Dr. Patel is a Board-certified cardiologist with Catskill Regional Medical Group. He currently oversees Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Services Department.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women nationally and worldwide. One in every four deaths in the United States is attributed to a form of heart disease.

The most common form of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which is related to heart attacks and blockages of the arteries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack every year, with 525,000 of them being first-time heart attack victims. 

Recognizing the symptoms

It is important to understand some of the symptoms that can indicate developing or rapid-onset heart conditions. The most common symptom is chest discomfort, which most people describe as pressure or as a squeezing sensation. Pain can also radiate to the arms, jaw and neck. But, it is worth noting that these symptoms can also indicate other, non-heart-related issues.

In women and patients with diabetes, heart-related symptoms can also include unexplained nausea and shortness of breath. If you find you are able to perform a physical activity, but as time progresses you become decidedly more tired, fatigued, or out of breath, or if you develop that chest discomfort, this can also be a sign. Some patients with underlying heart issues also report feeling as though their heart begins racing at times or that they feel lightheaded.

Urgent or preventive diagnoses

Anyone can develop heart disease at just about any age. If you have risk factors for heart disease—which include smoking, eating an unhealthy diet and not getting enough exercise—or if you think you already have signs of a developing issue, diagnostics can help. Whether you have symptoms that are progressive, or you just want to take proactive, preventive measures, a visit with your primary care doctor is a good place to begin the conversation. Of course, meeting with a cardiologist is an even better way to begin to establish a baseline and assess your unique condition.

For anyone who experiences chest pain or discomfort that begins abruptly, consider going to an emergency room for evaluation to be sure you are not actively having a heart attack.

Diagnosis and treatment for heart disease

Technology for both diagnosing and treating heart disease has made tremendous advances in recent years. For diagnosing heart conditions, especially for situations related to blocked arteries or the heart muscle not getting enough blood, doctors may start off with an electrocardiogram to give us an idea of any previous damage to the heart or of any kind of active process going on.

From there, we can do a stress test, which can now be done in many ways and not just by getting on a treadmill or an exercise bike. There are now substances we can use to mimic that exertion in the body. We can also use an echocardiogram to capture images of the heart muscle itself to identify any areas not getting enough blood.

From there, we can do an angiogram as well—another way to take a look and see if there are any blockages and how severe they are. Sometimes, we can even treat them right there, using stents and ballooning them open. Often, we recommend simpler lifestyle changes to combat the progression of heart conditions. Of course, when severe heart conditions are identified, patients may require major procedures. These are all deeper discussions to have with your primary care doctor and cardiologist as diagnosis and treatment continues.

When you take care of your heart, you’re getting to the heart of your overall well-being.

You can call Catskill Regional Medical Group at 845/794-3379 to schedule an appointment.