Cardiology in Bratislava

Causes of cardiovascular diseases 

Heart and vascular diseases in women and men can develop due to an unhealthy diet (in particular, excessive consumption of salt, coffee, sodium, fats, and sugar, as well as fiber deficiency). Other causes of cardiovascular disease are as follows:

• Lack of or low levels of physical activity;
• Overweight or obesity;
• Smoking, alcohol consumption;
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• Congenital heart defects;
• Family history;
• Infectious diseases;
• Stress;
• Chronic inflammation;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Kidney disease.

The likelihood of cardiac pathologies rises as we age due to the narrowing and deterioration of arteries, weakening or thickening of the heart muscle. Among other possible causes of diseases of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries is uncontrolled medication.

Symptoms of heart disease

Symptoms of heart issues include discomfort (pressure, heaviness) and pain in the heart that extends to the back, shoulders, elbows, or jaw. Other symptoms of heart disease:

• Irregular heartbeat;
• Blood pressure fluctuations;
• Shortness of breath;
• Dizziness;
• Fainting;
• Loss of strength;
• Leg cramps when walking;
• Loss of balance, impaired motor coordination;
• Redness, blueness, or paleness of the skin;
• Purple or bluish lips (one of the facial signs of heart disease);
• Skin rashes;
• Non-healing leg ulcers;
• Swelling of the arms, legs, and abdominal area;
• Fever;
• Numbness of the extremities (may occur on one side of the body);
• Dry cough;
• Articulation disorders;
• Reduced visual acuity;
• Increased sweating;
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

Among hazardous manifestations of cardiovascular disease that require a cardiologist's consultation is a heart attack associated with an impaired blood supply to the heart. Heart attack complications include pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac), heart failure, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock accompanied by interruption of coronary blood flow.

Heart disease diagnostics in Bratislava

The diagnosis of heart and blood vessel diseases (including arteries, veins, and capillaries) typically begins with a patient questionnaire and a detailed medical history review. Methods of diagnosing cardiac diseases may also include:

• Blood pressure and pulse measurement;
• Cardiac auscultation (listening for heart murmurs);
• Vascular and heart ultrasound;
• Urine and blood tests;
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).

To get additional clinical information (for example, in cases of sternal pain or after a recent heart attack), a heart doctor may prescribe daily monitoring with special equipment to record ECG and blood pressure continuously. A consultation with a neurologist may be required to diagnose heart disease arising from nerves.

Cardiologist's consultation in Bratislava

Special preparation for an appointment with a cardiologist is not required. The cardiologist will prescribe a therapy course, if necessary, based on the results of examination and diagnostics. Treatment of vascular and heart diseases may include:

• Blood thinners;
• Statins (reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood);
• Beta-blockers (slowing heart rate and improving blood circulation);
• Nitrates (reducing blood pressure by dilating blood vessels);
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (relaxing vascular walls by blocking the action of a renal hormone);
• Diuretics (accelerating the fluid elimination from the body);
• Diet (consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, nuts, fatty fish, limiting salt, sugar, saturated fats, and refusing alcohol).

To avoid complications of heart disease, it is suggested to regulate your sleep, observe the rules of hygiene, avoid stress, quit unhealthy habits, maintain a healthy weight, and devote at least 30-60 minutes to physical activity per day. It is also advised to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.

You can make an appointment for a cardiologist's consultation and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Bratislava at the Doktorpro Medical Center by calling the phone number specified on the website or using the appointment form. The cost of a cardiologist's appointment is shown on the page of the Doktorpro's cardiology department.