Heart and cardiovascular problems are extremely common these days. With people living longer on average and living more sedentary yet stressful lifestyles, it is little wonder that cardiac diseases are one of the top causes of death overall.
Although this may sound dire, the good news is that many cardiac conditions are preventable and treatable. Advances in medications and surgeries help people live longer and more productive lives if they are battling a congenital or lifestyle-related cardiovascular disorder.
Let’s explore some of the risk factors for heart conditions, prevention methods, and treatment options available when there is a problem.
Risk factors for heart problems
Unfortunately, the modern world fosters the proliferation of heart issues. Here are some of the most common risk factors and some suggestions for reducing their impact on your health.
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Obesity
Being overweight puts additional stress on the heart and cardiovascular system. In the US, 41.9% of adults are considered obese. Losing weight can be difficult, but with the help of your doctor, you can create a plan for healthy weight loss. Fad diets and fasting rarely work in the long term. If you need to lose a lot of weight, it must be done over time. Weight loss of one to two pounds per week, on average, is considered the healthy way to improve your physical condition. This also allows you enough time to develop healthier eating habits.
Those with sedentary jobs may find it particularly difficult to lose weight and find time to exercise. If you work in an office, you can add some exercise equipment to your desk to help you burn some extra calories throughout the day. Small pedal machines that mimic the actions of a bicycle or stair stepper can be placed under almost any desk.
- Genetic factors
Some cardiovascular conditions are genetic. If your family has a medical history of heart problems, you may be genetically prone to some conditions yourself. This means you need to take extra care to reduce your risk throughout your life. Keep in mind that you need to be honest about your family’s health history. There is a difference between something “running in the family” and family members that are making poor lifestyle choices that contribute to heart conditions.
- High blood pressure
Regardless of your weight or age, high blood pressure is a warning sign that you need to make changes and seek treatment to bring your blood pressure down to an acceptable level. This is often in the form of dietary changes, stress reduction techniques and exercise. Medication is often prescribed, and the dosage is adjusted as needed. Over time, some people may be able to eliminate medications if they are dedicated and take steps to eliminate or reduce some of the factors affecting their blood pressure.
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Age
As we age, the risk of developing a heart-related condition increases. Many of the risk factors, such as high blood pressure, are more common in older individuals. For many people, mobility becomes more limited with age, so it is harder to exercise and maintain good cardiovascular health. It can be helpful to consult with your primary care or cardiac care doctor or nurse for suggestions on exercises you can do at an advanced age. Medical professionals will consider your overall health and mobility to design a fitness plan that works for you.
Reduce or eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption
Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular and lung problems. Second-hand smoke is also very damaging, so it is important to limit your exposure to smoky environments. Nicotine gum and patches can help you quit. By switching to gum and patches, you will immediately eliminate the smoking component but have the benefit of tapering off of nicotine gradually, so you have a greater chance of success.
Too much alcohol consumption weakens heart muscles. Alcohol consumption can also increase the likelihood that you will develop other conditions that contribute to cardiac problems, such as high blood pressure.
Reduce stress and get the right amount of sleep
A stressful lifestyle has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Stress management can be very challenging in the modern world. Job and family obligations can add up to a feeling of being constantly overwhelmed and never feeling like you are doing enough. It is important to take time each day just for you. Even 30 minutes per day of an enjoyable hobby or activity can make a big difference in your mental outlook.
Try to avoid stressful activities for at least an hour before you go to sleep. Violent shows or books can lead to sleep disturbances in many people, especially if they are already experiencing high levels of stress during the day. There are also plenty of people who react to stress and depression by sleeping too much. Both too little and too much sleep are not good for your cardiovascular health.
Cardiac imaging procedures and diagnostics
When a cardiac condition is suspected by your primary care doctor, you will typically be referred to a specialist. This often means going to a preliminary appointment at a cardiac care center. A specialist will assess your symptoms and schedule tests to make an accurate diagnosis. At a preliminary appointment, you may not get all your tests completed. It is common for a series of tests and imaging procedures to be scheduled across multiple appointments.
1. Cardiac catheterization
This method of examining the heart uses a small camera at the end of a very thin tube. The tube is used to get detailed images of the heart. In some cases, a cardiac catheter is used to remove blockages in narrowed arteries in the heart. Medications may also be administered to treat specific coronary conditions.
2. Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography)
Four major types of echocardiogram tests are used for diagnosing heart conditions and judging the effectiveness of previous and current treatments.
Stress echocardiograms are performed after a cardiac stress test and measure how effectively the heart pumps blood before and after the test. This is an effective way to diagnose arterial disease.
3D ultrasounds provide specialists with a detailed view of the heart, which is especially useful when determining if a patient is suffering from a congenital heart condition.
Transthoracic echocardiograms are performed using an external probe to gain very detailed images of the heart, while transesophageal ultrasounds achieve the same thing via a probe passed through the esophagus.
4. CT (Computed Tomography)
You may be more familiar with the term CAT scan than CT, but they are similar. A CAT scan uses an X-ray machine that rotates to reach any body part that needs to be focused on. In the case of a cardiac CT scan, a thin x-ray beam is concentrated on the heart. The beam creates many images from a single area. The cross sections are then compiled into a highly detailed 3D image. This can be used to diagnose many different cardiac conditions.
5. PET imaging
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. In this procedure, a patient is injected with a radioactive dye that allows specialists to create a very detailed 3D image of the heart. This is useful for monitoring blood flow and making judgments about the overall health and functionality of the heart. It is useful for monitoring how much stress the heart is under and whether there are obstructions that need to be removed.
6. Cardiac MRIs
An MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a detailed image of the heart. The strong magnetic field that encompasses the patient transmits signals back to the MRI computer, which then uses them to create a detailed image that offers a more accurate picture of diseased heart tissue than an ultrasound can provide. For those seeking advanced diagnostic care, services offering medical imaging in West Orange, NJ or in an area closer to you, can play a critical role in identifying heart conditions early and guiding targeted treatment strategies. Access to high-quality imaging helps ensure that even subtle abnormalities are detected, supporting better outcomes in cardiac care.
8. EP testing (electrophysiology)
Doctors may determine that they need to closely examine the electrical system of a patient’s heart. To do this, the patient will be given IV drugs to relax or sedate them. Catheters are threaded through a vein in their groin and threaded into the heart to monitor electrical activity. Surgeons will use a specialized machine to deliver electrical current and see how the heart responds. Medications may be administered through an IV to see how they affect heart rate. This type of study can help doctors assess what they can do to correct any underlying cardiovascular problems.
9. MUGA scan
In a multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan, a patient is injected with a safe radionuclide and a specialized camera is used to take pictures of the heart as the substance is pumped through it. The result is used to determine how good a job your heart is doing at pumping blood. This is a common scan when doctors need to determine if a patient is suffering from congestive heart failure.
Surgery
Heart surgery is common, but doctors prefer to avoid it whenever possible. When non-invasive methods and lifestyle changes fail or a condition is too far advanced when diagnosed, a doctor may refer a patient to a cardiac surgeon for a procedure. Here is a look at the most common types of cardiac surgeries.
10. Coronary artery bypass surgery
When an artery to the heart is mostly blocked, a surgeon may take a healthy artery from another part of your body and use it to connect and supply blood past the blockage. This procedure can return oxygen and blood flow to the heart, which allows a patient to experience higher energy levels and less shortness of breath. This procedure can prevent a heart attack, but it is no substitute for taking additional steps to correct what led to the bypass in the first place. Changes in diet and adequate exercise are important.
11. Coronary artery stents
A stent is a minuscule mesh coil that is inserted into an artery to open it up if it has narrowed or is partially blocked by cholesterol deposits. This method increases blood flow and oxygen to the heart and other tissues. This is a less complicated procedure than a bypass, so stents are often used before resorting to a bypass. Sometimes, a patient may have a coronary bypass and several stents if they are suffering from severe cardiovascular problems.
12. Pacemaker insertion
If a patient is experiencing a consistently irregular heart rhythm, a doctor may suggest a pacemaker be installed. A pacemaker is implanted in the chest with wires that lead to the heart and use electrical impulses to regulate the heartbeat. Another device that is sometimes used is an ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator). An ICD detects dangerous irregular heartbeat patterns and sends an electrical shock to correct the problem.
Most common heart conditions
Here is a look at some of the most common heart conditions in the US right now.
- Congenital heart conditions
A congenital cardiac issue is something that is detectable and present at birth. That doesn’t mean that it is necessarily picked up at the time, however. There are plenty of cases where a patient starts experiencing problems only to discover via cardiac tests that they were born with the condition.
As we age, conditions that might not have caused noticeable trouble when we were young can start affecting our daily activities. Congenital heart conditions can vary widely in severity. A patient’s lifestyle, such as their physical fitness, weight, and diet, can cause congenital problems to become more serious sooner rather than later.
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Arrhythmia
Irregular heart rhythms can be congenital or develop over time. In some cases, patients have a congenital irregular rhythm, but they are not aware of it until they are older. This is less common in modern times due to modern ultrasounds during pregnancy and better monitoring of physical growth during childhood.
- Coronary artery disease
This disease occurs when arteries are rendered incapable of delivering enough blood to the heart. This can be caused by high cholesterol levels leading to deposits that block arteries. If an artery becomes completely clogged, it can trigger a heart attack. Symptoms of coronary artery disease include shortness of breath, chronic fatigue and chest pain.
Unfortunately, if the condition is not diagnosed early, patients may assume another condition is causing their symptoms. As a result, an individual may experience a heart attack before becoming aware that they are suffering from a major heart condition.
It is important not to ignore warning signs. High cholesterol can be controlled with medications, dietary restrictions and regular exercise. Arterial blockages can be treated before they lead to heart attacks.
- Congestive heart failure
When we hear the term congestive heart failure, it is easy to assume that it is an untreatable and quickly fatal condition. While this can be the case sometimes, many people have lived with congestive heart failure for years. With proper treatment, the symptoms can be alleviated. The heart can heal, but it is easier if the patient is younger. Congestive heart failure is most common in older individuals, but it can happen at any age, especially if the patient has underlying health conditions that have weakened the heart.
Benefits and hazards of clinical trials
Cardiac research is ongoing. Clinical trials at hospitals and universities offer eligible patients the opportunity to try out new treatments and medications before making them available throughout the medical industry. The perks include the possibility that an ongoing condition will be vastly improved or even eliminated. The risks, however, are a variety of possible side effects or no improvements at all. Some clinical trials offer modest cash compensation for participation, while others only offer access to treatment.
Your doctor can help you determine if you are a good candidate for a clinical trial if you find one that you are interested in. It is important to be aware of the risks involved. Applying for inclusion in a trial does not guarantee that you will be accepted. Researchers design their studies and screen applicants to ensure they are a good fit. It can take some time to get approved, so the process often starts well before a predetermined study start date.
Careers in cardiac medicine
There is immense demand for medical professionals specializing in cardiac care. There are several different ways to approach a career in cardiac medicine. If you already have a nursing, doctorate or associate’s degree, making a career change to specialize in cardiac care may be faster than you think. Here are some tips for getting your foot in the door.
Gain prior experience before applying
If you already work in a hospital, you can gain some experience in the cardiac unit if you express interest in either volunteering or taking on extra shifts when there is an opening in the schedule. This can put you in an excellent position for consideration if a job opening becomes available in the cardiac care unit.
Advance your education
Pursuing additional training, certifications or even an advanced degree is always a good idea to help you reach your long-term career goals. Online post master’s certificate acute care nurse practitioner programs are one example of an advanced certification that working professionals can achieve on a flexible schedule, and you can learn more here about the one offered by Rockhurst University. This certificate allows post-master’s graduates to gain specialized skills that are useful for caring for older adults with acute or complex conditions.
This offers patients and employers greater reassurance that they are working with the most highly trained professionals. These programs are also useful for a mid-career or senior-level nurse who wants to specialize in a specific area of acute care, such as cardiology or endocrinology.
Advanced degrees such as doctorates and master’s can be achieved entirely online or with only a few short in-person sessions throughout the course of the program. Many employers offer some tuition assistance if you have worked for them for a set period.
Be open to relocating for the right job
There is currently unprecedented demand for healthcare workers, but if you want to work in a specific area of expertise, you might need to be willing to relocate to get the job you want sooner. While a lot of medical facilities are having trouble finding qualified applicants to fill positions, some are having more trouble than others filling very specific roles. Being open to relocation can lead to a higher salary than you might expect, relocation compensation, and other perks. If you lack some experience and education, it may be easier to get a job somewhere else.
Conclusion
While prevention is best, it is good to know that there are many groundbreaking methods for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. With cardiac imaging, many conditions can be managed with reduced recovery times and more positive patient outcomes.