Cardiovascular conditions affect your heart and vascular system. Symptoms may be subtle at first, but once these conditions develop, they can diminish your health and shorten your lifespan.
Early intervention is essential to prevent complications from cardiovascular disease. Dr. Lopez provides individualized care for cardiovascular conditions and even offers house calls for patients who aren’t well enough to visit his office.
Dr. Lopez diagnoses and treats multiple cardiovascular conditions, such as:
This is the most common type of heart disease. It occurs when plaque, a fatty substance, accumulates in your blood and clings to your artery walls. Plaque restricts blood flow to the heart, which can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, and other life-threatening complications.
PAD occurs when plaque builds in the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the limbs and other organs. As plaque builds, the blood vessels narrow, which increases your risk of gangrene, nonhealing ulcers, and leg pain.
Hypertension is the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. When your blood pressure is too high, it damages the walls, causing them to become narrow and rigid. Hypertension can restrict healthy blood flow and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
A stroke can occur if your brain doesn’t receive oxygen-rich blood. Hypertension, CAD, and PAD increase your risk of stroke. While some strokes are mild, others can be life-threatening.
Genetics can increase your risk of many cardiovascular conditions. If your parent or close relative has cardiovascular disease, you’re more likely to develop one. However, many lifestyle factors can also lead to cardiovascular conditions, such as:
Being overweight significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular conditions are often manageable with diet and lifestyle modifications. Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Lopez may recommend:
If you have symptoms of cardiovascular disease, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Lopez. Call Fernando Lopez Ivern MD today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.