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March 9th, 2010
Peripheral vascular disease, or peripheral artery disease, is caused by the same atherosclerotic plaque that causes coronary artery disease.
Frequently, atherosclerosis is not confined to one artery but may involve arteries in other areas as well. Some of the more commonly affected peripheral areas are the arteries in the legs, arms, kidneys and neck. Some patients may have both coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.
What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?
As the internal lining of the artery thickens from the atherosclerotic plaque, the blood vessel becomes increasingly constricted and blood flow diminishes. Therefore, the symptoms you experience depend on what artery is affected and how severely the blood flow is reduced.
Some of the symptoms you may experience in the affected areas are:
- Claudication (dull, cramping pain in hips, thighs or calf muscle)
- Buttock pain
- Numbness or tingling in leg, foot or toes
- Changes in skin color (pale, bluish or reddish discoloration)
- Changes in skin temperature, coolness
- Impotence
- Infection/sores that do not heal
- Ulceration or gangrene
- Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Renal failure
Risk Factors
Clinical studies have identified factors that increase the risk of peripheral vascular disease. Some of these factors cannot be changed while others can be managed to greatly reduce your risk of the disease. They are as follows:
- Diabetes: PVD is not uncommon among those individuals with diabetes. This correlation is due to complications of the disease which may cause damage to the large and small blood vessels of the legs and feet.
- Smoking: The risk of PVD dramatically increases in smokers. When a person stops smoking, regardless of how much he or she may have smoked in the past, their risk of Peripheral Vascular Disease rapidly declines.
Any of the following risk factors may also increase your chance of developing peripheral vascular disease:
- Obesity (being overweight)
- High blood pressure
- A family history of the disease
- Lack of exercise
- Coronary artery disease
- Age greater than 65
- Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol)
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that you have peripheral vascular disease or if you have symptoms of the disease, several tests are performed to diagnosis it. Such diagnostic tests include:
- Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
- Ultrasound Doppler Test
- Angiogram
Treatment
Many treatments can be used to improve blood flow through the peripheral arteries. The latest interventions for treating peripheral vascular disease can bring relief and are more cost effective than surgery. Most procedures require no more than an overnight hospital stay, and patients enjoy an early return to most normal activities. Techniques available to you include:
- Angioplasty and Stents
- Atherectomy – a minimally invasive intervention procedure that involves the excision and removal of blockages by catheters with miniature cutting systems.
Each of these techniques treats the build-up of plaque by removing it, compressing it, or displacing it. During these procedures, the physician will periodically inject a contrast dye and take x-ray pictures to determine whether or not the artery is sufficiently open. If the blockage is extremely long or has become very hard and calcified with time, it may be resistant to any of these interventions. In these cases, surgery may be required to bypass the problem area.
Non-invasive interventions may also be used to treat PVD. These interventions include:
- Exercise – exercise may improve arterial blood flow to the affected limb. Exercise is not recommended for people with severe rest pain, venous ulcers, or gangrene. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
- Positioning – It is recommended that people do not cross their legs, which may interfere with blood flow. Some people manage swelling by elevating their feet at rest. You should elevate your feet but not above the heart level. Extreme elevation slows arterial blood flow to the feet. Again, talk with your doctor about positioning.
- Promoting vasodilation (increasing the diameter of blood vessels) – vasodilation can be achieved by providing warmth to the affected extremity and preventing long periods of exposure to cold. It is recommended that people maintain a warm environment at home and wear socks or insulated shoes at all times. Never apply direct heat to the limb, such as with the use of a heating pad ore extremely hot water to reduce the risk of burns.
- Stop smoking – Smoking causes vasoconstriction (decreases the diameter of blood vessels), which can interfere with adequate blood flow to the limbs. Emotional stress, exposure to cold temperatures, and caffeine can all cause vasoconstriction.
- Medications – Prescribed medications are often given to patients with chronic peripheral vascular disease. Anti-platelet medications (such as Aspirin and Plavix) may be prescribed. Other medications may be prescribed depending on the patient’s condition.
- Controlling hypertension – Controlling high blood pressure can improve blood flow through the blood vessels and reduce the constriction of blood vessels.
What is the difference between peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease is a type of peripheral vascular disease. People with peripheral vascular disease have problems that alter blood flow through both the arteries and veins. Those people with peripheral artery disease have problems only with blood flow through the arteries.
Tags: atherosclerotic plaque, coronary artery disease, interventions peripheral vascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral vascular disease diagnosis, peripheral vascular disease signs symptoms, peripheral vascular disease treatment, preipheral artery disease, risk factors peripheral vascular disease
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March 9th, 2010
A condition from infancy, patent foramen ovale often goes undiagnosed through adulthood.
When a baby/fetus is developing in the uterus, a small, flap-like opening forms in the wall (septum) between the right and left upper chambers of the heart (right atrium and left atrium). This opening occurs naturally before birth and usually closes within days of being born. In about one out of five people, however, this opening persists throughout life and is called patent foramen ovale (PA-tunt fo-RA-mun o-VA-le), or PFO. The opening that occurs in patent foramen ovale may allow blood to flow from the heart’s right atrium to the left atrium and vice versa.
Most people with patent foramen ovale don’t know they have the condition. That’s because patent foramen ovale usually doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms. Most people with patent foramen ovale don’t need treatment, although closing the opening with a device is an option and may be helpful in patients with prior stroke or difficult to control headaches.
Tags: patent foramen ovale, patent foramen ovale infant, septum, signssymptoms patent foramen ovale
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March 9th, 2010
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition found in infants that occurs when the ductus arteriosus does not close after birth.Â
The ductus arteriousus is an artery that is present in the fetus to connect the pulmonary artery to the aorta. This vessel is necessary to divert blood flow away from the lungs because the lungs are collapsed prior to birth. When the infant is born and begins to breathe, there is a stimulus which causes the ductus arteriousus to close. If the ductus arterious remains open (patent), blood will flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery and out to the lungs, causing an excess of pulmonary blood flow.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus?
If a PDA is small, there are generally no symptoms. If the PDA is large, however, there will be a significant excess in blood flow to the lungs, causing the heart to have to pump more blood. This can lead to signs of congestive heart failure, including labored breathing, difficulty feeding, and poor growth.
How is patent ductus arteriosus detected?
The first sign is often the presence of a heart murmur. The diagnosis is documented with an echocardiogram.
What are the treatment options for patent ductus arteriosus?
For many years, the only treatment option for patent ductus arteriosus was surgical closure. More recently, it has been possible to close certain types of PDA during a cardiac catheterization. The catheter is threaded through the ductus. Either a metallic coil or an expandable metallic device is then passed through the catheter and out the end of the catheter until it is positioned within the ductus. This will then obstruct flow through the ductus and the ductus will no longer be patent. Some ductuses, however, are of a certain size and shape that surgery is still necessary.
Tags: patent ductus, patent ductus arteriosus, patent ductus arteriosus treatment, signs and symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus
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March 9th, 2010
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common heart disorder in which the valve leaflet or leaflets bulge upward into the left atrium.
Mitral valve prolapse affects approximately 2 percent of adults in the United States. The mitral valve is the third of four valves in the heart and is located between the left upper and left lower chamber of the heart (the left ventricle and left atrium respectively). Mitral valve prolapse sometimes leads to blood leaking backward into the left atrium, a condition called mitral valve regurgitation.
In most people, mitral valve prolapse is harmless and doesn’t require treatment or changes in lifestyle. In some people with mitral valve prolapse, however, the progression of the disease requires treatment. This may be as simple as medication and healthy lifestyles or, if needed, surgical evaluation and surgery.
Tags: heart disorder, mitral valve, mitral valve prolapse, mitral valve prolapse treatment, mitral valve regurgitation
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March 9th, 2010
Blood pressure, is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the artery. When this pressure is high, it is eferred to as hypertension.
The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart must work to pump blood to the rest of your body. Without proper treatment, high blood pressure can lead to many cardiovascular problems, including dilated pumping chamber and valvular defects.
Two measurements are taken to determine your blood pressure:
- Systolic: The systolic number reflects the pressure against the arterial walls immediately after the heart pumps. This is the top number in the reading. For example, if your blood pressure is 120/80 (described as 120 over 80), the systolic measurement is 120.
- Diastolic: The diastolic number represents the pressure against the arterial walls when your heart is at rest briefly, between heart beats. This is the bottom number in the reading. Using the same example, if your blood pressure is 120 over 80, the diastolic measurement is 80.
Goal blood pressure for most people is 110-120/70-80 mmHg.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
In most cases, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms. Many people assume that it is related to high levels of stress, tension, and nervousness, but the truth is you can be a very relaxed, easy-going person and still have high blood pressure.
The best way to know if you are hypertensive is to have your blood pressure checked by your health care provider. This should be done routinely. High blood pressure can develop over time and many treatment options are available to manage the disease. Prompt treatment can reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure.
How is high blood pressure detected?
High blood pressure is detected using a blood pressure monitoring device called a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure varies constantly so if your doctor detects high blood pressure on one occasion, he or she will usually take another couple of readings to ensure the measurement is accurate. You may be asked by your doctor to purchase a home B/P monitoring device.
What are the treatment options for high blood pressure?
Your doctor will discuss with you a variety of ways to control and/or lower your blood pressure. As with all cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle changes are sensible, effective ways to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. To reduce blood pressure in particular, it is essential to:
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Eat a well-balanced diet low in salt, fat and cholesterol
- Manage stress levels
- Control your weight
- Reduce caffeine and other stimulants
In some cases, lifestyle changes will not achieve the required results. In this situation, your doctor may discuss medications and/or procedures that can help to reduce your blood pressure.
Medications
- Adrenergic Receptive Blockers (Alpha and/or Beta blockers) help regulate the heart beat and decrease oxygen demand, lower B/P, protect against heart attack and heart failure
- Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body
- Calcium channel blockers decrease heart contractility and spasms, dilates arteries, help to treat high B/P and Angina
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow, guard against arteriosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), help strengthen heart muscles, lower B/P
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Active Agents reduce nerve activity which can cause B/P to rise
Tags: diastolic, goal blood pressure, high blood pressure, high blood pressure signs and symptoms, high blood pressure treatment, hypertension, hypertension treatment, systolic
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March 9th, 2010
Heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, are not something to be ignored.
Arrhythmias may cause the heart to beat too slowly (less than 60 beats per minute is bradycardia) or too fast (greater than 100 beats per minute is tachycardia). Arrhythmias may occur from the upper two chambers of the heart, called atrial arrhythmias or supraventricular arrhythmias or may originate from the lower chambers of the heart, called the ventricles. Some arrhythmias are benign, and have little, if any, clinical significance. Other arrhythmias are malignant, and may be life-threatening. A given arrhythmia may have different clinical significance in different individuals, primarily depending upon whether or not the individual has structural heart disease or, most importantly, diminished cardiac performance (congestive heart failure).
What are the warning signs and symptoms of heart rhythm disorders?
An individual’s response to any particular arrhythmia may vary. Individuals may have no symptoms whatsoever, or may present with sudden, catastrophic collapse followed by loss of consciousness or sudden death. In between these two extremes, is an entire gamut of symptoms including insignificant palpitations to marked fluttering in one’s chest associated with shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, and lightheadedness. These are important symptoms to recognize and should not be ignored. These should be discussed with your physician to help determine their significance
How are heart rhythm disorders detected?
Your doctor has several ways of evaluating heart rhythm disorders. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common, noninvasive, quickly performed test that allows your physician to assess exactly what rhythm your heart is in. This test, however, does not provide any information as to what heart rhythm you may have had at any time in the past, particularly associated with one or more symptoms. To help evaluate rhythm disturbances that may occur while you are not at the doctor’s office, you may have a 24 hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring test (24 hour holter monitor recording) or a long term ECG analysis called an event monitor which may allow for recording of abnormal heart rhythms for 14 days or 1 month. Other adjunctive tests that may be helpful include treadmill testing, or electrophysiology testing, which is an invasive procedure involving placement of catheters into the vascular system.
What are the treatment options for heart rhythm disorders?
Treatment options depend entirely on the severity of the heart rhythm problem. Many heart rhythm problems do not require any treatment at all, other than reassurance. Other heart rhythm problems may be easily treated with various anti-arrhythmic medications. Some rapid heart rhythm problems may be treated with catheter ablation or implantation of a pacemaker-type device known as an implantable cardioversion defibrillator. Finally, and rarely, one may require an open-heart surgical procedure to eliminate the source of heart rhythm problems.
Tags: arrhythmia congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, bradycardia, heart rhythm disorder signs and symptoms, heart rhythm disorders, heart rhythm disorders treatment, heart thythm disorder detection, trachycardia
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March 9th, 2010
Acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is a complete blockage of blood flow in a coronary artery.
When a complete blockage in a coronary artery occurs, oxygen-rich blood is prevented from reaching part of the heart muscle. Usually a blood clot or piece of plaque (fatty deposits called atherosclerosis) causes the blockage in the heart artery. When blood cannot reach this part of the heart muscle, the muscle may become permanently damaged. The faster you get to a hospital for treatment, the less damage to your heart. If you wait too long, the condition can be fatal.
More than one million Americans have a heart attack each year. Better treatment options and community awareness have decreased mortality rates over the years. Yet, lack of recognition or a disregard for the warning signs of a heart attack is still a major contributor to death. In the event of a heart attack, every second counts.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
The warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack are gender-specific, meaning men and women have very different feelings and experiences when a heart attack is occurring.
Men typically experience the following common warning signs of a heart attack: moderate to severe chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, radiating pain in the arms and chest.
Despite the fact that chest pain is often a key warning sign of a heart attack, some women who have a heart attack experience their pain in other areas. A woman’s pain may be in the back, arm, neck, shoulder, and/or throat. Also, women will typically have more “non-pain” symptoms than men. These include vomiting, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath.
It is also surprisingly common for people to experience no symptoms at all. This is especially true of diabetics and those over the age of 75. We recommend that these individuals visit their family physician and/or cardiologist on a regular basis to continually monitor their health.
Do not ignore the warning signs of a heart attack. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 because it is quite possibly signaling the onset of a heart attack.
How is a heart attack evaluated?
A heart attack is evaluated using several different methods, but most often your doctor will order a simple test called an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test monitors the electrical activity within the heart and can aid your doctor in determining if your condition is angina or if you are actually having a heart attack. The doctor may also order blood tests that can determine if there is damage to the heart muscle.
Other possible tests your doctor may order to evaluate a possible Heart Attack are:
- Laboratory testing, i.e. heart enzymes
- EKG
- Nuclear Test
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary (heart) Angiography
If your doctor determines that you are having a heart attack (or have already had one), he or she will quickly stabilize the condition in several ways.
What are the treatment options for a heart attack?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, e.g. chest pain, shortness of breath, etc., call 9-1-1 immediately. Delaying your arrival at the hospital can increase your risk of dying. Do not drive yourself or someone else having a heart attack.
Take one regular strength (preferably non-coated) aspirin or 4 baby aspirin, and chew the aspirin(s) to increase absorption into your system. The aspirin works to thin the blood, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to get through the narrowed artery to your heart. Aspirin has proven to reduce fatality by about 25% in heart attack victims.
If someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and have them chew and swallow an aspirin. If they are unconscious, first call 9-1-1, and then begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (CPR) to provide oxygen to the brain, heart, and the rest of the body. If you are unfamiliar with how to perform CPR, the emergency personnel on the phone line can assist you until help arrives.
Upon arrival to the hospital, if you have not already taken an aspirin, a doctor may instruct you to chew an aspirin right then. An electrocardiogram (EKG) will be done immediately to determine if a heart attack is occurring, or has already happened. If the diagnosis is a heart attack, the doctor will promptly begin treatment to open the blockage, and get much needed oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
Procedures
There are a variety of procedures that can treat and stabilize the lining of the coronary arteries. These procedures include:
- Acute Angioplasty
- Balloon Angioplasty
- Coronary Stenting
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- Thrombolytic Therapy
Medications
Several medications are available if you are suffering a heart attack. Here are some possibilities:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as aspirin
- Nitroglycerin which dilate the blood vessels to increase blood flow
- Adrenergic Receptive Blockers (Beta blockers) help regulate the heart beat and decrease oxygen demand, lower B/P, protect against Heart Attack and heart failure
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow, guard against arteriosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), help strengthen heart muscles, lower blood pressure (B/P)
- Calcium channel blockers decrease heart contractility and spasms, dilate arteries, help to treat high B/P and angina
- Statins to lower cholesterol
Prevention
If you have been diagnosed with a heart attack, it is extremely important to make lifestyle changes that reduce the risk factors which have contributed to your heart disease. Making such changes can maintain, and in many cases, reverse the damage done to your heart. Changing your lifestyle to reduce your risk factors is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your overall cardiovascular condition.
Tags: acute myocardial infarction, blocked blood flow, coronary artery blockage, Heart Attack, heart attack aspirin, heart attack medication, heart attack procedures, heart attack signs and symptoms, heart attack treatment
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March 9th, 2010
Diabetes, a disease in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high, has an effect on cardiovascular health.
If you have diabetes, your pancreas, the organ in your body responsible for producing insulin, is defective in producing or adequately utilizing insulin…or both, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels.
Insulin is vital for converting sugars into fuel so your body can function properly. When these sugars are not turned into energy, your body responds by creating more glucose from stored fats. Over time, these sugars accumulate in the bloodstream. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause very serious complications such as kidney, eye, and nerve damage and heart and vascular disease.
The two main types of diabetes are:
- Type I (also called juvenile diabetes) develops in children and young adults. In Type I Diabetes, the body does not produce enough or any insulin. Cells in the pancreas responsible for this function have been destroyed.
- Type II (also called adult-onset diabetes) is the most common form of diabetes, affecting roughly 16 million Americans. In Type II Diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is ignored by the body. This condition develops in usually older, overweight people.
There is no cure for diabetes, but many treatments are available for diabetics which enable them to lead long and healthy lives. It is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan precisely, as this can add many “quality” years to your life.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of diabetes?
The warning signs of diabetes, both Type I and Type II, are similar. The main difference is that Type I Diabetes usually develops much more quickly. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes because early detection and treatment is the best way to avoid permanent complications.
If you have any of the symptoms below, contact your Primary Care Physician immediately:
- Sweet, fruity breath (also called “acetone breath”)
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Excessive trips to the bathroom to urinate, especially at night
- Blurred vision
How is diabetes detected?
Diabetes is diagnosed by a blood test. Your doctor will order a lipid profile, which examines your cholesterol and your glucose levels. If your glucose levels are high, it is an indicator that you may have diabetes. Diabetes can also be diagnosed by a simple urine test which shows the presence of glucose in the urine.
What are the treatment options for diabetes?
The key is to keep your sugar levels within your target range by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and by using insulin injections. Your physician will determine your target range.
Type I diabetics must be treated with insulin injections because the body is unable to produce insulin on its own. Two to four insulin injections are required daily.
For all diabetics, lifestyle changes are a must. This includes stopping smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet (low in carbohydrates, fat and sugars), and maintaining a healthy weight, cholesterol level and blood pressure level. It is important that all people lead a healthy lifestyle. However, it is especially important if you are a diabetic. Why? Because all of these risk factors compound the severity of diabetes.
Tags: cardiovascular health, diabetes, diabetes treatment, diabetes treatments, diagnosing diabetes, Heart Disease, high blood sugar, insulin, juvenile diabetes, pancreas, signs symptoms diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, vascular disease
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March 9th, 2010
Coronary artery disease is a result of plaque buildup within the artery walls.
A gradual build-up of fat (cholesterol) in the coronary ateries causes them to become blocked or narrowed. This build-up is called “atherosclerotic plaque” or simply “plaque.” When this occurs, the arteries cannot deliver sufficient blood to the heart. This condition is referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD).
What are the warning signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease?
Angina pectoris (also referred to as chest pain) is a warning sign of coronary artery disease. Do not ignore this symptom, as it is often a sign of an impending heart attack. If you or someone you know is experiencing angina, call
9-1-1 at once to get to an emergency room immediately.
It is important to understand that men and women experience angina differently. These differences are described below:
Men typically experience the following common warning signs of a heart attack: severe to moderate chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, radiating pain in the arms and chest.
Women may have symptoms that differ greatly from men. While chest pain is often a key warning sign of a heart attack, some women who have a heart attack do not experience chest pain. A woman’s pain may be in the back, arm, neck, shoulder, and/or throat. Also, women will typically have more “non-pain” symptoms than men. These include vomiting, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath.
It is also surprisingly common for people to experience no symptoms at all. Additionally, some people experience persistent flu-like symptoms. This is especially true of diabetics and those over the age of 75. We recommend that these individuals visit their family physician and/or cardiologist on a regular basis to continually monitor their health.
How is coronary artery disease detected?
Usually doctors suspect that you have cardiovascular disease based on your cardiovascular risk factors. During a physical exam, your doctor will evaluate many of these risks, which include diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, previous family history, history of smoking, etc…
We invite you to take our free online cardiovascular risk assessment at any time to evaluate your cardiovascular health. It only takes about ten minutes, and your results are generated immediately. Please print and bring these results to your next physician visit.
In addition to evaluating your risk factors, noninvasive imaging techniques are available to detect coronary artery disease at its earliest stage. Young or old, it is extremely important to be aware of coronary artery disease. It is a progressive disease that can lead to death or heart failure. There are many treatment options which can slow the progression or, in some cases, reverse the effects of the disease.
The non-invasive and catheterization techniques available to detect coronary artery disease are listed below:
• Electrocardiography (EKG)
• Treadmill
• Stress Testing
• Echocardiography (Ultrasound)
• Nuclear Studies
• Computer Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization
What are the treatment options for coronary artery disease?
The safest, simplest treatment for coronary artery disease is lifestyle change. Evaluate your modifiable cardiovascular risks–high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, exercise, diet, weight, etc.–and work to reduce the damaging effects of each risk factor. If you smoke, stop smoking; if you do not exercise, develop an exercise regimen; if you have high blood pressure, devise a plan with your physician to reduce your blood pressure level; and so on.
As coronary artery disease progresses, medications, interventional catheterizations, or cardiovascular surgery may be required. Your doctor will work with you to devise a plan that is best suited for you.
Medications
Thousands of medications are available to treat coronary artery disease. The most common medications prescribed are blood pressure lowering medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, and anticoagulants (blood thinning) medications.
Procedures
To rid the arteries of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), which prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, it is often necessary to treat plaque with invasive surgical techniques. Depending upon the degree of coronary artery disease, plaque build-up can be treated with catheter interventions or with surgery. These procedures are:
• Balloon Angioplasty
• Coronary Stenting
• Brachytherapy
• Drug-Eluting Stenting
• Intracoronary Ultrasound
• Atherectomy
If needed, your doctor may refer you to a cardiovascular surgeon for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This is more invasive than any of the procedures listed above, but it is extremely safe and reliable.
Tags: angina pectoris, atherosclerotic plaque, coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease cholesterol, coronary artery disease treatment, detecting coronary artery disease, free online cardiovascular risk asessment, plaque, warning signs symptoms coronary artery disease
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March 9th, 2010
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is one of the most prevalent diagnoses today.
Congestive heart failure is a combination of heart dysfunction along with symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath or leg swelling. The heart dysfunction can be systolic, in which the ejection fraction is low and heart muscle strength is weakened. Or it can be diastolic heart dysfunction, in which the heart filling and relaxation is impaired because of heart muscle stiffness.
The goal of treating heart failure is to improve quality of life and life expectancy, prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and promote use of heart strengthening medications.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of heart failure?
Symptoms of heart failure may get worse over time. The most common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath-this may get worse over time.
- Fatigue-this happens because your muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen from your blood.
- Palpitations-this is a feeling that your heart is racing or that your heartbeat is irregular.
- Chronic cough-this is due to the fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Fluid retention-especially in the legs and feet.
Other symptoms can include heart palpitations (feeling that your heart is racing or that your heartbeat is irregular). Some people also have nausea and lack of appetite, dizziness, fainting spells, or difficulty concentrating.
Heart failure severity is described by the New York Heart Failure Class System:
- Class I- has heart failure but does not yet have heart failure symptoms
- Class II-has symptoms with mid-level exercise
- Class III-has symptoms with low-level exercise
- Class IV-has symptoms even when at rest.
How is heart failure detected?
Heart failure can be diagnosed in a variety of different ways. Your doctor will decide which tests are appropriate for you.
What are the treatment options for heart failure?
People suffering from heart failure can almost always be helped by changes in lifestyle. For instance, it is important that people with heart failure eat low-fat foods and especially low-salt (low-sodium) foods. Your doctor may also recommend cardiac rehabilitation as part of your treatment, which will show you the best exercises to do, suggest new eating habits, order medications to reduce your symptoms, and help you regain or learn new lifestyle and coping skills.
Also, check with your doctor about pain relievers you may need for aches and pains. Heart failure patients should avoid one type of pain reliever: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. This includes medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), among others. Ask your doctor or nurse which pain relievers you can take.
Other types of treatment may depend on your test results. Your doctor may ask you to report worsening symptoms, blood pressure readings, and/or your weight on a regular (sometimes daily) basis. If you report changes in those areas, your doctor can act accordingly to change your treatment.
Pacemaker Therapy
Some types of heart failure can be improved by pacemakers which enhance the timing and vigor of the way the heart beats. Some can correct lethal arrhythmias which are more common in heart failure. These and other devices are being used more commonly in the treatment of heart failure.
Tags: congestive heart failure, heart dysfunction, heart failure diagnosis, heart failure signs symptoms, heart failure treatment, New York heart failure class system, pacemaker, stiff heart muscle, weak heart muscle
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