Some Of The Major Cardiac Conditions That We Treat

overview 

Abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) can indicate a number of conditions, including heart problems, electrolyte imbalances, and other issues.

causes

• Heart problems: Heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, heart enlargement, inflammation, or poor blood supply
• Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium or calcium in the blood
• Other issues: Congenital heart defects, fluid or swelling around the heart, pulmonary embolisms, troke or even anxiety.

When to see a doctor

If you have new or unexplained chest pain or think you're having a heart attack with abnormal EKG, call 911 or call Premier Cardiovascular Institute.

   Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol can be inherited, but it's often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which make it preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes medication can help reduce high cholesterol.

Symptoms

High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it. Some patient with inhirited very high cholesterol level   may get waxy, fatty plaques on their skin (xanthomas) or cholesterol rings around the iris of their eye (corneal arcus).

Causes

Cholesterol is carried through your blood, attached to proteins. This combination of proteins and cholesterol is called a lipoprotein. There are different types of cholesterol, based on what the lipoprotein carries. They are:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, the "bad" cholesterol,.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, the "good" cholesterol, 
• Tiglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. 

Medical conditions that can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Hypothyroidism
• Lupus

Cholesterol levels can also be worsened by some types of medications you may be taking for other health problems, such as:

• Acne
• Cancer
• High blood pressure
• HIV/AIDS
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Organ transplants

Risk factors 

Factors that can increase your risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels include:

• Poor diet. Obesity.  Lack of exercise. Smoking.  Alcohol. Age. 

Complications  

High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis). 

• Chest pain.
• Heart attack.
• Stroke. 
• Congestive heart failure
• Peripheral vascular disease

Prevention

The same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol can help prevent you from having high cholesterol in the first place. To help prevent high cholesterol, you can:

• Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Limit the amount of animal fats and use good fats in moderation
• Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Manage stress

When to see a doctor

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a person's first cholesterol screening should occur between the ages of 9 and 11, and then be repeated every five years after that. The NHLBI recommends that cholesterol screenings occur every one to two years for men ages 45 to 65 and for women ages 55 to 65. People over 65 should receive cholesterol tests annually.If your test results aren't within desirable ranges, your doctor might recommend more-frequent measurements. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you. 

Overview 

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is a common condition that affects the body's arteries. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher however this can change with aging

Types

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. Ideal blood pressure is categorized as normal.

• Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 hypertension. The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.

Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. 

Risks

Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. It's important to have your blood pressure checked at least every two years starting at age 18. Some people need more-frequent checks.Healthy lifestyle habits —such as not smoking, exercising and eating well — can help prevent and treat high blood pressure. Some people need medicine to treat high blood pressure.

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider if you think you have hypertension.  Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

Overview 

Chest Pain appears in many forms, ranging from a sharp to a dull ache. Sometimes chest pain feels crushing or burning. In certain cases, the pain travels up the neck and into the jaw and then spreads to the back or down one or both arms.

Many different problems can cause chest pain. The most life-threatening causes involve the heart and lungs.

Symptoms

Chest pain can feel different depending on what's triggering the symptom. Often, the cause has nothing to do with the heart — though there's no easy way to tell without seeing a health care provider.

Heart-related chest pain

Chest pain is often associated with heart disease. Chest discomfort due to a heart attack or another heart problem may feel like:

Pressure, fullness, burning or tightness in the chest.

Crushing or searing pain that spreads to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms.

Pain that lasts more than a few minutes, gets worse with activity, goes away with rest and nitroglycerine (medication), or varies in intensity.

Shortness of breath.

Cold sweats.

Dizziness, lightheadedness or weakness.

Racing heartbeats.

Nausea or vomiting.

Other types of chest pain

It can be difficult to tell if chest pain is related to the heart or caused by something else. Usually, chest pain is less likely due to a heart problem if it happens with:

A sour taste or a sensation of food reentering the mouth

Trouble swallowing

Pain that gets better or worse when you change body position

Pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough

Tenderness when you push on your chest

Pain that continues for many hours

The classic symptoms of heartburn — a painful, burning sensation behind the breastbone — can be caused by problems with the heart or the stomach.

When to see a doctor

If you have new or unexplained chest pain or think you're having a heart attack, call 911. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Angina (Angina Pectoris) is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease.

Angina is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy weight lying on the chest. Angina may be a new pain that needs to be checked by a healthcare professional, or it may be recurring pain that goes away with rest or medication (nitroglycerine).

Types

There are different types of angina. The type depends on whether rest or medicine eases symptoms.

Stable angina. Is the most common form of angina. It usually happens during activity. It goes away with rest or medicine. Stable angina is predictable. It is usually similar to previous episodes of chest pain. The chest pain typically lasts a short time, perhaps five minutes or less.

Unstable angina. Is unpredictable and occurs at rest. Or the pain is worsening and occurs with less physical effort. Unstable angina is typically severe and lasts longer than stable angina, up to 20 minutes or longer. when the Unstable angina has progressed overtime pain doesn't go away with rest or the usual angina medicines. If the blood flow doesn't improve, the heart doesn't get enough oxygen. A heart attack occurs. Unstable angina is dangerous and needs emergency treatment.

Prinzmetal angina. This type of angina isn't due to coronary artery disease. It's caused by a temporary spasm in the heart's arteries that reduces blood flow. Severe chest pain is the main symptom of variant angina. The pain may be relieved by angina medicine.

Symptoms

Angina symptoms include chest pain and discomfort. The chest pain or discomfort may feel like:

Burning. Fullness. Pressure. Squeezing.Pain also may be felt in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder or back.Other symptoms of angina include:Dizziness.Fatigue.Nausea.

Shortness of breath.Sweating.

Angina in women

Symptoms of angina in women can be different from the classic angina symptoms. These differences may lead to delays in seeking treatment. For example, chest pain may not be the only symptom or the most common symptom. Other symptoms of angina in women may include:

Discomfort in the neck, jaw, teeth or back. Nausea. Shortness of breath.

Stabbing pain instead of chest pressure. Stomach pain.

When to see a doctor

Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack. 

Call for emergency medical help. If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Heart Attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of plaques made from calcium, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis.

Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that completely blocks blood flow damaging or destroying part of the heart muscle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a heart attack vary. Some people have mild symptoms. Others have severe symptoms. Some people have no symptoms.

Common heart attack symptoms include:

• Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Women may have atypical symptoms such as brief or sharp pain felt in the neck, arm or back. Sometimes, the first symptom sign of a heart attack is sudden cardiac arrest.

 But many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance.

what to do? 

• Take nitroglycerin as instructer, if prescribed to you while awaiting emergency help.
• Take aspirin, if recommended. Taking aspirin during a heart attack may reduce heart damage by preventing blood clotting.

When to see a doctor

Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack. 

Call for emergency medical help. If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common type of heart disease. It affects the main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, called the coronary arteries. In CAD, there is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. A buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis, usually causes coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease often develops over many years. Symptoms are from the lack of blood flow to the heart. They may include chest pain and shortness of breath. A complete blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack.

Symptoms

Symptoms of coronary artery disease happen when the heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. 

Symptoms of coronary artery disease may not be noticed at first. Sometimes symptoms only happen when the heart is beating hard, such as during exercise. As the coronary arteries continue to narrow, symptoms can get more severe or frequent.

A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack.

• Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching.
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly.
• Cold sweats.
• Fatigue.
• Heartburn.
• Nausea.
• Shortness of breath.
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.

Chest pain is usually the most common symptom of heart attack. But for some people, such as women, the elderly and those with diabetes, symptoms may seem unrelated to a heart attack. For example, they may have nausea or a very brief pain in the neck or back. Some people having a heart attack don't notice symptoms.

Causes

Some causes of atherosclerosis are:

• Diabetes or insulin resistance.
• High blood pressure.
• Smoking or tobacco use.

Risk factors

Coronary artery disease risk factors you can't control include:

• Age.
• Male sex. 
• Family history. 
• Smoking. 
• High blood pressure. .
• Cholesterol. 
• Diabetes. 
• Obesity. 
• Chronic kidney disease. 
• Not getting enough exercise. 
• A lot of stress. 
• Unhealthy diet. 
• Havy alcohol use.
• Amount of sleep.
• Certain autoimmune diseases. 

Complications

• Chest pain, also called angina. 
• Heart attack.
• Heart failure.
• Irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias.

Treatment

 for coronary artery disease may include medicines, intervention with stenting and surgery. Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help prevent coronary artery disease and the conditions that can cause it.

When to see a doctor

If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should or does not relax well when getting filled with blood returnning from the lungs. When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.

Certain heart conditions gradually leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly. These conditions include heart attacks, heavy alcohol use, hypertension and others. Proper treatment may improve the symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer. Lifestyle changes can improve quality of life. Try to lose weight, exercise, use less salt and manage stress.

But heart failure can be life-threatening. People with heart failure may have severe symptoms. Some may need a heart transplant or a device to help the heart pump blood.

Heart failure is sometimes called congestive heart failure.

Types 

Left-sided heart failure: 

• Systolic Heart Failure: The left ventricle is too weak to pump blood.
• Diastolic Heart Failure: The left ventricle is too stiff to fill up with returning blood.

Right-sided heart failure: The right ventricle is too weak to pump blood to the lungs, causing blood to build up in the veins. This usually occurs as a result of left-sided failure.

Biventricular heart failure: Affects both sides of the heart.

Symptoms

If you have heart failure, your heart can't supply enough blood to meet your body's demands.

Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly, symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Reduced ability to exercise.
• Wheezing.
• A cough that doesn't go away or a cough that brings up white or pink mucus with spots of blood.
• Swelling of the belly area.
• Very rapid weight gain from fluid buildup.
• Nausea and lack of appetite.
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness.
• Chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack.

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider if you think you might have symptoms of heart failure. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Valvular Heart Disease causes one or more of the valves in the heart to be faulty. 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.

Symptoms

Some people with heart valve disease might not have symptoms for many years. When symptoms occur, they might include:

• Shortness of breath at rest or when active or lying down.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Swelling of the ankles and feet.
• Fainting.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Causes

To understand the causes of heart valve disease, it may be helpful to know how the heart works.

Four valves in the heart keep blood flowing in the right direction. These valves are:

• Aortic valve.
• Mitral valve.
• Pulmonary valve.
• Tricuspid valve.

Each valve has flaps, called leaflets or cusps. The flaps open and close once during each heartbeat. If a valve flap doesn't open or close properly, less blood moves out of the heart to the rest of the body.

Types of heart valve disease include:

• Stenosis. The valve flaps become thick or stiff and sometimes can join together. The valve opening becomes narrowed. Less blood can flow through the narrowed valve.
• Regurgitation. The valve flaps may not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward.
• Prolapse. The valve flaps become stretched out and floppy. They bulge backward like a parachute. This condition can lead to regurgitation.

Some people are born with heart valve disease. This is called congenital heart valve disease. But adults can get heart valve disease too. Causes of heart valve disease in adults may include infections, age-related changes and other heart conditions.

Risk factors

Several things can increase the risk of heart valve disease, including:

• Older age.
• Some infections, such as rheumatic fever or blood infections.
• A heart attack or some types of heart disease.
• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other heart disease risk factors.

Complications

Heart valve disease can cause many complications, including:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Heart rhythm abnormalities
• Death

Treatment

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.

When to see a doctor

If you have symptoms of possible heart valve disease, make an appointment for a health checkup. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. A heart arrhythmia occurs when the electrical signals that tell the heart to beat don't work properly. The heart may beat too fast or too slow. Or the pattern of the heartbeat may be inconsistent.

A heart arrhythmia may feel like a fluttering, pounding or racing heartbeat (palpitation). Some heart arrhythmias are harmless. Others may cause life-threatening symptoms.

There are times when it is OK to have a fast or slow heartbeat. For example, the heart may beat faster with exercise or slow down during sleep.

Heart arrhythmia treatment may include medicines, devices such as pacemakers, or a procedure or surgery. The goals of treatment are to control or get rid of fast, slow or otherwise irregular heartbeats.

Types

In general, heart arrhythmias are grouped by the speed of the heart rate. For example:

• Tachycardia heart rate is greater than 100 beats a minute.
• Bradycardia heart rate is less than 60 beats a minute.

tachycardia

Types of tachycardias include:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Chaotic heart signaling causes a rapid, uncoordinated heartbeat. AFib may be temporary and start and stop on its own. But some episodes may not stop unless treated. AFib has been linked to stroke.
• Atrial Flutter (AFlutter) Atrial flutter is similar to AFib, but the heartbeats are more organized. Atrial flutter is linked to stroke.
• Supreventricular tachycardia (SVT) This broad term includes irregular heartbeats that start above the lower heart chambers, called the ventricles. Supraventricular tachycardia causes episodes of a pounding heartbeat that start and stop suddenly.
• Ventrivular Fibrillation Rapid, chaotic electrical signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver instead of squeezing in a coordinated way. This serious problem can lead to death if a regular heart rhythm isn't restored within minutes.
• Ventricular Tachycardia. This rapid, irregular heart rate starts with faulty electrical signals in the lower heart chambers, called the ventricles. The rapid heart rate doesn't let the ventricles properly fill with blood. So the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. ventricular tachycardia can be an emergency needing immediate medical care.

 bradycardia

A heart rate below 60 beats a minute is considered bradycardia. But a low resting heart rate doesn't always mean there's a problem. If you're physically fit, your heart may be able to pump enough blood to the body with less than 60 beats a minute.

Types of bradycardias include:

• Sick sinus syndrome. The sinus node sets the pace of the heart. If the node doesn't work properly, the heart rate may switch between too slow and too fast.
• Conduction block. A block of the heart's electrical pathways can cause the signals that trigger the heartbeats to slow down or stop. Some blocks may cause no symptoms. Others may cause skipped beats or slowed heartbeats.

Premature heartbeats

Premature heartbeats are extra beats that occur one at a time, sometimes in patterns that alternate with a regular heartbeat. If the extra beats come from the top chamber of the heart, they are called premature atrial contractions (PACs). If they come from the bottom chamber, they are called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).

A premature heartbeat may feel like your heart skipped a beat. These extra beats are generally not a concern. They rarely mean you have a more serious condition. Still, a premature beat can trigger a longer lasting arrhythmia, especially in people with heart disease. Occasionally, having very frequent premature ventricular beats may lead to a weak heart.

Premature heartbeats may occur when resting. Stress, heavy exercise and the use of stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine, also may cause premature heartbeats.

Symptoms

A heart arrhythmia may not cause any symptoms. The irregular heartbeat may be noticed during a health checkup for another reason.

Symptoms of an arrhythmia may include:

• A fluttering, pounding or racing feeling in the chest.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A slow heartbeat.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.

Other symptoms may include:

• Anxiety.
• Feeling very tired.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Sweating.
• Fainting or almost fainting.

When to see a doctor

If you feel like your heart is beating too fast or too slow, or it's skipping a beat, make an appointment for a health checkup. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, passing out or the arrhythia does not stop. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Syncope occurs when you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress or because of cardiac or neurological cause.

The vasovagal syncope trigger causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly. That leads to reduced blood flow to your brain, causing you to briefly lose consciousness.

Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless and requires no treatment. But it's possible that you may injure yourself during a vasovagal syncope episode. Your doctor may recommend tests to rule out more-serious causes of fainting, such as heart disorders. if the syncope is caused by cardiac, neurological or ther cuases we need to treat the root of the problem. 

Symptoms

Before you faint, you may experience some of the following:

• Pale skin
• Lightheadedness
• Tunnel vision — your field of vision narrows so that you see only what's in front of you
• Nausea
• Feeling warm
• A cold, clammy sweat
• Blurred vision

During a vasovagal syncope episode, bystanders may notice:

• Jerky, abnormal movements
• A slow, weak pulse
• Dilated pupils
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Recovery after an episode generally begins in less than a minute. However, if you stand up too soon after fainting — within about 15 to 30 minutes — you're at risk of fainting again.

Causes

Syncope occurs when the part of your nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions in response to a trigger, such as the sight of blood.

Your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen (dilate). This allows blood to pool in your legs, which lowers your blood pressure. Combined, the drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly reduce blood flow to your brain, and you faint.

Sometimes there is no classical vasovagal syncope trigger, but common triggers include:

• Standing for long periods of time
• Heat exposure
• Seeing blood
• Having blood drawn
• Fear of bodily injury
• Straining, such as to have a bowel movement.
• other causes of syncope are cardiac (heart attack, congestive heart failure, valve malfunction...) neurological (stroke, ...), anemia and others.

Prevention

You may not always be able to avoid a syncopal episode. If you feel like you might faint, lie down and lift your legs. This allows gravity to keep blood flowing to your brain. If you can't lie down, sit down and put your head between your knees until you feel better.

When to see a doctor

Fainting can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a heart or brain disorder. You may want to consult your doctor after a fainting spell, especially if you've never had one before. please call 911 or visit the nearest ER. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

Overview 

Regular health checkups are recommended after getting a pacemaker. Ask your health care team how often you need to go into a medical office for such checkups. Tell your health care team if you gain weight, if your legs or ankles get puffy, or if you faint or get dizzy.

A health care professional should check your pacemaker every 3 to 6 months. Most pacemakers can be checked remotely. This means you don't have to go into a medical office for the checkup. A pacemaker sends information about the device and your heart electronically to your doctor's office.

A pacemaker's battery typically lasts 5 to 15 years. When the battery stops working, you'll need surgery to replace it. The surgery to change a pacemaker's battery is often quicker than the first surgery to place the device. You also should have a quicker recovery.

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider if you have a Pacemaker or Implantable cardioverter defibrillator 

Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

Overview

peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or Peripheral Vascular disease (PVD)  is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs.

In PAD, the legs or arms — usually the legs — don't receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This may cause leg pain when walking (claudication) and other symptoms.

Peripheral artery disease is usually a sign of a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the arteries that can reduce blood flow in the legs and, sometimes, the arms.

Symptoms

Many people with peripheral artery disease have mild or no symptoms. Some people have leg pain when walking (claudication).

Claudication symptoms include muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms that begins during exercise and ends with rest. 

Other peripheral artery disease symptoms may include:

• Coldness in the lower leg or foot
• Leg numbness or weakness
• No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
• Shiny skin on the legs
• Skin color changes on the legs
• Slower growth of the toenails
• Sores on the toes, feet or legs that won't heal
• Pain when using the arms, such as aching and cramping when knitting, writing or doing other manual tasks
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hair loss or slower hair growth on the legs

If peripheral artery disease gets worse, pain may occur during rest or when lying down. 

Causes

Peripheral artery disease is caused by a buildup of fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) on artery walls. This process is called atherosclerosis. It reduces blood flow through the arteries.

Less common causes of peripheral artery disease include:

• Blood vessel inflammation
• Injury to the arms or legs
• Changes in the muscles or ligaments
• Radiation exposure

Risk factors

• A family history 
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High levels of an amino acid called homocysteine, which increase the risk for coronary artery disease
• Increasing age
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Smoking

Complications

• Critical limb ischemia. In this condition, an injury or infection causes tissue to die. Symptoms include open sores on the limbs that don't heal. Treatment may include amputation of the affected limb.
• Stroke and heart attack. 

Prevention

• Don't smoke.
• Control blood sugar.
• Eat healthy food.
• Get regular exercise. 
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
• 
  

Treatment

Medications If PAD is causing symptoms, your provider may prescribe medicine. Medications for PAD may include:

• Cholesterol drugs. Medications called statins are commonly prescribed for people with peripheral artery disease. Statins help lower bad cholesterol.
• Blood pressure drugs. 
• Medications to control blood sugar. 
• Medications to prevent blood clot like Aspirin or another medication, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), may be used to prevent blood clotting.
• Medications for leg pain. The drug cilostazol thins the blood and widens blood vessels. It increases blood flow to the limbs. 

Surgeries or other procedures

In some cases, angioplasty or surgery may be necessary to treat PAD that's causing claudication:

• Angioplasty and stent placement. 
• Bypass surgery.
• Thrombolytic therapy. 

 pain-free.

When to see a doctor

Call your health care provider if you have leg pain, numbness or other symptoms of peripheral artery disease.

Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Pulmonary Embolism is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. In most cases, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung. Rarely, the clot forms in a vein in another part of the body. When a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, it's called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Because one or more clots block blood flow to the lungs, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. However, prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of death. Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism.

Symptoms

Pulmonary embolism symptoms can vary greatly, depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots, and whether you have underlying lung or heart disease.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain. 
• Fainting. 

Other symptoms that can occur with pulmonary embolism include:

• A cough that may include bloody or blood-streaked mucus
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the back of the lower leg
• Clammy or discolored skin, called cyanosis

Causes

main cause is deep vein thrombosis.

Occasionally, blockages in the blood vessels are caused by substances other than blood clots, such as:

• Fat from the inside of a broken long bone
• Part of a tumor
• Air bubbles

Risk factors

Although anyone can develop blood clots that result in a pulmonary embolism, certain factors can increase your risk.

• History of blood clots
• Heart disease. Heart and blood vessel disease, specifically heart failure, makes clot formation more likely.
• Cancer.
• Chemotherapy 
• Surgery. Surgery is one of the leading causes of problem blood clots. For this reason, medicine to prevent clots may be given before and after major surgery, such as joint replacement.
• Disorders that affect clotting. 
• Other medical disorders such as kidney disease also can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 
• Extended periods of inactivity such as: Bed res, long trips. 
• Smoking.
• Being overweight. 
• Supplemental estrogen.
• Pregnancy. 

Complications

A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. About one-third of people with an undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism don't survive. When the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, however, that number drops dramatically.

Pulmonary embolisms also can lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure in the lungs and in the right side of the heart is too high. When you have blockages in the arteries inside your lungs, your heart must work harder to push blood through those vessels. This increases blood pressure and eventually weakens your heart.

Prevention

Preventing clots in the deep veins in your legs will help prevent pulmonary embolisms. 

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants). These medicines are often given to people at risk of clots before and after surgery. 
• Compression stockings. Compression stockings steadily squeeze the legs, helping veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. 
• Physical activity. Moving as soon as possible after surgery can help prevent pulmonary embolism and hasten recovery overall. 

Prevention while traveling

• Drink plenty of fluids. 
• Take a break from sitting. 
• Move in your seat. 
• Wear support stockings. 

When to see a doctor

Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.

 Overview

Varicose Veins are bulging, enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin's surface, called superficial, can become varicosed. Varicose veins most often affect the veins in the legs. That's because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body. For many people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. So are spider veins, a common, mild form of varicose veins. But varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes they lead to more-serious health problems.

Symptoms

Varicose veins: 

Varicose veins might not cause pain. Symptoms of varicose veins include: Veins that are dark purple, blue or the same color as the skin. Depending on skin color, these changes may be harder to see. Veins that look twisted and bulging. They often look like cords on the legs.

When there are painful symptoms of varicose veins, they might include: An achy or heavy feeling in the legs. Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs. Worse pain after sitting or standing for a long time. Itching around one or more of the veins. Changes in skin color around a varicose vein. 

Spider veins:

are like varicose veins, but they're smaller. 

Spider veins are found closer to the skin's surface and might look like a spider's web.

Spider veins occur on the legs but also can be found on the face. They vary in size and often look like a spider's web. 

Causes

Weak or damaged valves can lead to varicose veins. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins return blood from the rest of the body to the heart. To return blood to the heart, the veins in the legs must work against gravity. Muscles tighten in the lower legs to act as pumps. The heart it self tries to suck the blood back into the atriaum ( upper chamber) Vein walls help blood return to the heart. Tiny valves in the veins open as blood flows toward the heart, then close to stop blood from flowing backward. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing the veins to stretch or twist.

Risk factors

The two main risk factors for varicose veins are: 

• Family history. If other family members have varicose veins, there's a greater chance you will too.
• Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on veins. 
• Other things that might increase the risk of varicose veins include:

1. Age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in the veins that help control blood flow. Over time, that wear causes the valves to allow some blood to flow back into the veins, where it collects.
2. Sex. Women are more likely to get the condition. Hormones tend to relax vein walls. So changes in hormones before a menstrual period or during pregnancy or menopause might be a factor. 
3. Hormone treatments, such as birth control pills, might increase the risk of varicose veins.
4. Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases. This change supports the growing baby but also can make the veins in the legs bigger.
5. Standing or sitting for long periods of time. Movement helps blood flow.

Complications

They can include:Ulcers. Painful ulcers can form on the skin near varicose veins, mostly near the ankles.Blood clots. Sometimes, veins deep within the legs get larger. They might cause leg pain and swelling. Seek medical help for ongoing leg pain or swelling. This can mean a blood clot.Leg swelling. Longtime varicose veins can cause the legs to swell.

Prevention

Getting better blood flow and muscle tone might lower the risk of having varicose veins. The same ways you treat the discomfort from varicose veins can help prevent them. Don't wear high heels or tight stockings, other than compression stockings. Change how you sit or stand often. Eat a high-fiber, low-salt diet. Exercise.Raise your legs when sitting or lying down.Keep a healthy weight.

Treatment

Treatment involves exercising, raising legs when sitting or lying down, or wearing compression stockings. A procedure may be done to close or remove veins.

When to see a doctor

If you worry about how your veins look and feel and self-care measures haven't helped, see your healthcare professional. Premier Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you.