Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain, or stroke. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely from the formation of plaque, a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Blood clots can form around the plaque, blocking blood flow through the heart muscle.
Stroke
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. The brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage can result.
Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Though it has many causes, heart failure can be managed with a variety of lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures.
Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. When arrhythmias are severe or long-lasting, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. An arrhythmia may be “silent” and not cause any symptoms. A doctor can detect an irregular heartbeat during an examination by taking your pulse, listening to your heart, or by performing diagnostic tests.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a disorder that occurs in the arteries of the circulatory system, most often in the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs. Though there may be some leg discomfort, pain, or cramping, many people with PAD do not have any symptoms.
Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease refers to a variety of problems that can occur with heart valves, such as stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse, and atresia.
Cholesterol
Many people are surprised to learn that cholesterol isn’t necessarily bad. In fact, it is one of many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. However, there is “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol, and too much of one type or not enough of another can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease. It usually has no symptoms, but high blood pressure can have deadly consequences if not treated. Over time, if the force of blood flow is too high, this can cause damage to the tissue that makes up the walls of arteries, which leads to various issues.
Venous Reflux/Insufficiency
Vein disease, also known as venous reflux or venous insufficiency, occurs when the veins in our legs no longer work in returning the blood from our legs back to our heart. This leads to pooling of blood in our legs which can cause leg swelling, achiness, heaviness, fatigue, skin discoloration and varicose and spider veins. We offer a variety of treatment options for all types of venous disease.