Cardiovascular Disease Specialist
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Mark Akselrud, MD
Internal Medicine located in Tamarac, FL
Cardiovascular disease is a broad diagnosis that includes the many problems that affect your heart and blood vessels. If you’re at risk of developing cardiovascular disease or want to know the extent of a known condition, board-certified internist Mark Akselrud, MD, can help you manage and treat your symptoms. To make an appointment, call the office in Tamarac, Florida, or use the online scheduler today.
Cardiovascular Disease Q & A
What are the most common cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular disease is a catch-all term for any condition that affects your blood vessel and heart health. That includes:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Many of these conditions start with atherosclerosis, a plaque buildup along the walls of your arteries that restricts blood flow.
What are the symptoms of cardiovascular disease?
The symptoms of cardiovascular disease vary depending on how severe it is and what’s causing it. Conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure present no apparent symptoms.
Other conditions do present physical discomfort. Telltale signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, and numbness or weakness in your arms and legs. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Akselrud right away.
How can cardiovascular disease be prevented?
Many cardiovascular problems are highly preventable. You can markedly lower your risk by making some healthy lifestyle changes. Dr. Akselrud typically recommends losing weight, exercising regularly, avoiding sodium (salt) in your diet, and quitting smoking.
It’s also essential that you manage your stress levels. Practicing yoga and/or meditation can help you stay more relaxed and in the moment.
Another integral preventive tool is knowledge. Getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly is a great start. Even better is having your cardiovascular system examined with more advanced diagnostic tools in Dr. Akselrud’s office.
How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed?
To diagnose cardiovascular disease, Dr. Akselrud does a physical exam, asks about your lifestyle, and reviews your medical history. After gathering this information, he orders several other tests depending on your age and symptoms.
Some of the tests used to diagnose cardiovascular disease include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram uses several electrodes to measure your heart’s electrical output. This helps Dr. Akselrud diagnose irregularities in your heart’s structure and rhythm.
Holter monitoring
During Holter monitoring, you wear a measuring device for 24-72 hours. The device monitors your heart’s electrical activity and can help diagnose abnormalities that an ECG can’t detect.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive procedure using high-frequency soundwaves (ultrasound) to take detailed pictures of your heart. An echocardiogram can find abnormalities in your heart’s structure or function.
How is cardiovascular disease treated?
Treating heart disease depends on how intense your symptoms are and what’s causing it. Dr. Akselrud recommends healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol whenever possible.
If lifestyle changes alone don’t ease your symptoms, Dr. Akselrud could then recommend prescription medication to control the disease. If you have a potentially fatal heart condition, surgery could be necessary.
To learn more about treating cardiovascular disease, schedule an appointment with Mark Akselrud, MD. Book it online, or call the office today to speak with a caring staff member.
