The heart is an intricate organ that provides a critical role towards your overall health and well-being. When a component of the heart fails to function properly, either the vessels, valves or muscle, the entire body is at risk. At Corrielus Cardiology, we proudly treat a full menu of heart conditions so that patients can regain a healthier life and avoid the serious consequences of heart disease. Our wellness center specializes in non-invasive treatments that are carried out with superior, patient-centered care.
Trust Corrielus Cardiology in Philadelphia to address the following heart conditions:
A bulge in the artery wall can pose a serious threat to your health, especially if it develops in the body’s main blood vessel (aortic aneurysm). If the balloon-like bulge expands too far or too rapidly, the vessel is susceptible to rupture.
A type of chest pain that occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to the heart. Angina may be felt as chest tightness, pressure or squeezing pain. Coronary artery disease is a primary culprit to angina because it causes narrowing or blockage of the heart’s arteries.
A narrowing or blockage of the aortic valve can restrict blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis is a consequence of progressive damage, infection or abnormality in the aortic valve.
A condition marked by a “tearing” of the inner lining of the aorta, or the heart’s main blood vessel. Aortic dissection can cause aortic rupture or aneurysm when severe.
Also known as AFib or AF, this condition is marked by the presence of an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia in the upper heart chambers. If left unchecked, atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications such as blood clots, stroke and heart failure.
A condition of the heart that involves improper function of the aortic valve. When the aortic valve fails to close normally, blood is regurgitated back into the left ventricle of the heart, where it can cause enlargement and weakening.
An indication of an abnormal heart rate, either too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or with an irregular pattern. Arrhythmias can cause a wide range of symptoms, from barely noticeable to complete cardiovascular collapse.
The presence of plaque accumulation within the arteries. The buildup of fatty deposits causes a narrowing and stiffening of arteries, which can restrict sufficient blood flow to the heart and to the body’s organs. This can lead to stroke or heart attack if it ruptures in the coronary artery.
A slow heart rate, often below 60 beats per minute. While harmless in some people, this can also be an indication that the heart’s electrical system is unable to keep up with proper heart function and efficiency.
When the heart is suddenly unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. The condition is typically the result of a severe heart attack and requires immediate treatment.
A condition involving poor muscle tone in the heart, which impairs its ability to pump blood to the body’s tissues, organs and surrounding muscles. There are various types of cardiomyopathy, including those that are caused by heart attack and blocked arteries and those that are caused by inflammation, viruses or medications.
Pain or discomfort in the region of the chest, which can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain. While chest pain can be a symptom of asthma, heartburn or anxiety, it can also be a warning sign of heart attack or coronary artery disease.
A condition that occurs when the vein valves in the leg are not functioning properly and blood is not able to return to the heart the way it should. This causes blood to pool in the legs, which can result in varicose veins, swelling and skin changes.
Structural or functional abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. Some congenital heart disorders require careful monitoring and/or treatment, such as those that involve problems with the heart’s walls (ventricular septal defect) or heart valve defects.
A condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body. Congestive heart failure can be chronic or acute and commonly produces symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling of the legs.
The leading cause of heart attack and most common type of heart disease. CAD involves a restricted supply of blood to the heart due to narrowing or hardening arteries caused by plaque buildup in the artery wall.
Deep Venous Insufficiency/Pulmonary Embolism
When there is a malfunctioning or clotted vein deep inside the body, typically the main artery in the leg. If there is a blood clot that breaks loose and travels to the main artery in the lung, it may cause a pulmonary embolism.
A metabolic disease that occurs when a patient’s blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. If not properly managed, diabetes can cause heart disease and other serious health complications over time.
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea can be a warning sign for a number of cardiac conditions, ranging from arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension to valvular disease and congestive heart failure.
Dizziness can be attributed to a number of factors or health conditions. However, feeling lightheaded can also be warning sign of serious heart failure, especially when accompanied by other heart-related symptoms.
Retention of fluid within the legs, also known as peripheral edema. When it comes to cardiac health, this can be an indication of worsening congestive heart failure or peripheral artery disease.
Heart Attack/Myocardial Infarction
A sudden blockage in blood and oxygen to the heart. The blocked artery must be quickly opened in order to restore proper blood flow and help patients avoid potential damage to the heart muscle. A heart attack is a medical emergency.
The sound of blood flowing through the heart. Heart murmurs can be congenital or caused by a defective heart valve. Most heart murmurs in children are harmless.
An increased amount of lipids (fatty deposits) in the blood, marked by a total cholesterol level above 240 mg/dL. High cholesterol can cause narrowed or blocked arteries and put you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Diet and medication are highly effective for lowering high cholesterol.
High blood pressure, or blood pressure that measures over 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension can be a primary or secondary condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney problems if left untreated.
An infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) that often affects the heart valves. IE can be a life-threatening bacterial infection that demands prompt treatment.
A cluster or collection of symptoms that increases a patient’s risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome can include high blood pressure, increased blood sugars, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Also termed mitral valve insufficiency, a condition in which the heart's mitral valve fails to close tightly, which causes a backflow of blood to the heart. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat may be present.
The sensation that your heart is beating too fast, too slow or irregularly. Heart palpitations can be attributed to a variety of causes, ranging from short-term stress to a type of heart arrhythmia.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Atherosclerosis (cholesterol buildup) within the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. Patients with PAD may suffer from aneurysms and are at a five times greater risk for heart attack.
A type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs as well as the right side of the heart. Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or chest pressure.
Conditions that affect the blood vessels of your kidneys (the renal arteries and veins). Renal artery stenosis can result in poor blood supply and oxygen to the kidneys.
When blood supply to the brain is cut off or interrupted, resulting in cell death. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and is considered a medical emergency. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor.
A condition in which the heart abruptly and unexpectedly stops beating, which stops blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is life-threatening if not treated within minutes.
A temporary loss of consciousness caused by restricted blood supply to the brain. Fainting is often associated with hypotension, or low blood pressure.
Defect or damage in one of four valves of the heart (mitral, aortic, tricuspid or pulmonary). Valvular heart disease is commonly a result of the aging process but can be associated with a variety of causes.
To learn more about the heart conditions we treat at Corrielus Cardiology, please contact our office today. We provide preventative screenings and non-invasive cardiac testing for your convenience.
