What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a general term referring to any disorder of the heart. Over one quarter of all deaths in the United States are caused by heart disease, making it the leading killer of Americans. While some kinds of heart disease cannot be prevented, many kinds can be prevented.

Common types of heart disease include heart failure, when the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should; arrhythmia, when the heart beats too slow or too fast; and stenosis, when the heart valves don’t open wide enough due to narrowing. Heart disease can lead to a heart attack, which occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the heart. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating more fruits and vegetables, can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Surgery and medication can help those with heart disease live long, happy lives.

Not all medical treatments for heart disease are successful. If you’ve been injured as a result of a medical professional’s negligence, you may be a victim of medical malpractice. To find out what really happened call Pegalis & Erickson of Long Island at (516) 684-2900.