Pentucket Medical Cardiology

Online Resources: Valvular Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure

Do you still have questions about valvular heart disease or any of the other topics explored in our recent blogs? Click through the links below for additional information, or contact the staff at Pentucket Medical Cardiology by calling (978) 521-3288.

• The Johns Hopkins website provides detailed information about the causes and treatment of valvular heart disease.
• Advanced valvular disease can cause congestive heart failure and other serious cardiac conditions. Read more in this PubMed Health article.
• Heart disease should be taken seriously and medical help should be sought early if you are having symptoms of distress. Learn more about when to see a cardiologist in this article from the American College of Cardiology. 
• People of all ages can be at risk for heart disease—including your child. Read this article from DukeHealth.org to learn when your child should visit a cardiologist.
• This Mayo Clinic article gives a comprehensive overview of the symptoms, causes, and treatments for bradycardia.

How to Know When It's Time to See a Cardiologist

Your body sends you signals every day, giving you various messages about its current state. To maintain good overall health, it is vital to know the difference between harmless symptoms and the signs of a serious medical condition. When a health problem could potentially involve your heart, it becomes even more important to know the signs so you can seek a cardiac evaluation. Read on to learn when you should make an appointment with a cardiologist:

• Family History of Heart Disease: If a close relative has been treated for heart disease or has experienced a cardiac event, it is advisable to get a cardiac evaluation. Knowing your own personal risk for heart disease can give you peace of mind and help you to accordingly alter your lifestyle before more serious symptoms arise.
• Angina: Chest pain, or angina, often indicates the narrowing or obstruction of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Angina can be experienced as a feeling of heaviness or pressure as well as pain, so if you feel any of these symptoms, contact a cardiologist immediately.  
• Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, can include palpitations (quickening of the heart) or missed beats.
• Shortness of Breath: If you experience shortness of breath that is not the result of strenuous exercise, you should seek medical attention right away. This frequently ignored symptom can be a sign of valvular heart disease or congestive heart failure.
• Other Warning Signs: High cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) are the two leading causes of heart disease. While your primary care physician can help keep these at healthy levels, you should also consider seeing a cardiologist to periodically check your heart function.

Preventive measures are the best way to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. To learn more about cardiac evaluation and the treatment of heart disease, contact Pentucket Medical Cardiology at (978) 521-3288.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.

Online Resources for Heart Health: Peripheral Artery Disease and Fainting Spells

Would you like to learn more about peripheral artery disease or how fainting can be associated with heart conditions? Use the resource links below for additional information or contact the staff at Pentucket Medical Cardiology at (978) 521-3288.

• The American Heart Association provides an excellent overview of peripheral artery disease.
• This eMedicineHealth.com article details the streamlined medical treatment provided for victims of heart attack.
• Learn more of the historical milestones in cardiac care in this article on the Franklin Institute website.
• This article from Scientific American provides an overview of aortic valve replacement surgery and why it is performed.
• Learn more about the basics of fainting from this WebMD.com article.

The History and Evolution of Cardiac Care

Before the beginning of the twentieth century, heart disease was not the epidemic that it is today. The arrival of machines and automation reduced the need for manual labor, resulting in decreased cardiovascular activity and increased incidence of heart disease. To combat the growing problem of cardiovascular disease, its causes were studied and treatments were quickly developed. Below are a few of the major milestones in cardiac care over the centuries:

·       1733: An English clergyman by the name of Stephen Hales was the first to measure blood pressure by observing the rise and fall in a tube of blood that was bound to an artery.

·       1816: The stethoscope was invented in France as a device for auscultation, or listening to the sounds inside the human body. It is most commonly used in cardiology to listen for sounds made by the heart and lungs.

·       1903: The electrocardiograph (ECG) was invented to provide a visual representation of the electrical activity of the heart muscle.

·       1938: The first heart surgery was performed by the American doctor Robert E. Gross, who provided a ligation of patent ductus arteriosus.

·       1951: The first replacement heart valve, made of plastic, was developed by American surgeon Charles Hufnagel.

·       1952: F. John Lewis performed the first successful open heart surgery.

·       1967: The South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard performed the first whole-heart transplant, directly from one human to another.

·       1982: The first artificial heart, designed by Robert Jarvik, was implanted into a patient.

Pentucket Medical Cardiology has the state-of-the-art technology and physician expertise to create a personalized treatment plan for each of our patients. We are dedicated to making a life-changing difference in your overall health. Contact us at   (978) 521-3288 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Taking a Closer Look at the Phenomenon of Fainting

Fainting, also known as “blacking out” or “passing out,” is generally well understood and accepted in today’s society. In fact, many do not seek medical attention for fainting episodes until multiple instances have occurred. Yet it is important to know the causes of fainting, as this temporary loss of consciousness can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Fainting happens when the oxygen carrying blood to the brain falls below the minimum requirement for a short period of time. This is typically caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in a lower-than-normal blood volume reaching the brain. Many factors can cause this phenomenon, some of which are benign and some of which are quite serious. Below are the different types of fainting episodes and the conditions involved for each.

• Reflex faints can be caused by coughing, sneezing, swallowing, straining, or carotid sinus syncope. Drug use can also induce fainting, as can certain diabetic complications. Reflex fainting can be prevented by identifying and avoiding the triggering circumstances.
• Anxiety attacks and hysterical reactions can mimic fainting, but are not actually considered a true faint.
• Certain heart-rhythm disturbances can induce fainting. Bradycardia (slow heartbeat), tachycardia (fast heartbeat), and other electrical disturbances of the heart can all lead to a temporary loss of consciousness. It’s important to visit a cardiologist for treatment of a heart-rhythm disorder.
• Heart or blood vessel diseases are serious conditions that can lead to fainting. Heart attacks, heart valve disease, and obstructive heart muscle disease should be given immediate medical attention.

If you live in Merrimack Valley and think that you may be at risk for heart disease, contact the professionals at Pentucket Medical Cardiology. Our goal is to provide each patient with the experienced, professional care necessary to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Contact us at (978) 521-3288 or visit our website for more information.

Disclaimer:

The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual doctor or physician.