Chronic heart disease is a long-term condition that affects how your heart works, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, valve disease, or an irregular heartbeat. With the right care, many people manage their heart disease and stay active for years. At Signet Heart Group, we provide ongoing, personalized care to help you manage your heart condition.
What is Chronic Heart Disease?
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood to the entire body. It consists of four chambers, separated by valves, which pump rhythmically to direct the flow of blood. Diseases of the heart may affect its structure and function. These include:
- Coronary artery disease: The coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart may become stiff or narrowed due to the accumulation of plaque (cholesterol), obstructing the flow of blood.
- Arrhythmia: Changes in the rhythm of the heart
- Heart defects: Congenital defects in the structure of the heart
- Valve defects: Narrowing, leakage or improper closure of heart valves
- Cardiomyopathy: Weak heart muscles
- Infection: Infection may affect the different layers of the heart wall including the valves.
Risks of Heart Disease
High blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, increased age, substance abuse, poor diet, stress and positive family history increase the risk of heart diseases.
Chronic heart diseases can lead to:
- Heart failure: Inability of the heart to pump blood to the body
- Heart attack: Destruction of heart tissue due to blocked coronary arteries
- Stroke: Destruction of brain tissues due to blocked arteries supplying the brain
- Aneurysm: Bulge in the artery wall that can burst and lead to fatal internal bleeding
- Sudden cardiac arrest: Sudden loss of breathing, consciousness and heart function
- Peripheral artery disease: Block in leg arteries, which can travel to the lungs and block its main artery.
Most of these complications can be fatal if not identified and treated immediately. Chronic heart diseases can be identified by the common symptoms of angina (chest pain), jaw, throat, neck, upper abdomen or back pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, numbness of the extremities, changes in heart rate and rhythm, swelling in the hands or feet, dizziness, fainting, fever, or skin rash or discoloration.
When you present with these symptoms, your doctor will review your medical and family history and perform a thorough physical examination. A chest X-ray and blood tests are ordered. Other diagnostic tests include a CT, MRI, echocardiogram (harmless ultrasound waves help determine structural abnormalities), electrocardiogram (the measurement of electrical signals of your heart help determine rhythm irregularities) or cardiac catheterization (X-ray images of the injection of a contrast dye helps monitor the flow of blood in arteries).
Lifestyle changes are recommended to treat chronic heart diseases. These include proper diet, physical activity, avoiding substance abuse and stress management. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control blood pressure, prevent clotting or treat infection; thereby, reducing the risk of heart failure or stroke. Surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow by opening or bypassing areas of blockage and correcting heart defects.
Why Choose Signet Heart Group for Chronic Heart Disease
Living with heart disease is easier with a team that knows you. Here is what we offer:
- Long-term, personalized care: We treat you like family, and many people stay in our care for years.
- Comprehensive testing on site: We offer on-site diagnostic imaging and testing, including echocardiography, stress testing, and rhythm monitoring.
- Prevention and education: Our providers focus on education and prevention to help you take an active role in your heart health.
- Experienced team: Together our providers have over 90 years of experience in cardiovascular care.
Chronic Heart Disease FAQs
How often should I see my cardiologist?
Many people with chronic heart disease see their cardiologist every few months to once a year. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your condition and how stable it is.
Can I exercise with heart disease?
For most people, regular physical activity is part of a healthy heart plan. Talk with your cardiologist before starting a new exercise routine, and ask whether cardiac rehabilitation is right for you.
What symptoms mean my heart disease is getting worse?
Let your care team know if you notice more shortness of breath, chest discomfort, swelling, sudden weight gain, or an irregular heartbeat.
Why does taking my medications on schedule matter?
Heart medications work best when taken as prescribed. Skipping doses can raise your blood pressure, affect your heart rhythm, or worsen symptoms.
Schedule Your Visit
Let us help you manage your heart health. Call Signet Heart Group at or request an appointment online at our offices in Sherman, Anna, or Dallas, Texas, or Durant, Oklahoma.
