Prevent Cardiovascular Surgery

Cardiovascular surgeons treat people with disorders of the heart and blood vessels. These highly-trained doctors perform complicated and potentially dangerous operations, such as replacing valves, inserting pacemakers, repairing aortic aneurysms, performing bypasses of blocked coronary arteries as well as a variety of other related procedures. Cutting-edge techniques and skilled surgeons can help save the lives of people who have life-threatening cardiac disease.

Heart disease is treated by cardiologists, such as the cardiovascular surgeons in Arkansas, using innovative methods that didn't exist years ago. For instance, minimally-invasive coronary artery bypass, which uses a small incision to repair damaged or blocked arteries, is often used by today's surgeons instead of traditional open-heart surgery. These knowledgeable specialists can also perform transplants to help save the lives of patients who have severe disease.

The coronary arteries, or primary channels that supply this vascular pump with blood and oxygen, can become damaged or blocked from the build-up of cholesterol-containing plaques. This accumulation of deposits can partially or completely restrict blood flow to this vital organ and cause symptoms ranging from chest pain, shortness of breath to cardiac arrest. An individual's age, family history, sex and smoking status can increase the likelihood of developing this dangerous disease. Uncontrolled high-blood pressure and high cholesterol levels in the blood can also adversely affect the channels that transport vital oxygen to this blood pump.

Taking preventive measures can often reduce the chances of developing coronary disease and help prevent the need for cardiovascular surgery. Vascular disease is the single leading cause of death among American men and women, but not smoking, eating a healthy diet and following an exercise regimen can help keep this blood-pumping organ working at an optimal level. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming a nutrient-packed diet filled with deeply colored vegetables, including spinach, peaches and berries, whole-grains, such as whole wheat, rye and brown rice, as well as omega-3-rich oily fish, such as salmon and sardines. Research indicates that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids lessens the chance of sudden death from cardiac arrest. Limiting the intake of saturated fats, found in animal products, and salt, along with choosing to consume lean meats, such as skinless poultry, and low-fat dairy products also contributes to a well-functioning heart.

In addition, reducing daily stress, maintaining a healthy weight, choosing healthy foods and participating in an active lifestyle that includes 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day not only promotes cardiovascular health, but also decreases the number of vascular-related deaths each minute.