Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for adults in the United States. Arjun Makam, DO, and his team at Makam Medical in Anaheim, California, consider heart disease the most important chronic health condition they deal with. They take a holistic and preventive approach to care, helping to reduce risk of heart disease complications. To schedule a heart disease consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease includes any health condition that affects the structure or function of the heart. It’s a common condition and a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world.

What are the types of heart disease?

There are many types of heart disease. Some of the common ones include:

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

CAD occurs when the main arteries in your heart ― the coronary arteries ― get narrowed or blocked from a buildup of plaque along the blood vessel wall. 

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

CHF means your heart is unable to adequately pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. 

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are heart conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, or erratically. 

Valvular heart disease

Valvular heart disease includes conditions that affect the valves in your heart.

What happens during a heart disease consultation?

The team at Makam Medical takes a holistic approach to care. When you come in for a heart disease consultation, they perform a thorough examination so they fully understand your total health.

The team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They ask about the types of medications and supplements you take, your usual diet and exercise routine, and your life stressors. The team performs a physical examination and may run diagnostic tests to fully assess heart health or confirm or rule out a disease.

Testing might include lab work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), an echocardiogram (echo), or a stress test. 

What types of treatments can help with heart disease?

Dr. Makam and his team customize your heart disease treatment plan based on your diagnosis, severity of your symptoms, and underlying health conditions. First, they spend time talking to you about your disease and their treatment recommendations.

Then, together, you develop a treatment plan to improve heart health and reduce progression of your heart disease. Treatment may include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• A personalized exercise program
• Weight management
• Smoking cessation
• Medication to improve hypertension or high cholesterol
• Heart disease medication

When appropriate, the team may suggest interventional treatments, such as angioplasty and stenting for CAD or placement of a pacemaker for an arrhythmia or CHF.

To find out more about heart disease care at Makam Medical, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.