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Aneurysm
An
aneurysm is when an area of the aorta's wall weakens
and balloons out past its normal size. If the aneurysm
occurs near the heart, it is called a thoracic (chest)
aortic aneurysm; however, aneurysms can also develop
in other parts of the body, such as the abdomen and
the brain. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are relatively
uncommon; most aneurysms-about 75 percent-occur in the
abdomen. A thoracic aortic aneurysm
can rupture with little warning and cause excessive
bleeding and shock. It is fatal if not treated immediately.
Diagnosis
Echocardiogram, computed tomography, or magnetic
resonance imaging-and chest X-ray.
Treatment
Medication and lifestyle changes; surgery.
Angina
Angina refers to the chest pain that results from obstruction
of the blood supply feeding the heart. It commonly occurs
when extra demands are placed upon the heart, such as
during exercise, stress, exposure to the cold, or even
digestion of large meals.
Diagnosis
Blood tests; urine tests; stress tests; electrocardiogram
and echocardiography; X-rays, angiography.
Treatment
Medications and surgery.
Arrhythmias/Abnormal Heart Rhythms
In order to function optimally, the heart must beat
in a rhythmic pattern. However, there are conditions
and disease states that cause the heart to beat irregularly
or at an abnormal rate. It's important for the heart
to pump properly because that's how your body gets the
oxygen and food you need.
Electrophysiology is a specialized field that studies
the relationship of the body's function (in this case,
the heart) to its electrical system.
Atrial Fibrillation
One of the most common rhythm disturbances. In this
rhythm, part of the heart doesn't beat the way it should.
Instead of beating in a regular normal pattern, the
atria beat irregularly and too fast. You can live with
atrial fibrillation but it can lead to stroke or more
serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Diagnosis
Electrocardiograms, Holter monitors, tilt
table tests and electrophysiology studies (A procedure
in which the patient is given a local anesthetic, and
electrode catheters are fed through a small opening
in the groin or neck to the heart. Arrhythmias are then
triggered and mapped under the controlled environment
of the electrophysiology lab).
Treatment
Monitoring and lifestyle changes; medications
(antiarrhythmic, heart rate control drugs and anticoagulants);
pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
(ICD); surgery.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Two to three million Americans live with congestive
heart failure. It is one of the most common reasons
people 65 and older are admitted to the hospital. It
can take years to develop.
When you have CHF, it does not mean your heart has
stopped beating. It means that your heart is not pumping
blood as it should. The heart is working, but the body's
need for blood and oxygen is not being fully met. When
this happens, fluid can build up in your body, especially
in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Diagnosis
Blood tests; urine tests; stress tests; electrocardiogram
and echocardiography; X-rays, angiography.
Treatment
Medications including vasodilators (drugs
that dilate blood vessels); ACE inhibitors (drugs that
block vasoconstriction); inotropes (drugs that increase
the heart's ability to contract), usually digoxin; and
diuretics (drugs to reduce fluid). In some cases beta
blockers (drugs to reduce the pumping action of the
heart). These medications are used alone and in combination.
Surgical Treatments
Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) or valve disease
may lead to CHF. Patients with CAD may benefit from
angioplasty or bypass surgery. Patients with faulty
heart valves can have valve replacement surgery. For
severe CHF, a heart transplant may be needed.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic disease
in which atherosclerotic plaque (a combination of calcium
and cholesterol) deposits along the walls of the coronary
arteries leading to narrowing, hardening and stiffening
of the arteries on the surface of the heart. CAD restricts
blood flow through these vessels, preventing blood and
oxygen from reaching areas of the heart.
Diagnosis
Patient history and monitoring; blood tests
for CAD risk factors, such as cholesterol levels, electrocardiogram
(EKG), stress test (an EKG that is done while the patient
is exercising in a controlled environment), echocardiogram
and/or cardiac catheterization.
Treatment
Medication and lifestyle changes; balloon
angioplasty; bypass surgery
Heart Attack
A heart attack, or a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs
when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.
This happens because coronary arteries that supply the
heart with blood slowly become clogged from a buildup
of cells, calcium and cholesterol called plaque. Blood
that tries to flow through these clogged arteries can
form a clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely,
the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery
begins to die. While you may only be in the hospital
a few days, your recovery from a heart attack will be
on going for the rest of your life. It is very important
to take the steps necessary to prevent a second heart
attack
Diagnosis
EKG's, blood tests and cardiac catheterization.
Treatment
Medication and lifestyle changes; angioplasty;
bypass surgery.
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Heart & Heart Disease
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