Heart Disease Specialist

What is Heart Disease?

A group of different cardiovascular diseases is commonly referred to as heart disease. The most common kind of heart disease, coronary heart disease, is a serious disorder involving the blood vessels in the heart. 

Heart disease is a serious medical issue that requires continued care. Although heart disease can't be cured, Dr. Karns can help patients manage their disease very effectively.

What Are the Risk Factors For Heart Disease?

There are a number of risk factors for heart disease, including poor dietary habits like high sodium intake, cigarette smoking, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and age. 

If one or both of a person's parents suffers from heart disease, they are at an elevated risk to develop it themselves. People who have any of these risk factors need to be evaluated regularly by Dr. Karns, especially if they have multiple heart disease risk factors.

What is the Treatment For Heart Disease?

Heart disease treatment begins immediately after diagnosis in most cases. Lifestyle changes are an essential part of heart disease treatment, regardless of the stage of heart disease. Patients typically need to transition to a low fat and low salt diet. 

Regular exercise is also an important part of heart disease treatment. Exercise sessions should generally last for a minimum of half an hour, at least 5 days a week. 

Habits like cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption should be discontinued. All of these lifestyle changes may be enough to stop the heart disease from growing worse. 

However, some patients may need to take prescription medication regularly as part of their heart disease management plan. In the case of very advanced heart disease, the patient may need to undergo a surgical procedure. Dr. Karns will customize treatment for heart disease based on each patient's individual needs and symptoms.

To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today.