigue, or shortness of breath
• Rapid, irregular, or abnormal heartbeats
• A sense of anxiety or foreboding

During an emergency, swift action is crucial. If you or someone nearby exhibits symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, dial 911 immediately.

If you are dealing with a heart condition, we offer comprehensive care, medical attention, and guidance to help you take control of your heart health and effectively manage your condition. 

Here are some key aspects of how we help you manage your heart condition:

To achieve optimal heart health and enhance overall well-being, you may need to implement lifestyle adjustments tailored to your specific heart condition. 

Our healthcare professionals will provide guidance on exercise and diet and assist in implementing changes to other habits to promote and support your heart health.

For effective management of your heart condition, following the prescribed medication regimen is crucial. We'll guide you through your medication plan and schedule regular check-ups to monitor your progress.

Regular follow-up visits are crucial to ensure proper management of your heart condition. Our team will collaborate with you to create a care plan tailored to your needs, encompassing scheduled visits and necessary tests or screenings.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program recommended following a heart attack or heart surgery. Achieving recovery and preventing future cardiac events requires comprehensive care and support.

These programs are designed to support your recovery, enhance your heart health, and minimize the risk of future heart problems. Cardiac rehabilitation programs include exercise, education, and personalized lifestyle counseling tailored to your needs.

At Destiny Internal Medicine in Aurora, Co, we understand the importance of comprehensive heart health management. Whether you're seeking preventive measures, recovering from a cardiac event, or aiming for a heart-healthy lifestyle, our dedicated team provides personalized medical care and support for your needs.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us at 720-324-4777 or request an appointment online.