Posted on March 30, 2012
Many people carry anxiety from a childhood prognosis of a heart murmur – an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. While it is common for youngsters to have a heart murmur, most children do not require treatment. 61 percent of the murmurs in children were found to be innocent murmurs.Most heart murmurs are nothing to worry about: They are caused by blood moving through heart valves and do not require surgery. However, a heart murmur can be caused by blood moving through a damaged valve and only your cardiologist can tell for sure.
Your doctor may use any of these tests to see whether your heart murmur is fine or whether it is caused by disease or defect:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), this measures your heart’s electrical activity
- Chest X-rays, will check to see if the heart is enlarged
- Echocardiography, which uses sound waves to map your heart structure
Treatment for a heart murmur depends on the cause. Quite often, your doctor will detect a harmless heart murmurs with no treatment needed or just periodic checkups by your doctor.
When other factors cause heart murmurs your doctor will treat the cause. Some types of heart valve disease may require medication or surgery. Cardiologist NYC.
Here are some treatments your cardiologist may work up with you:
- Prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of heart infection
- Drug treatments, including:
- Anticoagulants for prevention of blood clots
- Antiarrhythmics to control your heartbeat
- Beta-adrenergic blockers to control heart fluttering
- Vasodilators to open blood vessels to reduce blood pressure
- Diuretics to remove excess salts and water from the body
- Surgery to correct congenital heart defects
- Surgery to correct certain types of heart valve disease
The most important thing to do is to see your cardiologist and test for your heart murmur. Most murmurs are innocent, but only your heart doctor can tell for sure and get you on the correct treatment if needed.
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Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
Heart failure is one of the most common and most concerning physical ailments. Any time you suspect a problem with your heart, it is essential to seek medical attention. An aortic aneurysm is one type of heart condition. The aorta is the body’s main artery. This artery carries blood that has been oxygenated from the heart to the rest of the organs in the body. An aortic aneurysm is the result of an overstretching of that artery which creates a protuberence, or bulge, somewhere along one of its walls. In some cases the aorta will burst, causing serious bleeding and possibly death.
An aortic aneurysm is a type of heart failure that can be caused from a variety of conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, cystic medial necrosis (usually caused through an inherited condition), or injury . These conditions cause the walls of the aorta to weaken. The result of the weakened walls, often coupled with age, causes the artery to bulge and the aneurysm to occur. A burst aneurysm can cause a great deal of pain and bleeding. Death can take place within minutes.
Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
It can be difficult to diagnose an aortic aneurysm. Risk factors include:
· Smoking
· High blood pressure
· Male
· 55 years old or older
· Family history of heart failure
The most common symptoms of an aortic aneurysm include chest and/or back pain. In some cases you might feel light-headed, weak, short of breath, some tingling or numbness, and possibly lose consciousness. If the aneurysm is in the stomach you may feel overly full, nauseous, and/or a throbbing or pulsing sensation in your abdomen.
If you have any of these conditions, have any concern about heart failure, or feel like something just isn’t right, please see a physician immediately. Many other conditions can cause these symptoms, but it is best to get checked out thoroughly.
Posted on March 29, 2012
Cardiogist NYC
You went for your annual physical, and get the usual tests taken but when the results come back; your general practitioner tells you that there is an issue with a test for your heart.
Your first thought is that you want the best heart specialist that you can find, so now you have to try to find the best heart doctor New York has to offer, but where do you begin your search?
Ask your doctor for a referral – Cardiogist NYC
Obviously, the first thing that should come to mind is asking for a referral from your doctor. Usually doctors will have information right at their fingertips because they usually belong to a network of doctors, including specialists in different fields of medicine which should include heart specialists.
Search the web – Cardiogist NYC
The internet easily puts the world at your fingertips. Choose your favorite search engine and just type in the term “heart doctor new york” and just see the results that your search inquiry returns to you.
Another popular source on the web for information is a site you’ve probably heard of called Angies List. This is a great resource to use because they have unsolicited reviews from real people who have used service providers and they leave honest reviews good or not about their experiences with a home improvement contractor, a dentist or a heart specialist.
Reach out and make a phone call – Cardiogist NYC
Another way to get a better idea of the reputation of a New York heart specialist is by making a phone call to the national professional society and ask as many questions as you can about the specialist in question; they should have information about the doctor and his or her reputation that can help make your decision that much easier.
Just remember that a decision about a heart specialist in New York shouldn’t be based on what a friend has to say about a specialist they used 20 years ago. Take the time do some investigating on your own, in the end it’s your heart’s health you need to be concerned with, not a friend’s recommendation.
Posted on March 26, 2012
Cardiologist New York City
There are millions upon millions of hearts beating at this precise second in New York City. Many are young hearts, pounding healthy blood through smooth veins and many are older hearts that function quite well because they have been taken care of over the years. Unfortunately, due to aging, poor diets, or that they come from families with histories of heart disease, there are many sick hearts that need the attention of any Cardiologist New York City has among its tens-of-thousands of physicians.
The Special Biologists – Cardiogist New York City
A Cardiologist is a doctor that is skilled in finding and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In order to have gained this title a physician has put in at least ten years of extensive training. The human heart is an amazing biological engine but, as with any piece of equipment, it must be maintained to ensure it continues to run properly. A general physician can listen to your heart but a Cardiologist can hear how well it functions. Furthermore, with a small sample, a Cardiologist can interpret the value of certain substances contained in your blood to detect deadly problems and begin preventive treatment.
The Big Four – Cardiogist New York City
You have heard them mentioned hundreds of times: Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood Pressure, and Family History. These are the major causes of unhealthy hearts and only a Cardiologist New York City has in its directory can expound fully on this complex subject. Cholesterol is the most troublesome; a waxy, fatlike substance that the body requires to produce hormones and Vitamin D but, in high levels, can make for sticky arteries that can collect dangerous plaque as well as other problems that require the acumen of a Cardiologist to clarify properly.
The Demographics – Cardiogist New York City
The most dangerous time in a man’s life, when the subject is heart trouble, is after he turns 45 and for women the problems tend to begin after they have gone through menopause. These are general statistics so the only true way to know your condition is to schedule a visit to a Cardiologist New York City offers its citizens.
Posted on March 24, 2012
A 2010 New York Times article stated that death rates from heart disease in the greater New York City area were approximately 20 percent higher than in most areas of America.
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a broad term used for various problems that all relate to the buildup of plaque inside the heart’s arteries. The more the plaque accumulates, the more the arteries narrow, slowing blood flow and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke or other heart conditions.
There are also heart conditions related to an irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, high blood pressure and congenital heart defects.
Heart disease is a serious problem in the U.S. as well as specifically in the New York area. Over 80 million people in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women, killing more people than all cancers and AIDS combined. According to the Heart Foundation, over 920,000 people will develop heart disease this year, almost half of which will occur without previous warning signs or symptoms.
There are several symptoms of heart disease:
· Dizziness
· Shortness of breath
· Heart palpitations
· Increased heartbeat
· Sweating
· Nausea
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should contact a heart doctor New York City. Remember that heart conditions often have subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all.
If you experience the following symptoms of a heart attack, call 911:
· Pain or heaviness in the chest that sometimes radiates around
· Choking feeling or fullness
· Anxiety, extreme weakness
· Rapid heartbeat
· Vomiting, sweating and dizziness
The symptoms of a heart attack may be very mild and can be confused with other conditions. If you have any questions or suspect that you may have a heart condition of any kind, call 911 or arrange for an immediate visit to a heart doctor New York City.
Note that people with diabetes are more likely to have a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack without any symptoms. Consult a heart doctor New York City for assistance.
Posted on March 21, 2012
What are the kinds of heart disease
The term “heart disease” is an umbrella term that covers dozens of different types of heart problems. Some of those types are congenital (an illness someone is born with) and others develop throughout a person’s life. Different forms of heart distress may affect specific sections of the heart, such as the valves, the muscle itself, the chambers, the arteries, the lining, the veins, and so forth.
In example,
- Congestive heart failure affects the heart chambers and causes diastolic and systolic malfunctions.
- The heart’s valves can be damaged by rheumatic fever and create a problem known as rheumatic heart disease.
- What is commonly known as a heart attack is the result of damage to the veins and arteries.
- Endocarditis and pericarditis are conditions that bring inflammation respectively to the inside and the outside linings of the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy is an enlarged and weakened heart muscle resulting often from high blood pressure.
The symptoms of heart illness vary depending on each type. However, the most often associated symptom of heart trouble is chest pain. (Do note, however, that not all chest pain automatically translates into heart disease.)
If you experience chest pains that feel like tightness, pressure, fullness, or achy, sharp, and throbbing sensations in the area between your upper abdomen and your lower neck, you may want to visit your doctor. Regular check-ups by your physician are recommended even in the absence of pain because they work to your advantage always – be it to set your mind at ease or to improve your path to health.
Posted on March 12, 2012
What do I need done if I have an Aortic Aneurysm
Heart disease describes any condition that affects the heart’s blood vessels, valves and tissues. Aortic aneurysm is a problem that occurs in the aorta, the largest and most important artery in the human body. If your physician discovers an aortic aneurysm, he may do several important tests as well as use certain treatment options to help you.
Definition of an Aneurysm
An aneurysm may occur anywhere in the body. It is described as a blockage that prevents the flow of blood in the arterial vessels. Arterial walls damaged or compromised from disease, injury or trauma may cause this problem. However, genetics or family heart problems are also causes.
Although there are many types of aneurysms, two types specifically affect the heart: thoracic (chest) and abdominal (abdomen). Doctors usually find these conditions during routine visits. If your cardiologist performs a chest or abdominal examination, he may spot an aneurysm early
Treatments
Treatments include medications to lower high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Surgery is an option if your condition worsens. However, treatment options may vary depending on the size of the aneurysm.
Affects of an Aneurysm
When an aortic aneurysm ruptures in your arteries, it may lead to heavy bleeding. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of this type of heart disease.
Signs to look for:
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Passing out
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Stroke (loss of feeling on one or both sides, followed by slurred speech and confusion)
Risk Factors
If you have a family history of heart problems, you may be at risk for aortic aneurysms. If you are a male, you are more susceptible for heart problems than women. You also have a major risk if you are white.
Other risk factors are:
- Smoking
- Being over 60 years of age or older
- Having a previous history of blood vessel problems
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Experiencing high blood pressure
A cardiologist can provide the expertise you need to stay heart strong. Most signs of heart disease go unnoticed, and is a leading cause of death. Protect your health by knowing the facts about heart disease.
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Is a Heart Aneurysm Serious?
All heart problems are serious. Aneurysms can form without any symptoms. Over time, they grow and break down blood vessel walls. The walls bulge due to the excessive pressure caused by a thick collection of blood within the blood vessel. Pressure builds up and releases a blood clot. Clots can travel and restrict blood flow in other parts of the body.
Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling or numbness
- Deep, aching or throbbing back pain
- Unexplained, sudden and severe chest pain
Causes of a heart aneurysm could be:
- A hardened artery (atherosclerosis)
- Local artery injury
- High blood pressure
- Aging
To diagnose a heart aneurysm, you will undergo some of these testing methods:
- ECG which monitors electrical activity of heartbeats while recording their rate and regularity
- CT Scan that takes an X-ray of the chest, showing any bulges in the heart
- MRI reveals heart damage by using magnetism, radio waves and computer imaging
- ECHO which ultrasounds and monitors the movement of blood through the heart
If the aneurysm is small and causes no problems, it will be monitored. If the aneurysm is too big, drugs, such as thrombolytics, hypertensives and antiarrythmics are prescribed. If the aneurysm is severe, you might need surgery. Due to its many risks, surgery is a last resort option.
Preventative measures are:
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure by keeping stress levels low
- Following healthy lifestyle choices such as no heavy drinking and no smoking
- Keeping regular doctor appointments especially if you have other heart problems or there is atherosclerosis located in other parts of your body
Those most at risk people are those with:
- Untreated diabetes
- Inflammatory conditions
- History of aortic aneurysm in the family
- People over the age of 55, especially males.
- People with Marfan’s Syndrome
Although it may go unnoticed and show no symptoms for quite some time, heart problems are serious. If you think you may have a heart aneurysm or any other heart problems, see a doctor. An untreated aneurysm could cause pain due to a increased in its size, a stroke, cardiac arrest and possibly death.
Posted on March 8, 2012
Atrial fibrillation (AF), refers to the most common type of arrhythmia, which is a problem with the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. The heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is the result of electrical signals which get disorganized and prompt the heart’s upper chambers (atria) to rapidly and irregularly contract (fibrillate). The atria receives blood that is not pumped into the two chambers on the bottom of the heart. This causes the upper and lower chambers to not work together effectively.
When you have atrial fibrillation, you may not be aware of it. But you can still have a stroke. Atrial fibrillation can result in chest pain or even your heart to fail. You may have atrial fibrillation occasionally, rarely, or it may end up a on on-going problem lasting years
The older you get, the possibility of atrial fibrillation increases, particularly beyond the age of 60. Potential symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
- fatigue, not having energy
- heart palpitations (the heart suddenly pounding, racing or fluttering in the chest)
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- dizziness (feeling light-headed or faint)
- discomfort in the chest (pressure, tightness or pain in the chest)
If you have the following conditions, you are at greater risk for atrial fibrillation:
- past heart surgery
- lung disease
- high blood pressure
- congenital heart disease
- heart valve disease
- coronary artery disease
- pulmonary embolism
- congenital heart disease
- heart failure
If you experience the above symptoms or have the above conditions, it is important to see your doctor to rule out atrial fibrillation. A few people (10%) do not have heart disease and experience atrial fibrillation due to stress, excessive caffeine use, alcohol, stress, drugs or from an infection.
Your doctor can diagnose atrial fibrillation through an electrocardiogram and monitors that allow your doctor to determine if your heartbeats are irregular. Treatment includes surgery, medication, medical procedures and lifestyle changes.
Posted on March 6, 2012
A heart aneurysm is a complication that develops after a heavy heart attack that leaves part of the muscles of the lower chamber of the heart dead. A scar is formed and a layer of muscles that survives is greatly weakened. Blood begins to infiltrate and inflate the weak muscle. Cardiac aneurysm may not show itself immediately but progressively manifests and may be noticed when other conditions like stroke start to emerge .
If this heart aneurysm is not treated, it can lead to dangerous blood clots (embolisms) that are dislodged in blood vessels in other parts of the body. This can lead to stroke or failure of the heart. This is why it advised that if you experience heart attack, you need to consult a cardiologist to examine the status of your heart to find out whether you could be developing the heart aneurysm condition.
This heart condition develops mainly in men who are 40 years and above and who suffer large heart attacks. Also about 10-30% of people who survive acute heart attacks tend to develop cardiac aneurysm. In the same way, up to 25% person of those patients who develop large patches of dead muscle scarring after an heart attack are also likely to get this condition. Signs of heart aneurysm include;
- Pain in the jaw and neck.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulties catching breath.
- Fainting.
- Embolisms may lead to ischemia in the limb causing death of limb tissue.
- Stroke can occur if the embolism blocks vessel supplying blood to the brain.
If a patient has had a heart attack and begins to experience one of more of these signs, there is need to seek immediate medical attention from a heart doctor in New York.
Treatment of heart aneurysm requires constant medical follow up and a patient needs to limit activity not to overwork the heart. Surgery is applied when persistent failure of the left ventricle is experienced or arrhythmia develops. Anticoagulants drugs are administered to prevent thrombosis (blood clotting). Antiarrhythmic drugs are also used. The survival rate of patients with ventricular aneurysm depends on the function of the ventricle muscle that is left.
