Heart Disease

Heart disease is, unfortunately, a common condition, affecting more than half-a-billion people internationally. Though it sounds scary, you can prevent and manage heart disease with N-of-1 Medicine as your support system. The Santa Monica, California, practice specializes in preventive care and obesity medicine, two areas that are critical for people with heart disease or its risk factors. Book your appointment with the online feature or call the Los Angeles-area office for help today.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease refers to functional or structural problems inside or surrounding your heart or blood vessels. 

Atherosclerosis — waxy plaque accumulation inside artery linings — is the most common source of heart disease.

Atherosclerosis causes narrowing of your arteries, so your heart doesn’t get all the blood it needs. This can eventually lead to heart attack, stroke, and many other complications, including vascular dementia. 

Other types of heart disease are related to problems with your heart valve structure or abnormal heart rhythm.  

What are the signs of heart disease?

Heart disease symptoms may vary based on your type of disease and sex. Some possible warning signs include:

• Chest pain
• Upper back or neck area pain
• Chronic indigestion and heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Extreme tiredness
• Breathing difficulties
• Fluttering sensation in your chest
• Swelling of your feet and ankles
• Abdominal swelling
• Neck vein swelling

But, it’s important to note that heart disease is frequently a “silent” condition. You might have no major issues until you suddenly have a heart attack or stroke. So, heart disease evaluation is extremely important for at-risk adults. 

When do I need to be evaluated for heart disease?

Everybody needs some level of basic heart disease screening starting from age 18. N-of-1 Medicine performs routine screening tests like monitoring your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels during your annual preventive care exams.

Blood glucose screenings are also part of preventive care, as they can predict and diagnose Type 2 diabetes, which doubles your heart disease risk. 

You may need additional screening tests, for example, an electrocardiogram (EKG), based on your body mass index (BMI), medical history, and family history. Other health and wellness factors may also play into what types of heart disease screening tests you need and how often. 

I was diagnosed with heart disease. Now what? 

N-of-1 Medicine offers highly customized heart disease care. Taking steps to start a nutritious diet and reach a healthy weight are powerful weapons against heart disease, so the practice offers tailored plans to guide you to success. 

Your heart disease care may also include medications to help control your cholesterol if lifestyle changes alone don’t achieve your goals. Your treatment is adaptable to your situation, and you can rely on the practice for help anytime. 

Call N-of-1 Medicine or click to arrange your appointment today.