Heart Disease

Heart Disease services offered in Downtown, Wilmington, NC

Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, which is why Umar Bowers, MD, Tiffany Bowers, FNP-C, Caitlin Jacobs, FNP-C, and Sandy Taylor, FNP-C, of Dawson Med offer compassionate diagnostic and treatment services to residents of Wilmington, North Carolina. If you’d like to book a visit, spend a few moments on the online scheduling page, or call the office today.

Heart Disease Q&A

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a term used to refer to several different conditions, all of which affect your heart. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, and it affects the way blood flows to your heart.

Additional types of heart disease include:

Heart valve disease
Blood vessels disease
Heart infection
Congenital heart defects
Heart rhythm problems
Disease of the heart muscle

Working with a highly skilled medical team is the best way to understand your risk level for heart disease. Early detection is a great way to take action to improve your heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack or other serious outcomes.

What are some causes of heart disease?

Some types of heart disease are caused by congenital issues, which are problems you are born with. In these cases, there is nothing you can do to prevent heart disease, although you can manage or treat the condition to improve overall health.

Additional causes of heart disease include:

Smoking
Poor nutrition
Buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries
Stress
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Drug abuse
Certain medications
Excessive drinking
Obesity

These are just some of the factors that can cause or contribute to heart disease. Understanding your risk level is a critical part of taking steps to improve your condition.

What can be done to improve my heart health?

The treatment for heart disease depends on how advanced the condition is, as well as your overall health. If you’ve had a heart attack or substantial damage has been done, surgery may be the only way to repair the damage or reduce your risk of harm.

In many cases, more conservative treatment options can improve your heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack or other serious outcomes. Working with an experienced medical team is a great way to be proactive.

Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day helps prevent heart disease by keeping your blood flowing freely. You don’t have to dive into an intense workout regimen, even taking a brisk walk will keep your heart healthy and happy.

Boosting your nutrition is also important. If you routinely consume foods that are highly processed, high in sodium, or high in fat, making changes can go a long way toward supporting heart health. Add more fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats into your meal planning, and avoid fast food, fried foods, and packaged snacks as much as possible.

If you smoke, find a smoking cessation program that works for you. You’ll save money, breathe easier, and lower your risk of heart disease, among other poor health outcomes.

Finally, be sure to get enough sleep and find healthy ways to manage stress. These goals often align well with getting more exercise, and physical exertion is shown to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

When you’re ready to begin, call or click to schedule a visit at Dawson Med.