Cardiovascular Disease Treated by Mercy's Board Certified Cardiologists

Cardiovascular disease is a broad term for disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Major types of cardiovascular disorders include:

• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats)
• Valvular heart disease (heart valve problems)
• Peripheral vascular disease (problems with circulation of blood to arms and legs)
• Heart defects  (abnormal openings in heart tissue)
• Heart infections
• Strokes

Risk factors for cardiovascular disorders include:

• Smoking
• Poor diet choices
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Overweight or obese
• Lack of regular exercise
• Prolonged stress
• Older age
• Family history of cardiovascular disorders
• Male sex (men are at greater risk, but women’s risk increases after menopause)

Symptoms can vary, depending on the particular form of cardiovascular disease. Major symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations, racing or fluttering heartbeats
• Dizziness, fainting, fatigue
• Swelling of legs, ankles, feet
• Pain or numbness in legs or arms

Basic diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical exam and medical history
• Blood tests
• EKG

Additional tests may be performed depending on the specific symptoms and probable diagnosis:

• Holter monitor
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac catheterization
• Stress test
  

Comprehensive treatment generally includes three types of treatment and also will depend on the specific diagnosis.

Lifestyle changes to promote health:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Increase exercise level
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol

Medications to eliminate or control symptoms:

• Antihypertensives
• Blood thinners
• Anticholesterol drugs
• Medications to regulate heartbeats
• Antibiotics

Procedures or surgery if indicated:

• Angioplasty to increase blood flow through arteries
• Procedures to correct heartbeat irregularities
• Pacemakers
• Surgery to correct heart defects