Using a Catheter-Based Approach for Structural Heart Disease Treatment
Andreas Gruentzig is credited with pioneering the field of interventional cardiology. In the 1970s, he performed a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. In the years that have followed, medical science has developed balloons, stents, steering wires and other devices that allow percutaneous coronary intervention to be performed on just about every patient who has some form of coronary artery disease.
Valvular heart disease occurs when the valves of the cardiac system aren’t working correctly due to congenital defect, infection such as rheumatic fever or endocarditis or health conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, syphilis, high blood pressure, aortic aneurysms and connective tissue disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with valvular heart disease, don’t panic. Our team at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey can create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that deliver blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the heart. When they are damaged or weakened, coronary artery disease develops. Deposits that contain cholesterol, known as plaque, and inflammation are major contributors to this condition.
Sclerotherapy is a popular procedure that is used to address issues with spider veins and varicose veins. It involves injecting a special solution into a problem vein in order to cause the vein to collapse. As it collapsed, it becomes sealed. Blood can no longer pass through the vein and will find another pathway. Over time, the treated vein will be absorbed and bothersome veins will no longer be visible. The procedure does not work immediately, but it will eventually resolve the problems that are brought on by unwanted veins.
Varicose veins are those blood vessels that can become visible through the skin because of the discoloration they can cause. They can also cause the skin to bulge out, making them even more noticeable. In addition to the appearance impact, they can cause discomfort and increase the risk of developing blood clots. When left untreated, the symptoms can worsen. Untreated varicose veins can eventually lead to the development of ulcers on the skin as well.
It sounds like a no-brainer to say that a person needs to take care of their heart. However, when you look at the United States, you see that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. And what makes things even sadder is the fact that in most cases, these cardiovascular related deaths are preventable through proper cardiovascular care. There are certain steps that a person can take to protect themselves against cardiovascular disease. The majority of them are very simple and can easily be worked into a healthy lifestyle.
Symptoms and Treatments of Structural Heart Disease
Learning that you have structural heart disease can be overwhelming news to receive. Everyone understands that the heart is key to body functioning. If your heart does not function well, then your body will not function well. At times, it can even lead to death. Knowing the basics about structural heart disease can go a long way in helping you understand the treatment that our doctor prescribes as well as what your end prognosis may be after treatment.
Every day, people are realizing just how important it is for them to take steps to protect their cardiovascular health. Stress testing is an excellent way to determine the condition of your heart and if you have or are at risk of developing heart disease.
Finding the Right Physician to Treat Valvular Heart Disease
Your heart is the most important organ in your body. When your heart stops, you stop. For this reason, any surgery that is done on your heart should only be performed by the best surgeon available. If you are looking for a physician who can properly address your valvular heart disease, look no further than the team of doctors at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey.
