Understanding Heart Disease and Its Risk Factors

Heart disease describes several conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system. These include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, and other cardiovascular disorders. High cholesterol is a major risk factor that can contribute to coronary artery disease.
Some cardiovascular conditions progress for years without clear warning signs. Your risk may also increase because of diabetes, tobacco use, limited physical activity, family history, excess weight, or age. Preventive visits give your provider an opportunity to identify these concerns and recommend appropriate next steps.

Cardiovascular Concerns Supported in Primary Care

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often causes no symptoms but can gradually damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. We provide routine monitoring, treatment, and medication follow-up.

Elevated Cholesterol

Your provider can assess cholesterol results in the context of your age, medical history, and overall cardiovascular risk. Care may involve dietary changes, physical activity, weight management, or medication.

Coronary Artery Disease

For patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease, we help manage contributing risk factors, review medications, monitor general health, and coordinate treatment with cardiology.

Heart Failure

Primary care can complement specialist treatment through symptom checks, medication review, chronic condition management, and attention to changes that may require further evaluation.

Recovery After a Cardiac Event

After a heart attack, hospitalization, stent placement, or other heart procedure, continued care is important. We help patients follow discharge instructions, manage related conditions, and stay connected with their specialists.

Know When Symptoms Are an Emergency

Call 911 for severe or sudden chest pain or pressure, significant breathing difficulty, fainting, signs of stroke, or discomfort spreading into the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Do not drive yourself or wait for a primary care appointment.

Heart Care Convenient to Watauga

Summit Health's Haltom City office offers Watauga-area patients a nearby option for preventive screening and long-term cardiovascular condition management. We emphasize continuity, straightforward communication, and coordinated care so you understand both your current health and the next steps in your plan.