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Cardiac Conditions We Treat

Coronary & Ischemic Heart Disease

Image by Marek Studzinski

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when the vessels supplying blood to the heart become narrowed by plaque buildup, reducing blood flow and raising the risk of chest pain or heart attack.

  • Chest pain or pressure (angina)

  • Shortness of breath during activity

  • Fatigue with minimal exertion

  • Key risk factors: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol

  • Diagnosed via stress testing or coronary angiography

  • Treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or stenting

Image by Joshua Chehov

STEMI (Heart Attack)

A STEMI is a severe heart attack caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, requiring emergency treatment to restore blood flow and minimize heart muscle damage.

STEMI is a medical emergency — every minute of delay increases the risk of permanent heart damage, making rapid diagnosis via ECG essential.

Treatment typically involves emergency catheterization and stenting to reopen the blocked artery, followed by cardiac rehabilitation and long-term risk factor management.

Image by Joshua Chehov

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, often leading to fatigue and other symptoms of heart dysfunction.

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or abdomen, along with irregular heartbeat in some cases.

Diagnosis typically involves an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI, and treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, or an implanted device depending on severity.

Rhythm and Structural Heart Disease

Image by Nik

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

  • Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat

  • Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance

  • Shortness of breath or dizziness

  • Increased risk of stroke without treatment

  • Diagnosed via ECG or heart rhythm monitoring

  • Managed with medication, cardioversion, or ablation

Image by National Cancer Institute

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs, leading to fatigue, fluid buildup, and shortness of breath.

Common causes include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and prior heart attacks. Symptoms often worsen with activity or when lying flat.

Management includes medications, lifestyle changes, and close monitoring. In advanced cases, devices or surgery may be recommended.

Image by National Cancer Institute

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more heart valves fail to open or close properly, disrupting normal blood flow through the heart.

A heart murmur detected during a routine exam is often the first sign, along with shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fatigue with exertion.

Diagnosis is typically made with an echocardiogram, and treatment ranges from monitoring to medication or valve repair and replacement, depending on severity.

Vascular and Metabolic Conditions

Image by Julia Taubitz

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, forces the heart to work harder and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage over time.

Often called a silent condition, it typically causes no symptoms but can be detected through routine blood pressure checks.

  • Often has no warning signs or symptoms

  • Headaches or dizziness in severe cases

  • Key risk factors: obesity, high salt intake, stress

  • Diagnosed via routine blood pressure monitoring

  • Managed with lifestyle changes and medication

  • Uncontrolled cases raise risk of heart attack and stroke

Image by Andrew Tanglao

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease occurs when narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs, most often the legs, causing pain and impaired circulation.

Left untreated, it can increase the risk of infection, poor wound healing, and in severe cases, tissue damage.

  • Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)

  • Numbness or weakness in the legs

  • Coldness in the lower leg or foot

  • Slow-healing sores on the legs or feet

  • Key risk factors: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol

  • Managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or procedures to restore blood flow

Image by Andrew Tanglao

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, often as a result of underlying cardiovascular disease such as atrial fibrillation, hypertension, or carotid artery narrowing.

Warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, and vision or balance problems, and prevention focuses on managing these underlying cardiovascular risk factors.

  • Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)

  • Numbness or weakness in the legs

  • Coldness in the lower leg or foot

  • Slow-healing sores on the legs or feet

  • Key risk factors: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol

  • Managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or procedures to restore blood flow

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