Heart Disease

Heart disease is common, but manageable when you have comprehensive care and support. Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. in Tyler and Lindale, Texas, is an internal medicine practice with providers who specialize in diagnosing, managing, and preventing heart disease. The practice also provides in-house diagnostic tests to monitor heart health. Call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking feature today.

What should I know about heart disease?

Heart disease isn’t a single diagnosis but a general term that includes any condition that affects the heart’s normal function. Your heart is responsible for circulating oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. 

Heart disease affects this vital function, leading to health complications and death. Currently, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. 

Heart disease runs in my family. Should I be concerned?

Anyone can develop heart disease. If it runs in your family, you should discuss heart health with your provider at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A.

Some people are born with conditions that affect heart function. However, most people develop heart disease as they age due to poor lifestyle habits like smoking and lack of physical activity.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease that occurs from a buildup of plaque along the walls of the arteries in the heart, affecting blood flow. Lifestyle is a major factor in the development of CAD. 

Other types of heart health concerns include:

• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Heart valvular disease
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Tumors
• Heart abnormalities

Having a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes also puts you at greater risk of developing heart disease.

How do I know if I have heart disease?

Heart disease symptoms vary, and you can have a heart condition without having any symptoms. Chest pain during exercise, shortness of breath, and fatigue are some of the symptoms you may have with heart disease.

However, the only way to know if you have heart disease is to schedule an evaluation at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. Your provider reviews symptoms and concerns and performs a physical exam.

The internal medicine practice also offers diagnostic testing to evaluate heart function, including laboratory services, echocardiogram, and nuclear stress testing.

What can I do to manage heart disease?

Management of heart disease depends on type, severity of symptoms, and medical history. Your provider at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. customizes your heart disease treatment plan, focusing on therapies to improve heart health and reduce the risk of complications.

Heart disease treatments include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Disease-specific medication 
• Heart medication

Some patients may need surgical procedures to improve heart function.

Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. can manage all of your health needs. For comprehensive medical care, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.