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At Cardiovascular Specialists, we take a comprehensive approach to managing heart and vascular conditions, focusing on prevention, early detection, advanced diagnostics, and state-of-the-art treatment options. Understanding the spectrum of cardiovascular conditions is essential to maintaining a healthy heart and vascular system. Here are some of the most common and serious heart and vascular conditions that can be treated by our experienced Interventional Cardiologists..
Heart Attack - Myocardial Infarction A myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, is a critical medical condition that occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood suddenly gets blocked in a part of the heart.
The most common cause is coronary artery disease, where the arteries become narrow due to a buildup of fatty plaques. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block the blood flow, causing damage or death of the heart muscle cells, which results in a heart attack. Time is critical in treating heart attacks, and immediate emergency medical care can significantly improve the outcome.
Coronary Artery Disease is a heart condition where the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged or diseased. It is usually caused by the buildup of plaques in the arteries. Over time, the plaques can narrow or completely block the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and leading to chest pain or a heart attack. Lifestyle changes, medications, and medical procedures can help manage CAD and lower the risk of future heart problems.
Ischemic cardiomyopathy is the result of a heart attack or coronary artery disease that occurs when the heart muscle goes too long without oxygen due to blocked arteries. On the other hand, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy can be caused by a variety of conditions, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and certain medications, which lead to the weakening of the heart muscle. Both conditions can result in heart failure, arrhythmias, valve problems, and other serious complications.
Structural heart disease refers to a variety of conditions that involve defects or abnormalities in the heart’s structure, such as the chambers, valves, or major blood vessels. This category includes congenital heart defects and conditions acquired later in life, like valve disease, cardiomyopathy, or aortic aneurysm. Depending on the specific condition, treatment may range from lifestyle changes and medications to invasive procedures or surgery.
Dysrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that results from issues involving the heart's electrical system. Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common types, characterized by a rapid and irregular beating of the atria. AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
Peripheral Artery Disease is a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, usually the legs. PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaques in the artery walls that reduce blood flow. PAD can cause pain and numbness in the legs and increase the risk of infection in the affected limbs. It's also associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Carotid Stenosis is a narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries. These are the two main blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This condition is often caused by atherosclerosis and can lead to a stroke if not properly managed. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition that involves the enlargement of the lower part of the aorta. Due to the aorta’s role as the body's main supplier of blood, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is extremely dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the weakened wall of the aorta. Because the section of the aorta located in the chest is responsible for supplying blood to many of the body's vital organs, a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening.
Renal artery stenosis is a blockage of one or both of the blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys. This condition can cause high blood pressure and reduce kidney function. Over time, it can lead to kidney failure if not treated.
Mesenteric Ischemia happens when blood flow to your intestines is reduced, typically due to narrowing or blockage of the mesenteric arteries, which supply blood to the intestines. This can cause pain and potentially life-threatening complications, including gangrene and sepsis, if not treated promptly.
Deep Venous Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot or obstruction in the deep veins. While these clots most commonly occur in the leg, they can also occur in other parts of the body. These clots can cause swelling, pain, and warmth over the affected area.
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple. They occur when faulty valves in the veins allow blood to flow in the wrong direction or to pool. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that are easily visible through the skin and are most often seen on the legs or face. Both conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and cosmetic concerns. Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, medical procedures, or surgery.
This medical condition occurs when the veins struggle to efficiently return blood to the heart. The symptoms of venous insufficiency most often include pain, swelling and changes in skin color near the ankles and legs.
These are wounds that occur due to improper functioning of venous valves in the legs. This results from increased pressure in the veins, leading to damage to the skin and the formation of ulcers, typically on the lower legs and ankles.
Phlebitis occurs in both surface and deep veins and can cause symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness. While superficial phlebitis is generally not serious, deep venous thrombophlebitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot in a vein travels to the lungs and blocks a lung artery, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Prompt medical treatment is critical to managing a pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary hypertension affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. In this condition, the small arteries in your lungs, called pulmonary arterioles, and capillaries become narrowed, blocked, or destroyed. This makes it harder for blood to flow through the lungs, causing pressure to rise within the lungs' arteries. As the pressure builds, the heart's lower right chamber must work harder to pump blood through the lungs, eventually leading to heart muscle weakness and potential heart failure.
