We believe that patient education is of paramount importance. When patients have a better understanding of their health condition and the importance of strategies to prevent worsening of their condition, they can proactively change their lifestyles and help their team of providers by monitoring their heart and vascular health.
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Common Heart & Vascular Conditions
CLICK ON A CONDITION BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION:Aorta Disease (Aneurysm)
An aortic aneurysm is a weakened and bulging area in the aorta, the largest artery in the body, that originates from the heart and travels though the chest and abdomen. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. Although you may never have symptoms, finding out you have an aortic aneurysm can be frightening. Most small and slow-growing aortic aneurysms don't rupture, but large, fast-growing aortic aneurysms may. Depending on the size and rate at which the aortic aneurysm is growing, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to surgery.
An aortic aneurysm is a weakened and bulging area in the aorta, the largest artery in the body, that originates from the heart and travels though the chest and abdomen. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. Although you may never have symptoms, finding out you have an aortic aneurysm can be frightening. Most small and slow-growing aortic aneurysms don't rupture, but large, fast-growing aortic aneurysms may. Depending on the size and rate at which the aortic aneurysm is growing, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to surgery.
Aorta Disease (Dissection)
An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart. Blood surges through this tear into the middle layer of the aorta, causing the inner and middle layers to separate (dissect). If the blood-filled channel ruptures or occludes flow to major branches of the aorta, death may result. Fortunately, Aortic dissection, is relatively uncommon. Anyone can develop the condition, but it most frequently occurs in men between 40 and 70 years of age. The signs and symptoms of aortic dissection may mimic those of other diseases, often leading to delays in diagnosis. However, when an aortic dissection is detected early and treated promptly, your chance of survival greatly improves.
An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart. Blood surges through this tear into the middle layer of the aorta, causing the inner and middle layers to separate (dissect). If the blood-filled channel ruptures or occludes flow to major branches of the aorta, death may result. Fortunately, Aortic dissection, is relatively uncommon. Anyone can develop the condition, but it most frequently occurs in men between 40 and 70 years of age. The signs and symptoms of aortic dissection may mimic those of other diseases, often leading to delays in diagnosis. However, when an aortic dissection is detected early and treated promptly, your chance of survival greatly improves.
Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the arteries)
Atherosclerosis is the name of the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque. Plaques can grow large enough to reduce the blood's ability to flow through an artery. The most severe damage occurs when plaques become unstable and rupture. Ruptured plaques contain material that causes blood to form a clot. Blood clots can block blood flow or break off and travel to another part of the body. If this process occurs and a blood clot blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. If it blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the #1 and #3 most common causes of death in this country. It manifests itself in 3 main forms: (can also involve arteries to other organs)
Atherosclerosis is the name of the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque. Plaques can grow large enough to reduce the blood's ability to flow through an artery. The most severe damage occurs when plaques become unstable and rupture. Ruptured plaques contain material that causes blood to form a clot. Blood clots can block blood flow or break off and travel to another part of the body. If this process occurs and a blood clot blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. If it blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the #1 and #3 most common causes of death in this country. It manifests itself in 3 main forms: (can also involve arteries to other organs)
- Coronary Artery Disease — can lead to angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Cerebrovascular Disease — can lead to stroke.
- Peripheral Artery Disease — can lead to leg pain, aneurysms, ulcers, gangrene, non-healing infections and even the need for amputation.
- High cholesterol (especially LDL or "bad" cholesterol)
- Cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
Click for warning signs of heart attack and stroke.
Treatment:- Optimal control of risk factors with a combination of medication and healthy lifestyle habits are critical.
- Medications such as aspirin & cholesterol lowering medication should be taken by all patients with this disease.
- Blood pressure medication is also usually required to control blood pressure.
- Treatment with angioplasty and stent or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore normal blood flow.
Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart defects occur as a result of a problem with the heart’s formation during fetal development. Some congenital heart defects are as simple as a small hole between heart chambers that may close without treatment. Other congenital heart defects are more complex and may require several surgeries performed over a period of several years. Treatment for children who have congenital heart defects doesn't end with surgeries or medication while they're young. Children who have heart defects should be mindful of their heart problems their entire lives, as their defect could have complications, such as increased risk of heart tissue infection (endocarditis), heart failure, heart valve problems or heart rhythm disorders.
Congenital heart defects occur as a result of a problem with the heart’s formation during fetal development. Some congenital heart defects are as simple as a small hole between heart chambers that may close without treatment. Other congenital heart defects are more complex and may require several surgeries performed over a period of several years. Treatment for children who have congenital heart defects doesn't end with surgeries or medication while they're young. Children who have heart defects should be mindful of their heart problems their entire lives, as their defect could have complications, such as increased risk of heart tissue infection (endocarditis), heart failure, heart valve problems or heart rhythm disorders.
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart Failure is truly the failure of the heart to perform its normal duties as a pump. In general this is due to the heart becoming too weak or too stiff. This can result in poor blood flow to the body's vital organs and elevated pressures in the heart and lungs which can ultimately lead to congestion or an abnormal build up of fluids in the chest, abdomen and extremities.
Heart Failure is truly the failure of the heart to perform its normal duties as a pump. In general this is due to the heart becoming too weak or too stiff. This can result in poor blood flow to the body's vital organs and elevated pressures in the heart and lungs which can ultimately lead to congestion or an abnormal build up of fluids in the chest, abdomen and extremities.
Causes can include: Coronary artery disease, past heart attacks, high blood pressure, abnormal heart valves, heart rhythm disorders, thyroid disease, drug or alcohol use, viral infections, congenital heart defects, genetic disorders and other rare causes.
Symptoms include: shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult. Heart failure is a serious condition, but many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is properly diagnosed and managed. For optimal outcomes people need to work closely with their care providers to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes in addition to using medications and considering surgical options. It's also helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
This is usually caused by rupture of atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery (see atherosclerotic heart and vascular disease) which causes a blood clot to form and abruptly stop all blood flow to part of the heart. Symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and sometimes arm, shoulder or jaw discomfort. Emergency treatment with heart catherization and angioplasty with stenting in addition to medication can restore blood flow to the heart, minimizing any permanent heart damage and risk to the patient. Heart attacks can result in serious consequences such as sudden death, heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. Cardiac Rehabilitation after heart attack has shown to improve long term outcomes.
This is usually caused by rupture of atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery (see atherosclerotic heart and vascular disease) which causes a blood clot to form and abruptly stop all blood flow to part of the heart. Symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and sometimes arm, shoulder or jaw discomfort. Emergency treatment with heart catherization and angioplasty with stenting in addition to medication can restore blood flow to the heart, minimizing any permanent heart damage and risk to the patient. Heart attacks can result in serious consequences such as sudden death, heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. Cardiac Rehabilitation after heart attack has shown to improve long term outcomes.
Heart Rhythm Disorders
The heart is a muscular pump that is normally guided by its natural pacemaker, the sinus node, through a sequence of electrical impulses that travel through the heart allowing it to pump in a mechanically efficient manner. Heart rhythm disorders or "arrhythmias" are abnormal variations in the normal sequence of electrical impulses through the heart. The electrical impulses may happen too fast, too slowly, or erratically. Some arrhythmias are rather benign, and others can be life threatening. When the heart doesn’t beat properly, it can’t pump blood effectively. When the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively, the lungs, brain and all other organs can’t work properly and may shut down or be damaged.
The heart is a muscular pump that is normally guided by its natural pacemaker, the sinus node, through a sequence of electrical impulses that travel through the heart allowing it to pump in a mechanically efficient manner. Heart rhythm disorders or "arrhythmias" are abnormal variations in the normal sequence of electrical impulses through the heart. The electrical impulses may happen too fast, too slowly, or erratically. Some arrhythmias are rather benign, and others can be life threatening. When the heart doesn’t beat properly, it can’t pump blood effectively. When the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively, the lungs, brain and all other organs can’t work properly and may shut down or be damaged.
General Examples: |
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| Bradycardia = slow heart rate | Tachycardia = rapid heart rate |
| Fibrillation = very rapid and erratic heart rate |
Specific Conditions:
Atrial Fibrillation — the most common heart rhythm disorder. See this link for more information.
Sick Sinus Syndrome — group of heart rhythm disorders in which the sinus node — the heart's natural pacemaker — doesn't work properly. The condition is most likely to affect adults older than age 70. Many people with sick sinus syndrome eventually need a pacemaker to keep the heart in a regular rhythm.
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) — group of heart rhythm disorders that originate in the top chambers of the heart. See this link for more information.
Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation — life threatening heart rhythm disorders that originate in the bottom chambers of the heart. They can result in sudden cardiac death. Patients who have had ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation identified may benefit from a defibrillator.
Heart Valve Disease
There are 4 "one-way" valves in the heart. The tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve are on the right side of the heart, which receives deoxygenated blood back from the body's tissues and pumps the blood into the lungs. The mitral valve and aortic valve are on the left side of the heart, which receive oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the body. Disease of the mitral and aortic valves is more common because they are under higher pressure on the left side of the heart and take more "wear and tear." In general there are 3 disease conditions of heart valves:
There are 4 "one-way" valves in the heart. The tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve are on the right side of the heart, which receives deoxygenated blood back from the body's tissues and pumps the blood into the lungs. The mitral valve and aortic valve are on the left side of the heart, which receive oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the body. Disease of the mitral and aortic valves is more common because they are under higher pressure on the left side of the heart and take more "wear and tear." In general there are 3 disease conditions of heart valves:
- Regurgitation — leakage of blood backward through the "one-way" valve.
- Stenosis — the opening through the valve becomes restricted or narrowed.
- Endocarditis — valve infection leading to regurgitation and abnormal growths on the valve called vegetations."
| Specific Conditions: | |
| Aortic valve regurgitation | Aortic valve stenosis - is surgery indicated? |
| Mitral valve regurgitation | Mitral valve stenosis |
| Endocarditis |
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
About one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer." The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. By controlling your high blood pressure, you'll lower your risk of diseases like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.
About one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. This is why high blood pressure is often called the "silent killer." The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. By controlling your high blood pressure, you'll lower your risk of diseases like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane that surrounds your heart. Pericarditis often causes chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. Pericarditis may be acute or chronic. The sharp chest pain associated with acute pericarditis occurs when the pericardium rubs against the heart's outer layer. The sharp chest pain typically is worse with lying down and deep breathing and improved with sitting up or leaning forward. Mild cases may improve without treatment. Treatment for more-severe cases may include medications and, rarely, surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Pericarditis is a swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane that surrounds your heart. Pericarditis often causes chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. Pericarditis may be acute or chronic. The sharp chest pain associated with acute pericarditis occurs when the pericardium rubs against the heart's outer layer. The sharp chest pain typically is worse with lying down and deep breathing and improved with sitting up or leaning forward. Mild cases may improve without treatment. Treatment for more-severe cases may include medications and, rarely, surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Stroke (Cerebral Infarction)
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should. The effects of a stroke depend primarily on the location of the obstruction and the extent of brain tissue affected. Effects can include vision and other sensory impairment, speech/language/comprehension problems, paralysis, memory loss, severe disability and even death. A TIA is a transient form of stroke with symptoms lasting less than 24 hours due to a temporary obstruction of blood flow. Treatment to help reduce the risk of stroke includes anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications and carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should. The effects of a stroke depend primarily on the location of the obstruction and the extent of brain tissue affected. Effects can include vision and other sensory impairment, speech/language/comprehension problems, paralysis, memory loss, severe disability and even death. A TIA is a transient form of stroke with symptoms lasting less than 24 hours due to a temporary obstruction of blood flow. Treatment to help reduce the risk of stroke includes anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications and carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting.
For severe heart valve disease, valve surgery is often the best (and sometimes the only) treatment option.
Click on the following to see how to prepare for heart surgery and what to expect after heart surgery.
Syncope (Fainting)
Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery. A number of different conditions can lead to fainting of which the cardiovascular disorders are the most common causes. This is frequently a recurrent problem if the underlying disorder is not treated. Although fainting is often a benign condition that can be easily corrected, it could be a harbinger of a more serious and potentially fatal situation. Long-term heart monitoring, tilt-table testing, and complex electrophysiology studies are among several diagnostic tools available for identifying the underlying problems in patients with fainting disorder.
Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery. A number of different conditions can lead to fainting of which the cardiovascular disorders are the most common causes. This is frequently a recurrent problem if the underlying disorder is not treated. Although fainting is often a benign condition that can be easily corrected, it could be a harbinger of a more serious and potentially fatal situation. Long-term heart monitoring, tilt-table testing, and complex electrophysiology studies are among several diagnostic tools available for identifying the underlying problems in patients with fainting disorder.