What are the most common cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular disease includes common problems such as:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Venous insufficiency
- Heart arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathy
Dr. Chadda has extensive experience performing diagnostic tests and cardiac interventions for a wide range of heart conditions.
What cardiology symptoms might I develop?
The symptoms you develop depend on the type of cardiovascular disease and whether the problem is advanced enough to cause problems. However, you’re likely to experience:
- Chest pain
- Pressure in your chest
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Leg swelling
- Leg pain when you walk
- Leg cramping
- Leg ulcers
The first symptom of many cardiovascular conditions only occurs when the disease is advanced, and you have a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke.
What types of cardiology testing might I receive?
At Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates, Dr. Chadda performs a full cardiac evaluation and offers comprehensive diagnostic testing. These are a few examples of the tests you may need:
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An EKG can help Dr. Chadda diagnose heart conditions by recording the electrical signals from your heart. During this procedure, the technician places electrodes on your chest and body to pick up the signals.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram or echo uses safe ultrasound imaging to get detailed images of your heart. There are two types of echocardiograms: transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).
Both types show the size and shape of your heart’s valves, muscles, and arteries. They can also show movement in the muscles and valves.
Nuclear imaging
This highly specialized technique uses small amounts of radioactive materials (radiotracers) to reveal information about the blood flow through your heart. Radiotracers collect in certain tissues, where a scanner picks up their energy and creates images.
Stress testing
A stress test shows how well your heart works when forced to work harder to pump more blood to your body. In most cases, your EKG is recorded while you exercise. If you can’t tolerate exercise, however, Dr. Chadda may use medication to increase the stress on your heart.
Holter and event monitoring
Heart conditions such as arrhythmias may not show up on tests while you’re in the office. When that happens, you may need to wear a device such as a Holter or an event monitor that records your heartbeat throughout the day and night.
What is cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Chadda inserts a narrow catheter into an artery or vein and then gently guides it through the heart’s blood vessels.
During cardiac catheterization, Dr. Chadda can:
- Detect narrowed and blocked blood vessels
- Measure pressure and oxygen levels in your heart
- Evaluate the heart’s pumping ability
- Diagnose heart valve problems
- Take a biopsy
After diagnosing a problem, Dr. Chadda can use specialized instruments inserted via the catheter to repair some problems. For example, he can eliminate a blockage, repair or replace heart valves, and treat irregular heart rhythms.
When you need experienced help for cardiology problems, call Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates, or book an appointment online.
