Heart Care

Heart disease is an umbrella term that refers to various types of heart conditions such as the following:

• Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
• Angina
• Atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries
• Cardiomyopathy or the hardening or weakening of the heart’s muscles
• Congenital heart defects or heart irregularities that are present at birth
• Coronary heart disease (CAD) or ischemic heart disease
• Heart attack
• Heart infections
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Peripheral artery disease
• Venous insufficiency

The cause of heart disease may vary depending on the specific type of condition. For instance, a person may suffer from coronary heart disease due to a plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries, while a heart infection may be caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. Also, a person who has or experiences the following risk factors are more prone to suffer from heart disease:

• Overweight
• Clinical depression
• Unhealthy diet
• Excessive alcohol use
• Excessive stress
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Insulin resistance or diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking

Heart disease may remain silent for some time which is why we recommend regular heart screenings for early detection and prevention. Also, you may not know that you have a heart disease unless you experience its symptoms such as follows:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Chest pain
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Jaw pain
• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting

To determine if your symptoms are caused by heart disease, our cardiovascular specialists may conduct an initial risk assessment that involves a physical exam, checking your blood pressure, doing a blood test and asking about your medical and family health history. If your results lean toward a heart condition, your cardiologist may also request one or more of the following tests:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Coronary angiography
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Exercise stress test
• Further blood tests
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Radionuclide tests

Our Palm Beach Health Network cardiologists may recommend various treatment options based on your specific condition which include any of the following:

• Lifestyle changes (i.e., regularly exercising, eating healthier, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, etc.)
• Prescription medicines (i.e., blood thinners, statins, nitrates, diuretics, etc.)
• Heart surgery and procedures (i.e., angioplasty, heart bypass, heart transplant, etc.)

You may want to pay attention to your symptoms if they appear during physical activity and improve with rest, as this pattern can signal a heart-related issue. It’s also important to be more vigilant if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle or a strong family history of heart disease.

Common warning signs to watch for include ongoing fatigue, shortness of breath with minimal activity, unexplained aches or pains (especially in the chest, shoulders, arms, back, jaw or abdomen) and swelling in the feet or ankles. Some people may also notice heart palpitations, a choking or tight feeling in the throat or leg pain when walking.

Other symptoms, such as a burning sensation in the chest or stomach, sweating and clamminess and discomfort, can also be linked to heart problems. If symptoms are persistent, occur together or feel severe or unusual, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

If you feel healthy, you may not need to see a cardiologist but there are certain situations where a visit is recommended. For example, your primary care provider may refer you if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or ankle swelling or if they detect abnormalities during tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood test or physical exam. Even without symptoms, you may also be advised to see a cardiologist if you have a significant family history of heart conditions that require further evaluation.

Your healthcare provider may recommend several tests to check how well your heart is working. Imaging tests, such as a cardiac CT scan, cardiac MRI, echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound or nuclear heart scan, can show the structure and function of your heart. Other common tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and monitoring devices like Holter or event monitors to track your heart rhythm over time. Blood tests can also help assess your oxygen levels and electrolyte levels. If needed, additional procedures such as a stress test, coronary angiography or cardiac catheterization may be used to better understand how your heart is functioning.

To keep your heart strong and healthy, focus on staying active and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, and look for simple ways to move more throughout your day, such as walking more or taking the stairs. Regular physical activity helps manage weight and supports overall cardiovascular fitness. It’s also important to balance the calories you consume with the calories you burn, based on your age, activity level and overall health goals. A heart-healthy diet also plays a key role. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources and foods with healthy fats. Limit processed foods, added sugars, sodium and saturated fats, and opt for whole, minimally processed options whenever possible.

If you’re diagnosed with a heart condition, treatment will depend on your specific needs and may include medications, lifestyle changes and regular monitoring.

At Palm Beach Health Network, you have access to comprehensive care, including advanced diagnostic testing and cardiac catheterization, as well as interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting. For more complex cases, surgical options such as bypass surgery are available, along with cardiac rehabilitation to support recovery.

Your care team will work closely with you to create a personalized plan to improve your heart health and quality of life.