Cardiovascular Diseases We Treat
Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Adult congenital heart disease is the result of defects in the formation of the heart or vessels during fetal development. These patients may have had surgery as a child to correct congenital defects and require ongoing checkups to screen for additional complications.
Arrhythmia
There are two types of arrhythmia: tachycardia, which is a faster than normal heartbeat; and bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heartbeat. The most common cause of an arrhythmia is the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply the heart with blood.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Common causes include coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, alcohol, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease and pulmonary embolism. Left untreated, atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm usually associated with a fast heart rate.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of angina and acute coronary syndrome and the most common cause of death worldwide. Risk factors include age, genetics, smoking habits, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical activity, obesity, alcohol and diet.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when blood clots cut off the supply of blood to the heart muscle.
Time is muscle. If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911 or have a family member take you to the nearest emergency room. Never drive yourself. If you are having a heart attack, the sooner you seek treatment, the more heart muscle can be preserved.
Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the lungs and body tissue. It can occur from long-standing high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or other diseases.
Hypertension
Hypertension is persistent, abnormally high blood pressure. Having hypertension increases your risk for heart attack, stroke or other circulatory diseases.
Hypertension can be controlled through medication and/or lifestyle changes (such as dietary changes or quitting smoking).
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is the blockage of blood flow in lower extremities. It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as leg pain and non-healing wounds. Left untreated, peripheral artery disease can result in amputation. A vascular specialist may order a revascularization procedure to break up plaque buildup in the arteries of the legs and re-introduce blood flow.
Risk factors include smoking habits, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, heart failure and obesity.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the arteries in the brain is blocked, causing a temporary or permanent loss of brain function. A major stroke is usually caused by a blood clot or embolism that completely blocks an artery in the brain.
Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins are not working effectively, reducing blood flow between the heart and legs. It often occurs in people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It also is more common in women and people older than 50. A venous ultrasound study can help determine venous insufficiency.