Cardiovascular Disease Specialist

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease includes a group of diseases that affect your heart or blood vessels. In most cases, cardiovascular disease develops because of a build-up of plaque along the blood vessel walls. 

Accumulation of plaque, known as atherosclerosis, reduces or blocks the flow of blood to your heart or extremities. Atherosclerosis increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

At Florida Hearts, the team offers same-day assessments and treatments to help you get the care you need to improve heart health and prevent serious health complications. 

What are the types of cardiovascular disease?

There are many types of cardiovascular disease:

Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease affects the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart, which increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease affects the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your extremities.

Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease refers to heart abnormalities present at birth.

Heart failure

Heart failure, or congestive heart failure, means your heart isn’t strong enough to pump an adequate amount of blood to the rest of your body. 

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Your heart may beat too slow, too fast, or erratically. 

Heart valve problems

Heart valve problems affect the flow of blood through each chamber in your heart.

How is cardiovascular disease diagnosed?

Florida Hearts is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice. When you come in with concerns about cardiovascular disease, the team conducts a number of diagnostic tests, so you can get the answers you need.

During your exam, the team asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and general lifestyle habits. They perform a physical exam and then run various diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Testing may include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Blood test
• Stress test
• Holter monitor
• Echocardiogram
• CT/PET scan
• Cardiac catheterization
  
  

For your convenience, the team performs many diagnostic tests on-site on the same day as your initial assessment. 

How is cardiovascular disease treated?

The team at Florida Hearts develops personalized treatment plans for cardiovascular disease based on your diagnosis, medical history, and personal preferences.

Treatment may include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• Exercise program
• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Disease-specific medication
• Pacemaker
• Defibrillator
  
  

Florida Hearts also offers external counterpulsation (ECP) therapy, a noninvasive treatment that improves blood circulation to and from your heart. 

When conservative interventions fail to improve your cardiovascular disease, the team at Florida Hearts may recommend a surgical intervention such as coronary bypass, balloon angioplasty, or valve repair or replacement.

For a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular disease from an experienced team, call Florida Hearts, or book an appointment online today.