Author: Ajay Mhatre, M.D., FACC

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year.” Heart disease – also known as coronary artery disease – is responsible for one in four deaths. Fortunately, the Valley area has one of the country’s lower rates of heart disease deaths in adults age 35+. See the map below:

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Still, your health and your risk for heart disease is your personal responsibility. At Phoenix Heart Center, we strive to provide our patients with the right knowledge, care and medical intervention. Learn more about coronary artery disease below…

Who Is at Risk for Coronary Artery Disease?

Risk factors for heart disease include age, being male or post-menopausal female, having certain family history patterns, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, diabetes and stress. If you have multiple risk factors, you may be at risk for coronary artery disease – even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.

What Conditions Should I Manage If I Have Heart Disease?

Your Phoenix cardiologist will go over lifestyle changes and management techniques with you. However, many patients diagnosed with heart disease are encouraged to quit smoking, start exercising, lose weight, manage diabetes, lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. It may sound like a lot of sudden changes, but once you start focusing on a healthy diet and regular exercise, you may be surprised how many other conditions begin to improve as a result.

What Heart Disease Treatments Are Available?

Aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs are frequently used to manage coronary artery disease. Your Phoenix cardiologist may also prescribe drugs to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, manage chest pain, or relax the muscles surrounding the coronary arteries. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Learn More About Coronary Artery Disease

For more information on coronary artery disease, view this Phoenix Heart Center resource page. Or, schedule an appointment with a Phoenix cardiologist when you contact us.

Please consult with your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.