What is heart disease?

Heart disease refers to several health problems that affect your heart’s structure and/or function. Your heart pumps blood throughout your body. Any disease that interferes with how your heart works affects your overall health and well-being.

The Arizona Heart Rhythm Center provides comprehensive care for patients with heart disease. The cardiovascular specialists take a patient-centered approach, putting your physical and emotional needs above all else.

What are some common kinds of heart disease?

Of the many kinds of heart disease, the more common include:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

CAD is the most common heart disease in the United States. It occurs when the main arteries in the heart — the coronary arteries — narrow or become blocked because of a buildup of plaque (cholesterol and minerals) along the blood vessel wall.

Heart failure

If you have heart failure, your heart isn’t strong enough to adequately pump blood throughout your body.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat. The many kinds of arrhythmia include atrial fibrillation (AFib) and bradycardia.

Valvular heart disease

Your heart’s four valves direct blood flow through the chambers in your heart. Valvular heart disease is diagnosed when these valves are damaged, affecting blood flow.

Heart abnormalities

Heart abnormalities include any structural problems that affect the heart. Some people are born with heart abnormalities, while others develop as we age.

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

You can have heart disease without having apparent symptoms until you have a heart attack. Symptoms that could indicate you have a heart problem include:

• Chest pain
• Angina (chest pain during physical activity)
• Shortness of breath (SOB)
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness

If you notice any of these symptoms or other concerns about your heart health, schedule an appointment right away at the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center.

What tests diagnose heart disease?

The Arizona Heart Rhythm Center is a state-of-the-art practice that offers several tests to diagnose heart disease. Some of the diagnostic tests they use to evaluate the health of your heart include:

• Bloodwork
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Stress testing
• Holter monitor (a device that monitors heart rhythm for 24 or more hours)
• Event monitor (a device that records heart activity when you have symptoms)
• Mobile continuous outpatient telemetry
• Tilt-table test (to determine if the heart is the cause of your syncope)
• Implantable loop recorder (a device that records heart rhythm for up to three years)
• Electrophysiology study (EPS)

Your cardiovascular specialist at the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center determines which test you need. In some cases, more than one is needed.

Call the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center today or schedule an appointment online for expert heart disease care.