Heart and Vascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases encompass a large number of conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. These include stroke, arteriosclerosis, heart attack, cardiac arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects, amongst others. At our avi GP practices, a competent team of general practitioners and internists is on hand to treat your cardiovascular disease as effectively as possible.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Germany. Prevention is therefore particularly important, alongside diagnosis and treatment.

We can identify which cardiac or vascular conditions are affecting you during an initial consultation at one of our avi GP practices. We will discuss your risk profile, your symptoms, and the course of your illness. With the aid of necessary investigations (blood tests, ECG, cardiac ultrasound, exercise ECG, 24-hour ECG), we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

The symptoms that arise depend on which arteries in the body are affected by the vascular disease. Atherosclerosis is particularly responsible for the following cardiovascular diseases:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
• Disease of the blood vessels of the extremities (= peripheral arterial occlusive disease, PAOD)

In coronary artery disease (CAD), deposits form on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. If one or more coronary arteries become completely blocked, the heart is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. The result can be inadequate oxygen supply to individual areas of the heart muscle or, in the worst case, a heart attack (acute coronary syndrome) with the death of individual areas of the heart. Breathlessness, an elevated pulse, a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, nausea, and abdominal pain can all be symptoms of an acute coronary syndrome. Vessels supplying the brain can also be affected by plaque deposits. Unlike in the heart, there are no reliable early warning signs here. In the worst case, a stroke can occur. Prevention is therefore of the utmost importance here as well! Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), also known as “window-shopping disease”, is likewise a consequence of atherosclerosis and manifests as circulatory impairment in the legs. The reduced blood flow leads to pain on walking, which often causes those affected to stop frequently — hence the name “window-shopping disease”. In the presence of PAOD, it is highly likely that other blood vessels in the body are also “calcified” and further narrowings are present. Investigation of the vessels supplying the heart and brain is strongly recommended in this case.

Heart failure, also known as cardiac insufficiency, is a serious condition of the heart. The heart is no longer able to supply the body with sufficient blood and therefore with vital oxygen. This leads to typical symptoms such as breathlessness on exertion or markedly swollen legs. The first symptoms of heart failure are often non-specific: physical capacity declines, which may become apparent during exercise, climbing stairs, or walking. Those affected become exhausted more quickly, experience breathlessness, and need to take more frequent breaks. Over time, a back-pressure builds up in the veins. As a result, fluid accumulates in the tissues, forming oedema. These manifest as swellings, particularly in the feet and ankles. The fluid retention leads to weight gain, often occurring over a short period of time. Causes include, for example, longstanding hypertension or coronary artery disease, in which deposits of cholesterol and other fats narrow the coronary arteries. Myocarditis or prolonged alcohol misuse can also lead to heart failure.

Should you notice symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease, please do not hesitate — book a consultation at one of our Avi Medical practices or via video as soon as possible. Only then can we make an initial diagnosis and, through further tests, find the right treatment for you.

Prevention is also very important for avoiding and managing cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity and a balanced, healthy diet are the foundations. A heart-healthy diet contains little fat but plenty of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain products. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should also be avoided. Should you have any questions about changing your diet, our doctors are always available to advise you.