Heart attack still remains among the top causes of death in the United States. But it is not the only cardiac-related threat for you. Arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, disease of the heart valve, and many other cardiac conditions can be the reason for shortness of breath, low energy, and other dysfunction. But with the proper cardiovascular treatments and heart care services, major health complications can be prevented and your quality of life may improve. Below mentioned is the list of the most common cardiovascular and heart care services.
What are cardiovascular and heart care services?
Cardiovascular services help to diagnose heart conditions and provide appropriate treatment to patients experiencing heart diseases. These services also offer advice related to heart health and the lifestyle changes that could possibly be implemented by people having higher risks for heart conditions. Major cardiovascular services include,
Stress tests
Stress tests evaluate chest pain. An ECG monitoring unit monitors the patient while he walks on a treadmill at increasing speeds. In many cases, chemical stress tests are also offered in which medicines are used to stimulate the heart. Both these tests are used to check if chest pain is related to the heart.
Echocardiograms
Echocardiograms are used to ultrasound the abnormalities related to the muscles and valves of the heart. It is also used to measure the chamber sizes and blood flow.
Cardiac catheterization
Also known as an angiogram, cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to analyze patients with heart irregularities and chest pain. In this procedure, blood vessels are threaded with thin catheters in the wrist, groin, or arm into the heart. Then contrast dye is injected for the cardiologists to see inside the vessels and the heart. This method is used to check the functioning of the heart and if any blockages are there in the arteries.
Stent Placement and Balloon Angioplasty
While in the process of cardiac catheterization, found blockages can also be treated. A special catheter is used in the process of Thrombectomy to remove the blood clots from heart arteries. To push the blockage against the heart artery wall, balloon angioplasty is used. Atherectomy cuts out the blockage by using a special catheter. A sleeve-like metallic scaffold is positioned via stent placement to hold open the heart artery. To promptly relieve chest pain and reduce heart attack risk, you may have to perform one or all of the above techniques.
Open heart surgery
Open heart surgery is recommended when stents and angioplasty is not an option for bypassing blocked arteries. In the process of bypass surgery, healthy blood vessels are removed from the leg for creating a detour all over the blocked coronary arteries.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
The patients who already had suffered a heart attack and underwent stent place, balloon angioplasty, and open-heart surgery are further referred to Cardiac rehabilitation services. This includes a cardiac gym with exercise bikes, weight lifting equipment, and treadmills. Trained staffs are also available to assist and support patients with education, emotional support, and monitored exercise.
Apart from the above-mentioned cardiovascular services, other services including Transradial Cardiac Catheterization, Defibrillator Placement, Permanent Pacemaker Placement, and PAD also provided to cardiac patients when in need. PeakHeart uses advanced techniques for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms and other cardiovascular diseases and symptoms.
When do you need cardiovascular and heart care services?
The top cause of death in the United States is heart disease. It is, therefore, recommended to visit a cardiologist and volunteer cardiovascular services in case you have any of the following factors. These factors can be responsible for the increase in heart disease risk.
- High blood pressure
- Clinical depression
- Insulin resistance
- Diabetes
- Unhealthy diet consumption
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- High cholesterol
- Stress
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
Apart from the above factors, there are distinct symptoms and warning signs of a heart attack and knowing them is the key to quick treatment. These signs and symptoms are mentioned below.
- Breath shortness
- Chest pain
- Excessive sweating
- Pain in jaw or neck
- Pain in arms
- Chest pressure or tightness.
Conclusion
It is important to visit a Cardiologist if you are facing any symptoms of a cardiovascular condition. If you or someone else you are present with is facing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please visit a board-certified cardiologist immediately.