Ischemic heart disease disability benefits

Ischemic heart disease & Social security Disability

Ischemic heart diseases, or ischemic cardiomyopathy as it is also known, is a serious heart condition that is characterized by a reduced number of heart muscle contractions because of the presence of coronary artery disease. It is a condition that most often affects middle-aged to older men, however no one is immune from it. It is currently the leading form of myopathy, affecting one out of every 100 people in the country. Sometimes ischemic heart disease can be so bad that it affects your ability to continue working. When this is the case, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Below is some valuable information that will be helpful if you find yourself in this position.

Causes of Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease is caused by a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. Many different factors can contribute to this condition, including, but not limited to:

– Diabetes mellitus

– Smoking

– Obesity

– High blood pressure

– Family history of heart problems

– Atherosclerosis

– Unstable angina.

Symptoms of Ischemic Heart Disease

Those who suffer from Ischemic heart disease can experience any or all of the following conditions:

– Pain

– Tightness in the chest

– Pressure that can extend to the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back

– Squeezing

– Dizziness

– Lightheadedness

– Indigestion or heartburn

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Cold sweating

– Heart palpitations

– Shortness of breath

– Fatigue

– Waking from sleep with shortness of breath

– Reduction in appetite

– Cough

– Swelling of extremities and abdomen

These symptoms can develop slowly over time or occur immediately with no warning.

Diagnosing Ischemic Heart Disease

To diagnose ischemic heart disease, a doctor must perform an examination to look for cracks in the lungs, elevated pressure in the veins in the neck, an enlarged liver, abnormal sounds in the heart and other signs of heart failure. Another telltale sign of ischemic heart disease is that the pressure of the blood pumping through the heart is low.

Treating Ischemic Heart Disease

For the most part, treating ischemic heart disease focuses on relieving the symptoms. Forms of treatment include drug treatment and diet and fluid restrictions. People with severe cases of ischemic heart disease may have to stay in the hospital.

Applying for Benefits with Ischemic Heart Disease

If you have a severe case of ischemic heart disease, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

To be eligible for benefits, you must be able to show that you are severely impaired due to the condition and that it causes severe limitations in your everyday activities. When you apply for benefits due to your Ischemic Heart Disease, you will likely need to have a physical examination and an exercise tolerance test to help prove your case.

The Blue Book Listing

There is no listing in the Listing of Impairments, or “Blue Book” created by the Social Security Administration. So, to be eligible for benefits, you must meet the medical qualification that are outlined in section 4.00, Cardiovascular System – Adult.

If you have questions about applying for disability benefits because of ischemic heart disease, contact the Law office of MJ Ellis. Our expert staff is here to help you get the benefits you deserve.