TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL) - The U.S. has dubbed February as National Heart Month, as a way to raise awareness and share information about the prevention and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in world, and accounts for one in three deaths among women each year.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls.
Americans of all backgrounds can be at risk for heart disease, African American men, especially those who live in the southeast region of the United States, are at the highest risk for heart disease.
Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Jeffery Snyder of Tallahassee says, the future of heart health is promissing. Major improvements have been made in treatment and in innovations and research.
One of the improvements is in valve surgery. Patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) often suffer from psycho-emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, but after undergoing mitral valve repair surgery patients experience a marked improvement in emotional and physical wellbeing.
