Recognizing Heart Disease

Sep 1

Would you recognize the symptoms of cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common diseases people in first world countries face. In Canada, 1 in 12 adults over 20 live with diagnosed heart disease. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

Pressure or fullness in the chest
Trouble breathing especially when doing physical activity or laying down
Feeling tired or weak for no obvious reason
Heart fluttering, pounding or an irregular heartbeat
Light-headedness or sudden unsteadiness
Swollen legs, ankles or feet
Pain in the neck, jaw, throat or upper abdomen

How do we diagnose CVD?

If you’re experiencing symptoms, or worried about your risk of developing heart disease, early diagnosis is key to treatment and management. To receive a proper assessment, WELL physicians will conduct a series of exams and tests including:

Physical examination including medical history
Blood tests
Electrocardiogram (testing the electrical activity in your heart)
Echocardiogram (using ultrasound to take a clear picture of your heart)
Stress test
Cardiac CT scan or MRI
Coronary angiogram (scan showing blood flow through your arteries or veins)

From the data gathered, the WELL medical team will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This can include lifestyle changes, medications, procedures or operations, and rehabilitation programs.

How do you reduce your risk of heart disease?

If heart disease is something you’re concerned about developing in the future, 4 small changes made to your daily life can help improve your heart health: