All the Ways We Care: Fighting Heart Disease with the Power of Four

At Main Street Hospital, we are committed to working with you and your family to fight heart disease—America’s #1 killer. Just as every human heart has four chambers that all work together to pump life-sustaining blood throughout the body, we believe there are four key players that must work as a team to effectively prevent and treat heart disease.

1. Your Physician
   You can only treat a medical problem if you know that you have it. That’s the reason scheduling regular visits to see your primary care physician for a complete physical exam is your first line of defense against heart disease. By having your blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels checked, you’ll have a better understanding of your overall risk for heart disease. You’ll know where you stand and what steps you may need to take to reduce your risk. For example, your doctor might advise you to lose weight or to stop smoking if you do smoke. Or your physician might prescribe one of the many medications that are available to treat heart disease.

   Don’t think heart disease can happen to you? Think again. About 85.7 million Americans, 34 percent of U.S. adults, are estimated to have high blood pressure. And about 28.5 million, almost 12 percent of U.S. adults, have high cholesterol.

2. Our Technology
   After your physical exam, some red flags may show up that cause your doctor to order some additional tests. At Main Street Hospital, we offer a wide range of diagnostic technology so your doctor can make the best choice for your particular situation.
   • Electrocardiogram also known as an EKG or ECG: Measures the speed, rhythm and
     evenness of your heartbeat.
   • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound (sound waves) to produce an image of your heart.
   • Chest X-ray: Creates an image of your heart and chest area.
   • Exercise Stress Test: For this procedure, you’ll walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike to check the heart’s performance under exertion.
3. Our Clinical Expertise
   Sometimes, a more advanced form of technology called interventional cardiology is needed to diagnose heart disease. When that’s the case, we have a team of specially trained cardiologists, nurses and technicians ready to use their skill and training to perform a number of hi-tech procedures. For example:
   • Coronary Angiogram: a special dye is injected into your arteries to take X-rays in order to check your blood flow and look for any blockage. A Coronary Angiogram is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of coronary artery disease. If heart disease is diagnosed and corrective surgery is needed, we offer a number of treatment capabilities, such as:
   • Angioplasty: Angioplasty can be effective in opening up the coronary arteries. With this procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the artery with a catheter, then inflated. The pressure from the balloon forces the plaque to the side of the artery. A small wire tube, called a stent, is then placed in the artery to keep it open.
   • Peripheral Angioplasty: is used to examine arteries in the legs and other parts of the body to diagnose and treat hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
4. Yourself!
   One in three Americans has some form of heart disease. But the good news is that 80 percent of heart disease and stroke can be prevented! When you get right down it, perhaps the most important factor in preventing and treating heart disease is your desire and motivation. If you are at risk for heart disease, that risk will only increase if you don’t take action and stay motivated to make the necessary changes in your life. By quitting your smoking habit, eating a healthier diet, exercising more often and managing your blood pressure and stress, you can greatly reduce your chance of heart disease. And when you do need medical expertise and advice, Main Street Hospital is always here, close to home and ready to be your partner in heart-healthy living.

Source: American Heart Association