Surprisingly, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women and men in the United States. Experts report that approximately 600,000 people succumb to some form of heart disease in this country every single year. Every 30 seconds, someone in the United States dies from heart disease, and the disease does affect more people than cancer and obesity.
When they first begin the process of finding a physician, many Americans want to know statistics about their doctor’s effectiveness at treating heart disease. Considering the fact that half of all heart attack patients test “normal” for both types of cholesterol, finding a physician who knows the warning signs of heart disease in women and men is essential.
A good physician — many patients ask friends and family for their recommendations — may ask the patient to monitor his or her diet and discuss the results when they meet. Some patients considered to be at a higher risk for the development of heart disease may be asked to wear a monitor for a few weeks that can gather important data regarding the functionality of the heart and lungs.
There are over 50 million procedures performed every year at American hospitals, and over 125 million emergency room visits every year. Patients at risk for heart disease may be chosen to undergo a comprehensive — and preventative — screening procedure to check for signs of heart disease and to assess their likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke.
Patients with a family history of heart disease need to understand the importance of routine check ups and other screening measures. Outpatient services — and outpatient surgery, if necessary — should be accessible to the patient and discussed in advance with their physician. To find a doctor who can discuss patient care and present options before a medical crisis occurs is of the utmost importance when it comes to heart disease.