Middle Georgia Heart

Congestive heart failure is a condition that arises when the heart is no longer able to pump a sufficient amount of blood to the rest of the body. When your heart’s ability to pump blood has weakened, blood and other fluids can back up inside the lungs, liver, abdomen, and lower body, a condition known as edema. Other symptoms of heart failure include: - Coughing & Wheezing - Fatigue - Inability to Exercise - Increased Nighttime Urination - Nausea - Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat - Shortness of Breath - Swollen Legs, Ankles, or Feet - Trouble Concentrating - Weight Gain What Causes Congestive Heart Failure? Heart failure can be caused by other conditions that weaken or impact the heart as well as conditions that affect your arteries. Common causes include: - Coronary Artery Disease - Diabetes - Heart Attack - High Blood Pressure - Hypertension - Obesity How Middle Georgia Heart Can Help The Middle Georgia Heart team is made up of the top cardiovascular care providers in the region. Our specialists take a comprehensive approach and will begin by conducting the necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Tests include electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), echocardiogram, stress tests, heart monitors, and more. Depending on the stage of heart failure, we will take the necessary approach to treatment. For those in the very early stages, lifestyle changes can reverse many of the symptoms. Some of the key changes are: - Controlling Related Symptoms Like High Blood Pressure - Eating a Healthy Diet - Exercising - Managing Stress or Anxiety - Quitting Smoking For those in the later stages, our compassionate and experienced providers may prescribe necessary medication or recommend hospital procedures, such as angiogram or angioplasty.

Atrial Fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is a type of arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat at an irregular speed or rhythm. The heart functions by an electrical impulse that travels through the upper chambers to the lower chambers causing them to contract and creating a heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation disrupts this electrical impulse, causing the atria to quiver rather than beating the way it should. AFib is most common in senior citizens and can be hereditary. Symptoms include: - Chest Pain - Confusion - Dizziness - Fatigue - Palpitations - Shortness of Breath AFib is the leading cause of stroke due to the formation of blood clots it can lead to in the heart. Those suffering from AFib are at nearly twice the risk of developing a stroke. If left untreated, it can also lead to heart failure by decreasing the heart’s ability to pump blood and causing it to grow weaker. What Causes AFib? The primary causes of AFib are other heart or arterial issues, such as: - Congenital Heart Defects - Coronary Artery Disease - Heart Attack - High Blood Pressure - Hypertension - Hyperthyroidism - Sleep Apnea Additionally, heavy smokers and alcohol drinkers are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation than those who abstain. How Middle Georgia Heart Can Help Our expert providers are wholly committed to providing the best cardiovascular care available. They will begin by conducting in-office tests to accurately diagnose whether you have AFib or not. Tests include electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), echocardiogram, Holter Monitor, and various stress and blood tests. If your AFib has an underlying cause, such as hyperthyroidism, treating this cause will often resolve the problem. For others, medication or a pacemaker may be necessary. With all of these treatments, our providers are committed to compassionate, patient-focused care. Your health and wellness are our primary concerns.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that deliver blood to the heart) become clogged with plaque or begin to harden. The buildup of plaque in coronary arteries makes it difficult for blood to get to your heart, causing significant chest discomfort, also known as angina. This chest discomfort can manifest as tightness, heaviness, or pain. In addition to chest discomfort, CAD can cause: - Dizziness - Nausea - Sweating - Shortness of Breath What Causes Coronary Artery Disease? Genetics play a role in the development of CAD, and those with a family history of it are at a much greater risk of developing it. Other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can also increase your likelihood of CAD. Age is another important factor, with men over age 45 and women over age 55 at a greater risk. Additionally, external factors that can damage arteries may also lead to the development of CAD, including: - Alcohol Abuse - Poor Eating Habits - Sedentary Lifestyle - Significant Stress - Smoking How Middle Georgia Heart Can Help Patient care is a central focus at MGH, particularly when dealing with the severity of coronary artery disease. Our team takes a comprehensive approach to your care in order to better treat your specific condition. We begin by obtaining an accurate diagnosis to confirm coronary artery disease or some other cardiovascular condition through expertly administered in-office tests including electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), angiogram, stress test, or echocardiogram. Additionally, we offer advice and direction for lifestyle changes to help you with your coronary artery disease. CAD is both the most abundant form of heart disease and one of the leading causes of death in adults around the world. It causes heart attacks and even sudden death from significant blockages.

The human heart contains four valves that control blood flow to and from the heart and through the entire body. There are three primary problems heart valves face: Atresia – There is no opening and the valve is not formed, meaning blood is blocked from moving between the heart chambers. Regurgitation – Blood leaks backward into the heart because the valve flaps won’t close properly. Stenosis – The valve opening narrows as valve flaps thicken, harden, or fuse together, reducing bloodflow. Valvular heart disease, or heart valve disease, can be present for years before symptoms begin to show up. Symptoms can include: - Chest Pain - Dizziness - Fainting - Fatigue - Irregular Heartbeat - Shortness of Breath What Causes Valvular Heart Disease? Valvular heart disease is often present from birth, or congenital. However, valvular issues and defects can be caused later in life as well. There are numerous ways heart valves can be damaged, such as: - Heart Attack - High Blood Pressure - Infections - Carcinoid Tumors - Rheumatoid Arthritis Lifestyle factors can also play a role in the development or progression of valvular heart disease. Obesity, poor diet, excessive smoking or drinking, and significant stress can all contribute to the severity of the disease. How Middle Georgia Heart Can Help Our providers are among the best in the region and are committed to providing the highest level of cardio care. We’ll begin by conducting the necessary tests to accurately diagnose the condition. Tests for determining valvular heart disease include electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), echocardiogram, stress tests, and heart monitors. As part of our comprehensive approach, we will assist patients in determining healthy lifestyle habits like not smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a healthy diet in order to better treat valvular heart disease. Our providers will prescribe medication and hospital treatments as necessary.

A vascular disease is a condition that affects your vascular system, including your veins, arteries, and vessels. Because your vascular system carries blood from your heart to your organs and other parts of your body, conditions that block or restrict blood flow can be serious. Symptoms of vascular diseases include: - Muscle Atrophy - Numbness in Hands or Feet - Otherwise Unexplained Pain or Swelling - Wounds that Don’t Heal Like other many other diseases, your risk for developing a vascular disease increases with age. However, there are other risk factors as well, such as: - Diabetes - High Cholesterol or Blood Pressure - Obesity - Poor Diet - Sedentary Lifestyle - Smoking Common Types of Vascular Disease There are multiple types of vascular diseases that impact different areas of the body. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) PAD is caused when plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts the delivery of blood and oxygen to the limbs. This can cause difficulty walking, loss of limb function, infections, and more. PAD is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Carotid Artery Disease Similar to PAD, when the carotid arteries become clogged with plaque, they can severely limit the delivery of blood to the brain. This blockage can lead to a stroke. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) AAA is a bulge or enlargement within the aorta, the body’s primary blood vessel. It causes a weakening of the aortic wall, allowing the aneurysm to continue growing. If it ruptures, it can cause significant internal bleeding. Vascular diseases can also include various blood clotting disorders and lymphedema, which is caused by issues with the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. How Middle Georgia Heart Can Help At Middle Georgia Heart, we’re experienced in dealing with the severity of vascular disease. Through expertly administered in-office tests, we’ll determine your precise condition. Once we’ve obtained a clear diagnosis, we’ll develop a comprehensive plan to combat the condition. Along with skilled medical treatment, we provide advice and direction for lifestyle changes that can help improve your vascular condition.

Hyperlipidemia is the presence of unusually high levels of lipids (fats) in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is the primary lipid found in blood and is an essential protein produced by the liver that supports brain function, vitamin storage, hormone production, and more. Hyperlipidemia occurs when too much bad cholesterol enters the bloodstream through production or high-fat foods. Although many cardiovascular conditions carry clear symptoms, hyperlipidemia may not be readily obvious until it’s been present for years. Cholesterol and triglycerides have the potential to build up in the arteries, clogging and narrowing the blood vessels. This build up in the arteries can raise blood pressure and the risk of blood clots, increasing the chances of heart attack or stroke. What Causes Hyperlipidemia? The most common form of hyperlipidemia is genetic. It may also be caused by poor lifestyle and health habits like smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use, and medical conditions like: Diabetes Kidney Disease Hypothyroidism Hypopituitarism Certain medications can also contribute to hyperlipidemia including steroids, birth control, retinoids, estrogen, and more. What is Hypertension? Hypertension, popularly known as high blood pressure, is an extremely common condition that over 85 million people in the United States suffer from. Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Normal blood pressure levels are under 120/80 mm Hg, with hypertension beginning at any numbers above 130/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure can be particularly dangerous because sufferers generally do not experience any symptoms. Only when hypertension reaches extreme levels will symptoms begin to show, such as: - Difficulty Breathing - Headaches - Impaired Vision - Irregular Heartbeat - Heart Palpitations At levels that cause symptoms, hypertension can cause a stroke or heart attack. Long-term, untreated hypertension can lead to heart disease and kidney failure, among other issues.

In order to provide our patients with comprehensive medical care, the Middle Georgia Heart provides numerous in-office procedures and tests. Testing is especially important for cardiovascular conditions as many of them, if caught early, can be treated or even reversed through proper lifestyle changes. Your physician and other medical staff will clearly explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have. You may also consult with your doctor prior to any procedure to determine necessary preparations. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Measurement The ABI uses doplar ultrasound to test for peripheral artery disease (PAD) by measuring bloodflow and checking for blockages. The test is done by placing blood pressure cuffs around the ankles, inflating them, and using a handheld doplar device. This test is similar to a normal blood pressure test and takes just a few minutes. Stress Echocardiography If you’re suspected to be suffering from decreased blood flow to the heart or a narrowing of the coronary arteries, you may need a stress echocardiography. This test uses ultrasound to measure if your heart is efficiently pumping blood throughout your body. We’ll begin by taking resting images of the heart to establish a baseline of the wall motion, or how the heart is squeezing. Patients then exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike (or take medicine if they’re incapable of using the treadmill) to increase their heartrate. With an elevated heartrate, our providers will scan for changes in their heart muscle. Echocardiogram An echocardiogram allows our providers to get a clear view of your heart, its performance, and potential problems through the use of ultrasound. It’s one of the most effective ways to determine heart health and diagnose potential cardiovascular problems. The test is performed by having the patient lie on their back or left side, spreading gel over the chest, and inspecting various areas of the abdomen. Carotid Ultrasound Narrowed carotid arteries can significantly increase the risk of a stroke, and a carotid ultrasound is among the best ways to determine the health of this vital system. A carotid ultrasound is performed by scanning the carotid site with a handheld device called a transducer. The test allows our providers to determine if a blockage or stenosis is present in carotid arteries. The test requires patients to lie on their backs and generally lasts 10-20 minutes. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Each time the heart beats, it produces an electrical impulse, causing the heart’s muscle to squeeze and pump blood to the body. An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, allows our experts to determine the heart’s electrical activity, search for abnormalities, and more. In order to perform the test, our providers will place 10 electrodes on the patient’s arms, legs, and chest. The test is painless and takes just a few minutes. Pacemaker Reading Our expert providers offer pacemaker readings for those suffering from low or pauses in heart rate. We offer 6-month readings and can quickly determine events or issues that have come up during that time period. Additionally, we offer battery changeout for our pacemaker patients. Holter Monitor For patients suffering from irregular cardiac rhythms like palpitations, we may need to monitor the heart over an extended period of time to more accurately gauge and diagnose the problem. A Holter Monitor is a device that allows provides our medical team with continuous cardiac monitoring from 24-48 hours. The monitor records all of the heart’s activity, allowing us to review its performance throughout the day at various times. Event Monitor Similar to the Holter Monitor, the Event Monitor is a wearable device that records heart activity over an extended period of time, generally up to 21 days. The only real limitation of the device is that it must be removed prior to showering or bathing. Nuclear Exercise Stress Test A nuclear exercise stress test is performed in order to detect blockages in the heart and analyze its performance during stages of rest and stages of stress. At the beginning of the test, the patient will be injected with a safe radioactive substance, known as a tracer, that is photographed with special imaging technology to capture photos of the performance of the heart and its arteries. Following this, instead of using the treadmill to achieve a state of “stress,” the patient will take a special medication that causes the heart to reach the necessary level of activity for the test to be completed. The patient will then be injected with the tracer once more and further pictures will be taken.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram If your doctor suspects your heart may be producing blood clots, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) offers a close look of the structure of the heart through the use of ultrasound. A small tube containing a transducer is inserted into the esophagus through the mouth and produces sound waves that produce clear pictures of the heart and its performance. This test provides more detail than the standard cardiogram. Angiogram/Heart Catheterization If you’re experiencing artery blockages and the associated symptoms, an angiogram may be used to diagnose the problem and help your surgeon determine the best treatment for you. This procedure is also known as a coronary arteriography. A small tube known as a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery in the groin or an artery in the arm. By injecting an iodine dye as a contrast agent, the doctor can use X-rays to obtain clear pictures of the blockage site. Angioplasty For those suffering from a narrowed or blocked coronary artery, an angioplasty can open the vessel back up and restore blood supply to the heart. This is achieved by inserting a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin and threading it through to the problem area. The catheter carries an uninflated balloon and inflates it at the site. As the balloon is inflated, it flattens and compresses the built-up plaque against the wall of the artery, widening the artery. Angioplasty is often followed by the placement of an arterial stent. Arterial Stent Depending on the location of the blockage and the size of the artery, your doctor may implant an arterial stent during your angioplasty. After the balloon has compressed the plaque and widened the artery, a stent is positioned to keep the blocked vessel open. The heart stent is meant to be permanent and the lining of the artery will eventually grow over it. Implantable Loop Recorder For those suffering from irregular heart symptoms, an implantable loop recorder (ILR) may be used by your doctor to monitor your heart over an extended period of time. An ILR is suitable for irregular and inconsistent symptoms that may have days or weeks between episodes, including fainting, seizures, palpitations, lightheadedness, or dizziness. The device uses two methods for recording the heart’s electrical activity. 1. The doctor will set a minimum heart rate value and the ILR will begin recording when the heart drops below it. 2. The ILR can begin manually recording by pushing a button on the activator during a spell of dizziness, lightheadedness, or palpitations. The implantation is relatively minor and very low risk, and the device itself is about the size of a USB memory stick. It requires a small, 1.5-inch incision near the breastbone. Patients are able to go home the same day and the device can be used for up to three years. Pacemaker Implantation A pacemaker may be a necessity for patients suffering from irregular heartbeats and a faulty electrical system in the heart. The pacemaker can be used to moderate the heart rate by sending electrical impulses to the heart at the right time, helping it maintain a healthy rhythm. The surgery to implant the pacemaker is minor, requiring just a 5cm incision for implantation. Once you have your pacemaker, you will receive a pacemaker registration card in case of emergency. You may also need it to pass through metal detectors at the airport. Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closures The upper chambers of the heart have a wall separating them called the septum. While a baby is in the womb, the septum has a hole called the foramen ovale, allowing the fetus to receive blood from its mother. Following birth, the foramen ovale is supposed to close. When it doesn’t, this is known as a patent foramen ovale. By using a catheter, your doctor can place a permanent device to keep the foramen ovale closed. This device is called a PFO Occluder, wire mesh made from nickel and titanium alloy.

Although genetics play a major role in many cases of cardiovascular disease, preventing heart disease and other related issues is very possible – particularly when the risk is detected early. At the Middle Georgia Heart, we believe in providing our patients with a comprehensive approach to their cardiovascular care, and prevention is a major aspect of this. Our experts will work with you to develop a lifestyle plan to help minimize your chance of developing a cardiovascular condition or fight-off the early stages of a condition. Am I at Risk? There are some factors that play a role in cardiovascular diseases that are unavoidable. These include: Family History Those with a family history of heart disease are at a much greater risk of developing complications at some point in their lives. It’s generally recommended that you begin testing at a younger age. Gender Gender can play a major role in susceptibility to cardiovascular conditions. Although men are generally more susceptible to heart disease, women have unique risks, including a higher chance of developing less common symptoms. Age As with most diseases, the older you get, the more risk you’re at for developing a cardiovascular disease or condition. This risk spikes around age 45 for men and age 55 for women. Ethnicity & Race Some ethnic groups are at a higher risk than others of developing heart disease. African Americans are at a higher risk than Caucasians, and both groups are at a higher risk than Hispanic Americans. How Can I Decrease My Risk? Despite these factors that simply cannot be avoided or changed, there are many ways you can decrease your chances of developing heart disease or some other cardiovascular condition. Eat Right You’ve probably heard this all your life, but it’s absolutely true – a heart-healthy diet can significantly improve your life and help you fight cardiovascular problems. By eliminating or severely limiting saturated fats, sugary food, food high in sodium, and food high in cholesterol, your risk of heart disease will drop dramatically. Exercise Often Exercising regularly can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Heart-healthy exercises include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or playing an active sport, like tennis or basketball. Manage Your Stress Stress can have a multitude of health ramifications, especially cardiovascular health. It can raise cholesterol and blood pressure significantly. Although stress is a normal part of everyday life, there are numerous strategies for managing and reducing it, including exercising, getting more rest, finding a hobby, and more.