Your heart is the master of your beat which happens to be an average of 72 beats per minute through rhythmic patterns that provide fuel for your body. To the layman, your heart may mean that you are kind. Your heart may mean that you’ve memorized something right down to your core. To cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, your heart is so much more. 

The heart of the matter is that according to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease ranks in the top 3 causes of death, regardless of demographics.   Chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and more symptoms associated with  cardiology are signs of emergency.  Some people don’t think much about their hearts unless they feel a skipped beat or the heart begins to race.  Still, the heart is a muscle and it’s functions work like a pump to push needed blood from head to foot. This function helps ensure your quality of life and may make a difference between life and death. So, it’s wise to be informed with some Heart Heath Basics to stay ahead of cardiac issues before they begin, as follows.

• Are You at Risk for a Heart Attack? Myocardial infarction disrupts both the electrical and mechanical aspects of the heart. So, it’s best to assess your risk and learn about ways to prevent the onset.

• Heart Disease Prevention Tips You’ll likely be surprised by the latest top tips to prevent heart disease.

• Chocolate Slashes Blood Pressure, check out Foods that are Healthy for Your Heart.

Cardiac Symptoms, Diagnosis, Conditions and Treatment

The field of cardiology covers a wide range of cardiac issues, including, but not necessarily limited to those in the following links. To learn about specific  conditions, symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment options, click on any of the following links.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): This syndrome covers a range of M.I. Symptoms.

Angina Pectoris: This condition is signified by the sudden onset of pain in the chest and other potential symptoms.

Atherosclerosis: This condition is signified by the thickening of a coronary arterial wall from excess build-up of fatty deposits that creates blockages. This includes Coronary Artery Disease, the consequential blockages caused by the buildup of arterial plaque from improper diet or genetic predispositions.

Cardiovascular Diseases: such as Aortic Aneurysm, Atherosclerosis, and Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm. Complications may include Heart Attack,  Blood Clot, Stroke and more.

Congenital Heart Defects: Birth defects, known as CHD and more.

Coronary Artery Disease: Depicted by Atherosclerosis, chest pain and angina. Learn more about symptoms and treatment options.

Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure: Learn the details for diagnosis, treatment options and outcome.

Myocardium Disorders: Affecting the heart muscle itself.

Pericardium Disorders: Conditions affecting the membrane sac which is the outer lining of the heart.

Restenosis: Narrowing of a coronary artery in a previously treated vessel.

Ventricular Fibrillation: The heart’s normal rhythm is interrupted. This is an emergent condition.

Valvular Heart Disease: Any condition affecting the aortic and mitral valves on the left side of the heart, as well as, the pulmonary and tricuspid valves on the right.  Repair, replacement, or treating with medications may be possible treatments.

Ventricular Tachycardia to Asystole : This is an emergency depicted by a rapid pulse of more than than 100 beats per minute in Ventricular Tachycardia to Asystole (flat lining”), suggesting eminent cardiac arrest. The pulse may or may not be present at the time of diagnosis in the emergency room.  “Flat lining” is a term reflected in a solid, flat line on an electrocardiogram (EKG)

Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clot that may not produce any symptoms but may be diagnosed with a echo cardiogram, among other diagnostic tools.Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy, for the treatment of Pulmonary Embolism.

Select Cardiac Procedures in high demand include, but may not be limited to:

Pacemakers and Internal Defibrillators

Coronary Artery Treatments, such as, Angioplasty, Stents, and Coronary Artery Heart Bypass Surgery or Medication for CAD and CHD 

Donor Heart Transplants or Artificial Heart Placements

 

The Basics: Your Heart Doctor, Conditions and Treatment

Cardiology, the medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the human heart, carries great relevance to every living person. A meaningful  Q and A With Your Heart Doctor may help set goals for enhanced life quality and informed decisions.

Cardiologists center their efforts on helping to ensure that your heart is working properly. Cardiologists studies extend to electrophysiology which is the study of electric properties of cells and tissues. Cardiologists have a wide array of methods available to discern the nature of cardiac symptoms. Rapid advancements in cardiac care require cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and cardiothoracic surgeons to continue on with education if they desire to familiarize themselves with the latest effective tools in cardiac medicine. There are also more mainstream diagnostic tools and cardiac procedures that have transformed the lives of many people with heart disease.

Cardiologists do not necessarily have the same type of education and experience as Cardiothoracic or Cardiovascular Surgeons, but may be the coordinator of care and part of the interdisciplinary team to support the needs of Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Cardiovascular Surgeons and their patients. Cardiologists may perform minor procedures, such as angiograms, but they refer individuals to cardiac surgeons or cardiothoracic surgeons for more advanced needs.

Cardiac Surgeons or Cardiothoracic Surgeons focus on the diagnosis and repair for the moderate to most serious cardiac issues, such as Heart Bypass Surgery, Coronary Artery Repair, and  Heart Transplant needs.

The Science of the Heart

The heart is the hub of the body’s well-being, so to speak. Treating the heart means taking into account the condition of coronary arteries and veins that are critical for transporting blood to and from the heart. Such problems and disorders of the coronary circulation systems may be treated with wonderful surgical remedies, or result in death- if left undiagnosed or not treated. Related to the heart, electrophysiology addresses voltage changes and charges that regulate the heart’s pacing which enables the heart to distribute blood to the whole body.

Understanding Insurance

As with other specialties, in an emergent situation, your health insurance is the last concern.  In non-emergent situations, people can check in with their insurance carrier regularly to make sure that the diagnostic testing and treatments offered by the cardiologist are covered by your medical insurance company, including deductibles and exclusions.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.