Heart Disease

Heart Disease, or cardiovascular disease, describes a variety of conditions that affect the heart. These diseases include heart defects from birth, blood vessel diseases, heart rhythm issues and conditions that involve blocked or narrowed blood vessels that can cause a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Several forms of heart disease can be treated or prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it is important to become aware of your risk factors for heart disease and to take steps to reduce them. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Each year, more than one million people lose their lives from some form of heart disease, some of which may be genetic, and some are the result of lifestyle choices.

Common Types of Heart Disease

• Angina (chest pain) - When your heart isn't getting enough oxygen, it causes chest pain. The pain may extend to your jaw, back or arms. Angina is a symptom of other heart problems, some of which can be life-threatening.
• Aortic Valve Stenosis - Your aortic valve has tissue flaps that snap open and shut to release blood from the heart out to the body. With aortic valve stenosis, the leaflets become stiff, limiting their movement and the amount of blood passing through.
• Arrhythmias - Arrhythmias occur when the heart beats abnormally fast or slow. These problems may also cause an irregular heartbeat. There are many types of arrhythmias, and they start in different areas of the heart. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a common arrhythmia that happens when the heart's upper and lower chambers don't work in a coordinated manner. With AFib, the heart doesn't pump as much oxygen-rich blood out to your body. You may feel tired or dizzy, experience blood clots or be at higher risk of cardiac arrest.
• Coronary Artery Disease - Coronary artery disease is a group of heart problems affecting the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Detecting and treating these issues in their early stages may prevent a heart attack. If we suspect a narrowed artery, catheterization procedures allow you to receive a precise diagnosis and timely treatment, if necessary.
• Heart Failure - With heart failure, the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is a serious condition that demands immediate and accurate diagnosis, followed by careful treatment and follow-up. We have the expertise to offer a extensive range of treatments for heart failure, including surgery, resynchronization therapy—which uses a specialized pacemaker to help your heart beat more efficiently—and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
• Heart Valve Disease - Heart valve disease is a group of conditions that include stiff, leaky and worn-out heart valves. When valves don't work as they should, it affects blood's ability to flow through the heart and out to the body. More than five million Americans have valvular heart disease, which occurs when there is damage or a defect in any of the four valves in your heart. Treatment options include medication, angioplasty, or surgery to repair or replace the damaged valve.