Heart Health in Los Angeles

Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of people worldwide, in the United States, and in Los Angeles. More than 68 million Americans have some form of heart problem. Obesity, one of the major cardiovascular risk factors, has been described as one of the most common preventable causes of death. This might lead to the question, what's the influence of heart diseases on the future of public health in the world, America, and Los Angeles? What can you do to lower your risk of heart failure?

What is Heart Disease?

"Heart disease" is a catch-all phrase, often used interchangeably with "cardiovascular disease" although it properly refers to a particular set of heart diseases. Heart diseases include:

• Arrhythmias, which are problems with the heart's rhythm
• Infections of the heart
• Heart problems you are born with
• Other cardiovascular diseases; the most prevalent is atherosclerosis, or the buildup of "plaque" (fat and cholesterol) in the arteries. This can cause angina, which means pain caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart; it can also cause heart attack and stroke

Preventing Heart Diseases

One of the most important ways to prevent heart disease is to lead a healthy lifestyle. But you must know the classic symptoms of heart disease, as well. If you do, and you develop a heart problem, you can seek treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms.


These symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath, or dyspnea
• Chest pain, often due to angina
• Heart palpitations, or when the heart beats irregularity so that you take notice
• Heartburn Fainting, or syncope
• Swelling or puffiness of the eyes, chest wall, abdominal wall, ankles, or legs; also known as edema
• Skin and mucus membranes colored blue, or cyanosis
• Fatigue, which is a common symptom of many disorders

If you have chest pain, call a doctor or visit the emergency room. If you have dyspnea, syncope, edema, or cyanosis, see a doctor. For palpitations, don't smoke or drink caffeine and make sure you get enough rest; if you're also dizzy or have chest pain, call a doctor. If you're fatigued, make sure you're getting enough rest; if the problem continues, ask a doctor.

We reiterate that healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent any of this from happening in the first place. Consult with your doctor to make sure your blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and weight are at healthy levels; make sure you're eating enough fruits and vegetables and not too much fat or sugar; drink alcohol in moderation, don't smoke, and make sure you're exercising for at least a half hour, most days of the week, vigorously enough that your heart rate stays elevated.

If you are obese and you think weight loss surgery might assist you in overcoming the condition, and you want to reduce your heart-attack risk by losing excess weight, please call LA Bariatrics. Our office is in Marina Del Rey Hospital, on the Los Angeles-area coast, and we serve patients from Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. We are here to answer your questions and discuss the possibilities to improve your health. Call (310) 577-5540 for a free consultation or schedule an appointment online; we are here to help.