Baseline Medical

What is Heart Disease - better known as Cardiovascular Disease Allentown Bethlehem Easton Quakertown

Heart and blood vessel disease - cardiovascular disease also called heart disease - includes numerous problems, many of which are related to a process called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the blood flow. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attackoccurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Most people survive their first heart attack and return to their normal lives to enjoy many more years of productive activity. But having a heart attack does mean you have to make some changes. The doctor will advise you of medications and lifestyle changes according to how badly the heart was damaged and what degree of heart disease caused the heart attack.

An ischemic stroke (the most common type) happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets blocked, usually from a blood clot. When the blood supply to a part of the brain is shut off, brain cells will die. The result will be the inability to carry out some of the previous functions as before like walking or talking.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain bursts. The most likely cause is uncontrolled hypertension.

Some effects of stroke are permanent if too many brain cells die after a stroke due to lack of blood and oxygen to the brain. These cells are never replaced. The good news is that some brain cells don't die - they're only temporarily out of order. Injured cells can repair themselves. Over time, as the repair takes place, some body functioning improves. Also, other brain cells may take control of those areas that were injured. In this way, strength may improve, speech may get better and memory may improve. This recovery process is what rehabilitation is all about.

Avoid cardiovascular disease and rehabilitation altogether and get screened by Baseline Medical instead - before you have serious disease with symptoms and troubling episodes.

About Dave Brown, BA MS RVT - Owner - Baseline Medical: Dave Brown initiated the foundation for Baseline Medical over 40 years ago with required science courses as a college undergraduate. In the early 1980's Dave began to focus on an emerging new field in medical diagnostic health care called vascular ultrasound. He became fully registered in Vascular Technology earning the RVT credential. Carotid artery screenings are performed in his office and onsite at workplace wellness clinics and more.