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Cardiovascular Disease Specialist

SWICFT Cardiology

Cardiology located in Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, & Marco Island, FL

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, but early detection and treatment help you properly manage the disease and live your best life. At SWICFT Cardiology, serving Southwest Florida with locations in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island, Florida, board-certified cardiologist James Talano, MD, MM, FACC, and his staff specialize in cardiovascular disease treatment. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.

Cardiovascular Disease Q & A

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) is a common chronic disease that negatively affects your heart and blood vessels. It encompasses the following conditions:

  • Congenital heart defects
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Heart valve diseases
  • Heart infections
  • Heart muscle diseases
  • Heart attacks

Heart disease is dangerous when left untreated. That is why it’s important to see the SWICFT Cardiology team at the first sign of a heart problem. 

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Common symptoms you may have with heart disease include:


  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Chest tightness or pressure
  • Numbness or coldness in your legs or arms
  • Weakness
  • Jaw, neck, throat, back, or abdominal pain
  • Chest fluttering
  • Racing or slow heartbeat 
  • Gray or blue skin color
  • Abdomen, leg, ankle, foot, or hand swelling
  • Persistent or cry cough
  • Skin rash

Complications that can occur with untreated heart disease include heart attack, aneurysm, peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and heart failure. 

What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is common and can happen to anyone, but some factors boost your risk. Examples include:


  • Family history of heart disease
  • Older age
  • Poor dietary habits
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Excess body weight
  • Lack of exercise
  • Ongoing stress
  • Poor dental health


Eating foods that are high in added sugar, animal fats, sodium, or cholesterol can contribute to developing heart disease.

How does my doctor diagnose heart disease?


To find out if you have cardiovascular disease or complications associated with it, your cardiologist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They check your pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs and complete a physical exam to look for signs of disease. Your provider could order blood tests, chest X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or echocardiograms.


They may have you complete stress tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), holter monitoring, cardiac catheterization, or other specialized heart-function testing.

What are common cardiovascular disease treatments?


Depending on the type of heart disease and its severity, the experts at SWICFT Cardiology may suggest:

Lifestyle changes


Eat nutritious (high-fiber and plant-based) foods, limit animal fats and sodium, and get regular exercise. Prioritize sleep, keep stress levels low, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and properly manage chronic diseases if you have them.  

Medications

Take heart-disease medications exactly as directed by your specialist to reduce the risk of complications linked to cardiovascular disease. 

Medical procedures

Your SWICFT Cardiology specialist lets you know if you’re a candidate for surgery or other medical procedures based on your personalized needs.


To get screened or treated for cardiovascular disease, call the SWICFT Cardiology office or schedule an appointment online today.