Provided by Novant Health UVA Health System

David DeMaria, M.D.

Learning that you have heart disease can be discouraging, but it doesnt have to be debilitating. Think of it as a new beginning, said David DeMaria, M.D., a cardiologist at Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Cardiology. Its often a positive thing that its been diagnosed without any dangerous complications. At the very least, it is a massive wake-up call that you cant take your health for granted.

Heart disease refers to several different heart conditions, but the most common is coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack. Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries. Over time, those arteries can narrow, which reduces blood flow to your heart and puts you at risk for heart attack.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. About 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year.

DeMaria said the first thing he tells a patient who has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease is youre not alone.

Dont be discouraged, he said. Engage with your physician and your medical care, and feel empowered that what you do will make a difference.

For many people with coronary heart disease, the treatment is two-pronged prescribed medicine that can lower your risk of additional plaque buildup and adopting healthy lifestyle changes.

Minimize the amount of sugar and processed foods you eat, DeMaria added. Cut back on salty foods and saturated fats, as well as sugary drinks and fast foods. Its helpful to follow either the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, which was originally designed to help people control their blood pressure.

The No. 1 thing I tell my patients is that if theyre feeling well, exercise, exercise, exercise, DeMaria mentioned.

For some people, the first sign of heart disease is sudden death. But for many, their coronary heart disease is discovered early enough that they can modify their lifestyle to limit further heart damage.

The first step? See your doctor for regular check-ups. If a medical issue needs attention, catching it in the early stages is beneficial.

Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined, DeMaria said. Yet, 80 percent of heart disease is preventable, simply based on risk-factor modification. Diagnosing and treating these risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can be difficult because many patients feel perfectly fine and are unaware that anything is wrong. This is where regular physicals and screenings are very helpful.

Coronary heart disease can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. With the correct treatment, symptoms can be reduced and your heart function will improve.

I always tell patients to be positive, engaged, empowered, and to partner with their doctor, DeMaria said. Fully commit to this journey. Ask questions about your care plan or medications. You dont need to combat this alone.

For more information on heart and vascular services at Novant Health UVA Health System, visit NovantHealthUVA.org/cardio.

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