Heart doctors that care. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is oftentimes preventable. Early detection of cardiovascular disease and risk modification can be the difference between life and death. At Chandler Cardiology we provide the most innovative and thorough care to our patients to help prevent cardiac events and to prolong life.
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) therapy has been proven to decrease chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Treatment is administered through three pairs of external inflatable cuffs that are applied around the lower legs, upper legs and buttocks.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be treated or prevented. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard blood pushes against artery walls as it moves through the body. When blood pressure is too high, it can put a strain on the heart and lead to health problems like heart attack, stroke, or heart failure over time. High blood pressure can also weaken the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Blood pressure can affect your body in many ways. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the strain on the heart and arteries, and it can eventually lead to:
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels through the blood. Your body makes the cholesterol it needs. But you also get it from the food you eat. Too much cholesterol can be dangerous. That’s because, over time, cholesterol and fat can build up as plaque in the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. This can cause a narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which is a major cause of heart and blood vessel disease.
If you have high cholesterol, you’re certainly not alone – about 2 in 5 adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol. The good news is that high cholesterol is often preventable and treatable. Adopting a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and, in some cases, taking medication can go a long way to help lower your cholesterol and protect your heart.
If you have high cholesterol, you have a greater chance of developing heart disease, or having a heart attack or stroke. Hear from people living with high cholesterol as they share their experiences and offer tips about what worked for them.
Coronary artery disease (called CAD for short) is the most common type of heart disease. It happens when your coronary arteries – which act like fuel lines to supply blood rich with oxygen and nutrients to the heart – become damaged or diseased. The main cause is a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the blood that sticks to the inner walls of the arteries (this is also called atherosclerosis). An unhealthy lifestyle, including a poor diet and lack of exercise, increases your risk of developing heart disease. In some cases, a family history of CAD plays a role.
Over time, the arteries can narrow or become blocked. Keep in mind, CAD typically develops over decades, so many people don’t even know they have it until it starts causing problems. Also, the disease affects blood vessels throughout the body. When you have CAD, your heart muscle may not get the blood and oxygen it needs. This can result in chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. For many people, this may be the first sign they have CAD. CAD is often to blame for heart failure and heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), too.
If you have – or think you have – heart failure, it’s normal to feel scared. But you’re not alone. More than 6 million Americans have heart failure. Contrary to how it sounds, heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped beating. It refers to a number of conditions that can affect the way the heart works, its structure, or both.
Over time, heart failure makes it harder for the heart to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet your body’s needs. That’s why most people with heart failure get short of breath, especially when they are active. Even climbing the stairs or carrying groceries may leave you winded. Of course, your symptoms will depend on the type of heart failure you have.
Because it’s a lifelong condition, you must take an active role in your care to stay well. The more informed and equipped you are to manage heart failure, the better you may feel. Use this condition center to learn more about heart failure and ways to help you feel your best.
In heart valve disease, one or more of the valves in the heart doesn’t work properly. There are four heart valves. They keep blood flowing through the heart in the correct direction. Sometimes a valve doesn’t open or close all the way. This can change how blood flows through the heart to the rest of the body. Heart valve disease treatment depends on the heart valve affected and the type and severity of the disease. Sometimes surgery is needed to repair or replace the heart valve.
Did you know that the walls of your heart are made up of three layers? The outer layer is called the epicardium, the middle layer is the myocardium, and the innermost layer is the endocardium. Inflammation of this innermost layer and of your heart valves is called endocarditis. Endocarditis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria enter your bloodstream from another part of your body and are more likely to attach to damaged areas in your heart. Because of this, you are at higher risk of developing endocarditis if you already have a damaged or artificial heart valve.
If you want to learn more about the heart, we recommend CardioSmart, a patient engagement program brought to you by the American College of Cardiology. You can learn more from their website.
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