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. |