Is Heart Disease Curable? The Possibilities and Realities
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. More than a half million people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But these bleak statistics are not a reason to lose hope. Is heart disease curable? We’ll explore this as well as ways to manage your cardiac health.
At Raleigh Adult Medicine, our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh are keenly aware of the challenges faced by those with cardiovascular disease. That’s why we provide the latest medical testing, from EKGs to Holter monitors, to help us diagnose and manage heart conditions. If heart disease runs in your family, or if you’re concerned about your heart health, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment.
Is Heart Disease Curable? Exploring the Possibilities and Realities
Heart disease is a chronic condition. Therefore, it doesn’t go away after a course of treatment, so it’s not curable. The illness requires lifetime management to prevent it from progressing and causing a heart attack. Your outlook depends upon several factors, including the type of heart disease you have, your overall health, and your lifestyle.
But there is some good news: Modern medical advances have greatly improved the outcomes for many with heart disease. However, it’s crucial to recognize that heart disease often requires that you carefully monitor your health throughout your life.
Treatments to Manage Heart Disease
As we mentioned earlier, while heart disease technically isn’t curable, several treatments can help you manage this illness. We’ve listed a few of them below:
Lifestyle Changes
When you have heart disease, positive changes—even small ones—can make a big difference. These include:
Need more information about how to create a delicious heart-healthy menu? Our dietitian Nicole Matala would be glad to help!
Medications
In addition to lifestyle changes, you may need medications to help manage your symptoms and prevent complications. Our internists in Raleigh will work with you to customize a healthcare plan.
Surgery
Not everyone with heart disease needs surgery, but there are cases where more conservative methods aren’t effective. The type of heart surgery depends upon your specific case and the cause of the heart damage.
How Long Can You Live With Heart Disease?
There are far too many variables to give an accurate answer. Your life expectancy depends not only upon the specifics of your case but also on when the disease first developed. It also hinges upon how well you’re adopting your physician’s instruction and following the healthcare plan outlined for you.
How Reversible Is Heart Disease?
While heart disease itself is not curable, in some cases, you can improve the health of your arteries with lifestyle changes. These can help stop the narrowing of the arteries. However, if the artery is already blocked, these changes won’t entirely reverse the situation.
Can I Live a Full Life With Heart Disease?
Yes, actually, you can. Many people live full, active lives with heart disease. The key is effective management through lifestyle changes, medications, and regular medical check-ups with our internal medicine doctors in Raleigh.
Struggling to Manage Your Cardiac Health? Let Raleigh Adult Medicine Be a Partner in Your Care
Is heart disease curable? Heart disease is a chronic condition that–while not curable– commands constant diligence to keep it from progressing. As the leading internal medicine doctors in Raleigh, we know that it’s only through combining the latest medical advancements with comprehensive planning can illnesses truly be successfully managed.
We’re committed to the highest clinical standards and have been recognized for excellence in diabetes and heart/stroke care by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Do you need help managing your heart disease? We would welcome the opportunity to work with you toward better health. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
