Author: Dev Team

Post author By Dev Team
Post date March 24, 2024

Heart disease is often misconceived as a condition that predominantly affects men. However, it stands as the leading cause of death for women worldwide, presenting unique risks and symptoms that can differ significantly from those experienced by men. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of heart disease in women. This article explores the unique aspects of heart health in women, including risk factors, symptoms, and effective prevention strategies.

Understanding the Unique Risks

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of heart disease in women, some of which are common to both genders, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. However, women face specific challenges that can elevate their risk, including:

Menopause: The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases due to changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood vessel health.
Pregnancy Complications: Conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia during pregnancy can have long-term effects on heart health.
Autoimmune Diseases: Women are more likely to develop autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which can increase heart disease risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of heart disease in women can also differ from the classic symptoms experienced by men. While chest pain is a common symptom for both genders, women are more likely to experience subtle symptoms that may be overlooked, including:

Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Back or jaw pain
Dizziness or fainting
Fatigue

These symptoms, especially when they occur during everyday activities or rest, should prompt immediate medical attention.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing heart disease in women involves addressing the unique risk factors and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle:

Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening can help detect potential issues early.
Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce heart disease risk.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can be effective stress reducers.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking cessation and moderating alcohol intake are critical steps in reducing heart disease risk.

Conclusion

Heart health in women requires special consideration due to unique risk factors and symptoms. By understanding these differences, women can take proactive steps toward preventing heart disease. Regular medical check-ups, lifestyle changes, and awareness of the symptoms are key components of a heart-healthy approach. Empowering women with knowledge and resources to address heart health can lead to earlier detection, more effective treatment, and ultimately, a reduction in heart disease-related mortality among women.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date April 15, 2023

Man feels strong foot pain while walking outdoor. People, healthcare and medicine concept

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem that occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, most commonly the legs. It is estimated that around 8 million people in the United States have PAD, and the prevalence of the disease increases with age. PAD is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events, such as limb ischemia leading to amputation. In this article, we will discuss how PAD increases the risk of CVD and the underlying mechanisms that link the two conditions.

The Link between PAD and CVD

PAD is a manifestation of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque accumulates within the walls of arteries, causing them to become stiff and narrow. Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease that can affect any artery in the body, including those that supply blood to the heart and brain. When plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, it can cause coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Similarly, when plaque accumulates in the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain, it can cause carotid artery disease, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

PAD and CVD share many common risk factors, such as age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The accumulation of plaque in the arteries is a complex process that involves inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, which are also involved in the development of CVD. However, the mechanisms by which PAD increases the risk of CVD are not entirely clear and are likely to be multifactorial.

One possible mechanism is that PAD can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart and brain, which can cause ischemia and hypoxia. Ischemia refers to a lack of blood supply, while hypoxia refers to a lack of oxygen supply. These conditions can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which further narrows the arteries and exacerbates the ischemia and hypoxia. In the heart, this can lead to angina pectoris (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack). In the brain, this can lead to transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

Another possible mechanism is that PAD can cause endothelial dysfunction, which is a condition in which the cells that line the arteries (endothelial cells) do not function properly. Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and is characterized by reduced production of nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator that helps to regulate blood flow and prevent platelet aggregation. When endothelial cells are dysfunctional, they produce less nitric oxide, which can lead to vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis. These processes can contribute to the development of CVD by causing coronary artery spasm, thrombosis, or plaque rupture.

In addition to these mechanisms, PAD and CVD may also share common genetic factors. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci that are associated with both PAD and CVD, indicating that there may be shared pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the two conditions. However, more research is needed to understand the genetic basis of PAD and CVD and their interactions with environmental factors.

Prevention and Treatment

Given the strong link between PAD and CVD, it is important to prevent and treat PAD as early as possible. Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, can help to reduce the risk of both PAD and CVD. In addition to prevention, there are treatments once the diagnosis of PAD has been established. The common treatments include medications such as statins, antiplatelet and anticoagulation agents, and blood pressure-lowering drugs can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. For severe atherosclerotic disease with major symptomatic blockages or occlusions, PAD, CAD and CVD are treated with both minimally invasive catheter techniques and surgical procedures.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date January 5, 2023

Has your doctor advised you to include omega-3-rich food in your diet to reduce the risk of developing heart disease?

One person dies every 34 sec from cardiovascular disease in the USA with heart disease. The situation is getting grimmer every day, and doctors and researchers are working hand-in-hand to reduce the number of people developing heart ailments.

Several pieces of research have shown that including Omega-rich food in the diet can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Let us understand how omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of developing a heart attack.

Does supplementation with marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of a heart attack?

The American Heart Association advocates that Americans eat fish at least twice a week to lower their risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). A diet high in marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids like Mussel oil, which includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), from fish and seafood sources lowers rates of inflammation and heart disease risk.

Observational studies show that men with CHD who had a previous heart attack significantly reduced their risk of a subsequent heart attack if they consumed more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. A different trial of men with angina reported increased associations of CHD-related deaths when consuming more omega-3 fatty acids.

Aung et al. (year) published an article investigating if supplementation with marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids has any associations with reductions in fatal or non-fatal coronary heart disease in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease in the Journal of American Medical Association Cardiology. The study included a meta-analysis of 10 randomized control trials comparing people in the treatment group versus the placebo group for at least one year in populations with previous CHD, a stroke, or a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The previous trials reported conflicting results without being able to substantiate support for or against omega-3 consumption. For example, the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell’Infarto Miocardico (GISSI)-Prevenzione trial involved 11,323 recent survivors of a heart attack. Patients who took omega-3 fatty acids experienced a 10% reduction in major cardiovascular events compared to the placebo group. The Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study (JELIS) trial involved 18, 645 participants with a total cholesterol of 243.24 mg/dL or higher. Almost 20% had a prior CHD in those who took omega-3 fatty acids, and 19% reported a reduction in CHD events. However, none of the placebo-controlled trials reported any significant decrease in CHD or mortality. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude whether omega-3 fatty acids make a substantial difference in reducing cardiovascular events compared to taking a statin.

In summary, the current meta-analysis involved 77,917 individuals who took marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids for an average of 4.4 years. These individuals showed no significant reductions in fatal or non-fatal CHD or any major vascular events (stroke, heart attack, and peripheral arterial disease). The researchers concluded that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids did not cause lower mortality or cancer. Since this was a meta-analysis, a significant amount of data was gathered together instead of individual analysis. Thus, researchers concluded that the AHA recommendation to take Omega-3 fatty acids to prevent coronary heart disease is unnecessary and shows no benefit for the consumer.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date January 5, 2023

It is no secret that cardiovascular disease is both extremely common and serious. Chances are, you have been affected by cardiovascular disease in some way or another, whether it is personally or through a loved one. It should be unsurprising, then, to know that such conditions are researched tirelessly by experts in the medical field as they seek to understand, prevent, and treat these horrible diseases.

While progress has been made in the former two categories, the latter has seen tremendous strides in recent years thanks to the persistence and ingenuity of researchers. A perfect example of this creativity can be seen in a recent study that tested the effect of gout medication on the recovery of those who have suffered heart attacks.

Why did the researchers choose this particular drug and what were the results? Read on to find out!

The Study

Inflammation plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases and events, prompting medical professionals to consider anti-inflammatory medication as a possible treatment for those who have recently experienced a heart attack. To test this theory, nearly 5,000 patients who had experienced a heart attack within 30 days were recruited.

Of these participants, approximately half were assigned to the control group that received placebo medication; the other half received colchicine, an anti-inflammatory gout medication. All participants were tracked for about two years before the data was examined and the results were compared.

The findings were as interesting as they were potentially groundbreaking. The risk of ischemic cardiovascular events in those who received the gout medication was significantly lower than those who received the placebo. This is, of course, exceptionally positive news for those who have suffered a heart attack.

It is important to note, however, that there were some negative side effects associated with the gout medication. Those included in the colchicine group experienced diarrhea at a higher rate than those in the placebo group. Worse, the colchicine group had an increased risk of pneumonia—a serious adverse event.

What it Means

Lower risk of ischemic cardiovascular events is a big deal and a huge step forward in the treatment of those who have recently experienced heart attacks. Not only are the results tangible in the immediate sense, but they also confirm a link between anti-inflammatory medication and reduced risk of cardiovascular events.

As such, this study sets the groundwork for future studies to build upon. A solid correlation has been proven, not researchers can move forward with even more treatment techniques. It may even lead to heart attack prevention methods!

While living with heart ailment can be distressing but if managed properly you can prevent serious complications. If you are looking for a cardiologist for treatment please contact Peak Heart which is one of the leading providers for heart and vascular services.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date January 5, 2023

For years, doctors have encouraged aging Americans to take a daily low dose (typically 81 mg) of aspirin every day, to prevent thickening of the blood and reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes. Low doses of aspirin are prescribed to knock out blood platelets and thin the blood, reducing the risk of forming blood clots, which can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.

However, two leading cardiology groups – the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) – recently recanted that advice, saying that in most situations an aspirin a day is not necessary and may even do more harm than good.

Why the Change of Heart?

According to recent research, for low-risk adults who have no history of heart attack, stroke, or cardiac surgeries, taking a low-dose aspirin daily may cause bleeding, which is now considered a greater risk than benefit.

A 2010 St. George’s, University of London study of more than 100,000 people determined that an aspirin a day reduced heart risks by 10 percent, but that there was a 30 percent increase in life-threatening or debilitating internal bleeding. Also, they found that of those individuals who took a daily aspirin for around 6 years, 1 in 120 avoided a potential cardiovascular event, but 1 in 73 experienced potentially significant bleeding.

Even in low doses, aspirin can eat away the stomach lining, which causes bleeding and ulcers internally. Because low dose aspirin also slows down blood clotting, it also means more blood loss when external cuts and other injuries occur.

However, both the AHA and ACC continued to emphasize that a daily aspirin is important for high risk individuals – particularly those with a medical history of stroke, heart attack, or other cardiac procedures like stents or open-heart surgery. For these high-risk individuals, an aspirin a day may save their lives.

For low-to-average risk individuals, however, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a much smarter way to protect their heart taking a low-dose aspirin. A heart-healthy lifestyle includes the following smart behaviors:

Not smoking or vaping and avoiding secondhand smoke.
Eating heart-healthy diets that include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean meats and fish.
Limiting salt, fried foods, processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Maintaining a healthy weight.

High Cholesterol and Diabetes

Another reason for the reduced need for daily aspirin is that overall, doctors are doing a better job at treating risk factors such as high cholesterol and diabetes.

Keeping arteries clear by controlling cholesterol is an important step to prevent heart disease. While the above healthy behaviors can often help with high cholesterol, sometimes statins – a type of medication designed to reduce cholesterol – may need to be taken for people with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of 190 mg/dl or higher. Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes or who are considered to have high potential for a heart attack or stroke may also need to take statins.

In some situations, a low-dose aspirin a day may still be a good idea for people who struggle with controlling blood sugar or cholesterol. This really depends on whether or not their risk for bleeding outweighs the possible benefits of aspirin.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date December 2, 2022

Have you recently been experiencing abnormal heart palpitations or chest pain? This could be an early sign of heart ailment.

Heart ailments often are accompanied by an impending fear of something fatal. Often people begin looking for a cardiologist after experiencing initial symptoms of heart ailments like chest discomfort, and palpitation. But the first question that comes to their mind is how to choose the best cardiovascular specialist to manage their heart ailments.

Since the heart is a vital organ, you must ensure that you get treated by the best cardiovascular specialists. However, choosing the best doctor for managing heart ailments sometimes becomes difficult.

While selecting the right cardiologist for you or your loved one is your decision here, are a few tips that can help to ease the selection process:

Consider the experience of the Cardiovascular specialist:

When it comes to your heart, you must make an informed decision, and choosing a doctor is one of the crucial decisions you make. While selecting a cardiovascular specialist, do consider their experience.

However, while considering the experience, you must ascertain the experience in successfully managing heart ailments.

Prefer a doctor with whom you feel comfortable to talk:

While choosing a heart specialist, you must ascertain that you are comfortable talking to the doctor about your condition. Sometimes due to gender or age, a few people hesitate to discuss their symptoms with their doctor.

The inability to discuss symptoms can sometimes cause complications. Therefore, you must choose a doctor with whom you can freely discuss your symptoms.

Ascertain the qualification of the doctor:

Before selecting a heart specialist for treatment, you must check their qualification. You must always opt for a Board certified heart specialist. The Board certification ascertains the training, skills, and experience your doctor has in managing cardiology-related issues.

Also, ensure that your doctor does not have a history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

Check the hospital the doctor is associated with:

Before choosing a doctor, you must also check for the hospital they are associated with. Heart ailments can sometimes call for an emergency. Sometimes the emergency can call for hospitalization.

To ensure that your or your loved one having heart ailment gets the best care, you must ensure that they are admitted to a hospital with advanced facilities.

Also, consider choosing a doctor to ensure it is associated with a hospital that is in your close vicinity.

Check what other patients have to say about the doctor:

Before selecting a doctor, you must also check the reviews that other people have shared.

These patient reviews can help you get an insight into their experience with scheduling appointments, office environment, wait time, and office friendliness.

Also, these reviews give you an idea of how much time the doctor spends. These reviews also give you an idea of how well the doctor answers your queries about their health.

Conclusion:

Your heart health is vital, and choosing the right cardiovascular specialist is crucial. While choosing a doctor is a critical and equally important decision. We understand that selecting a doctor is not easy, however, by considering the above-given tips, the selection process of a doctor can be made easy.

FAQ:

1. How do I choose a heart specialist in Arizona?

Choosing a heart specialist in Arizona is not difficult anymore. You can choose a doctor based on the tips we have discussed above. Apart from that, you must also ensure that the chosen heart specialist, from Arizona, participates in your insurance plans. By assuring this, you can avoid spending money from your pocket.

1. Why choose a cardiovascular specialist for women?

Post-menopause women are more prone to develop heart-related ailments. [1] But sometimes, women do not feel comfortable talking about their symptoms with the doctor. The inhibition of women to share about their personal life can cause complications. To avoid these complications women must choose a cardiologist after being sure that they are comfortable with them.

1. Why should I choose a doctor based on my comfort?

Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable. If you are not comfortable talking with your doctor, you will not discuss your symptoms with them. This lack of communication between you and your doctor can sometimes cause fatal health outcomes.

1. When should I see a cardiologist?

You should visit a cardiovascular specialist if you’re experiencing:

1. - An abnormal feeling that your heart is beating very fast (heart palpitations)
  - Dizziness.
  - Shortness of breath especially, while climbing stairs or uphill
  - Constant chest discomfort.
  - Unexplained swelling in the legs

1. What are the early signs of heart ailments?

The early signs of heart ailments include:

- Pain and discomfort in the chest
- Sudden pain in the left side of the arm and neck. The pain
- sometimes extends to the jaws and teeth.
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Swelling in the legs
- Consistent cough
- Abnormal heartbeat

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date November 27, 2022

The Number One Cause of Death

Cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of deaths in the world. According to American Heart Association, 17.3 million people die due to heart disease. This figure is expected to be more than 23.6 million by the year 2030. We will examine the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of heart attacks and discuss how diet and fitness can be utilized to prevent future attacks.

What is the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Often, people confuse a heart attack with cardiac arrest. Although related, the two are different conditions. A heart attack occurs after the coronary artery is blocked and prevents necessary blood and oxygen from reaching parts of the heart. These parts begin to die as a result. Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and usually without any warning. It is the product of an electrical malfunction which makes the heart stop beating unexpectedly. A heart attack increases the risk of having a cardiac arrest.

Causes of Heart Attack

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease is the most common cause of heart attacks. CHD occurs when the coronary arteries that are responsible for bringing oxygenated blood to the heart are blocked or clogged. Blocking takes place when cholesterol deposits, also referred to as plaques, build up inside the arteries. The process usually takes place over a couple of years. The plaque eventually ruptures leading to a blood clot which, if it becomes large enough, blocks blood from flowing to the heart. If not treated promptly, portions of the heart begin to die, and scar tissue replaces healthy heart tissue.

Coronary Artery Spasm

Coronary artery spasms are less common causes of heart attacks. A spasm is a severe tightening of the coronary artery. The tightening interrupts blood flow to the heart. It is not yet clear what causes these spasms, but it could be related to substance abuse, emotional stress or exposure to extreme cold.

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is lack of enough oxygen in the blood. It is a less common cause of heart attacks, too. Levels of oxygen in the blood may decrease due to carbon monoxide poisoning or malfunctioning in the lungs. If the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygenated blood, its muscles may get damaged thus triggering a heart attack.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Attack?

Identifying early signs of an impending heart attack is crucial for prompt treatment. Heart attacks usually start slowly, and their symptoms will vary from one individual to another. They may include;

Chest Pain – Most heart attack patients experience discomfort in their chest which manifests as pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain. The pain usually lasts a couple of minutes and may disappear and come back. It may spread to the neck, back, shoulders or head and is one of the most common symptoms of heart attack in both genders.
Shortness of Breath – You may experience difficulty in breathing, which is a medical condition referred to as dyspnea. It may occur with chest pain or without chest pain.
Nausea – a less common symptom of heart attacks. Sometimes it is accompanied by burping or belching. Severe nausea may lead to vomiting. This symptom is more common in women than men.
Feeling tired for no reason
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Sweating
Heartburn and indigestion
Upper body discomfort

How Are Heart Attacks Diagnosed?

A doctor will inquire about your medical history and that of your family before carrying out any tests. They may also do a physical exam and a host of other tests and procedures which may include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – The procedure records the heart’s electrical signals. It monitors its rate and rhythm and assists the doctor in detecting any irregularities in the rhythm and structure. ECG is performed when you’re exercising or during rest.
Blood Tests – The doctor may use blood tests to measure the extent of the heart damage. When the cells of the heart are injured, they release cardiac enzymes into the bloodstream. Measuring the level of these enzymes will help determine the extent of the damage.
Chest x-ray – To take a look at the inner structure of the heart, blood vessels and lungs, a chest x-ray is beneficial. This imaging reveals any anomalies and disorders that could be CHD related.
Echocardiography – Defined as the use of sound waves and echo to create images of the heart, Echocardiography reveals details about the shape and size of the heart. Echo can detect heart muscle injury, poor blood flow and unusual contractions.
Stress Test – Stress testing uses rigorous exercises or medication to raise your heart rate. The doctor then performs tests to check how your heart is responding to the demand for more blood and oxygen.

How Can You Prevent Future Heart Attacks?

A healthy lifestyle means a healthy life. Living a healthy lifestyle will not only help in preventing a heart attack but also accelerate the recovery process. Studies have revealed that eating healthy foods and exercising lowers the risk of getting a heart attack significantly. Eating anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats reduces inflammation thus decreasing the risk of CHD. Such foods include:

Fruits
Vegetables
Legumes and beans
Herbs and spices like raw garlic and turmeric
Red wine
Green tea or white tea

Regular exercises also help prevent heart attacks by improving blood flow, providing cells with more oxygen, controlling blood sugar levels and managing hormones. Other home remedies may include stress reduction, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation and maintaining a healthy weight.

What is the Treatment for Heart Attack?

Treatment for a heart attack should commence as soon as possible. How quick the response is could mean life or death. That’s the reason why treatment should begin even before getting to the hospital. The most important thing is to restore the flow of blood, and it can be done using aspirin, Nitroglycerin and oxygen therapy. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may commence the following treatments:

Medication – this may include pain relievers, thrombolytics, antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors.
Coronary angioplasty and stenting – a long tube is inserted into the artery to unblock and restore blood flow.
Coronary artery bypass surgery – it involves creating a new route for the blood by sewing vessels to bypass the blocked section.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait for a heart attack to react. You can take preventive measures by eating healthy and exercising regularly. If you detect the symptoms outlined above or you suspect that you are going through a heart attack, you should seek medical treatment almost immediately. Every minute counts. The longer you wait, the greater the extent of the damage.

You can learn how heart attack in women is different in our blog.

Reference:

American Heart Association

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date October 5, 2022

Aortic valve replacement(AVR) is the standard treatment for patients with severe symptomatic Aortic Stenosis (AS). This procedure can be carried out surgically through open-heart surgery or through a minimally invasive approach. Both procedures have their own specific indications along with risks and benefits.

Indications for Aortic valve replacement (AVR)

The identification of candidates is based on symptoms and echocardiogram findings. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have released guidelines for AVR in 2014.

Valve replacement is highly beneficial and is strongly recommended

Individuals who are symptomatic with severe AS with high-pressure gradient across the valve.
Asymptomatic individuals with severe AS and a reduction in the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) to <50%. The LVEF is a measure of the function of the heart and reduction is a marker for disease progression with poor prognosis.
Individuals with severe AS who are planned to undergo some other cardiac surgery.

Valve replacement is beneficial and may be recommended

Individuals who are asymptomatic with severe AS who are at low risk from surgery.
Individuals with severe asymptomatic AS who experience a reduction in exercise tolerance

Choice of Valve Surgery

After the decision is made to replace the aortic valve, there are two procedures to consider

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

The patient undergoes evaluation by a multidisciplinary heart valve team which includes a cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

This procedure involves open-heart surgery and is the treatment of choice provided the individual has a high mortality benefit and is not at increased risk of complications from surgery. This is preferred when the patient is to undergo cardiac surgery for another condition.

The procedure of Surgical Aortic valve replacement

The patient is taken to the operating room and is placed under general anesthesia. An incision is made into the chest to access the heart. The heart is stopped and the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine. The abnormal valve is removed and is replaced with a new valve. Once the procedure is complete, the patient is taken off the heart-lung machine. The skin is closed and he or she is revived from anaesthesia.

The new heart valve may be made from any of the following

Animal heart valves from pigs or horses
Metallic prosthesis
Valves from human cadavers

Complications of Surgical Aortic valve replacement

Complications related to anaesthesia
Infection
Heart attack
Abnormal heart rhythms
Blood clot formation
Stroke

Post-procedure

After the surgery, the patient is placed for a specified duration on blood thinners to prevent clot formation on the new valve and also receives antibiotics to prevent infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement

This is a newer procedure that is minimally invasive. This procedure carries fewer risks and is the treatment of choice in patients who have contraindications to surgery. The benefits of TAVR are faster recovery and fewer days spent in the hospital as compared to SAVR. The long-term effects of TAVR appear to be favorable, however further studies and trials are required to recommend TAVR as first-line therapy.

There are 3 approaches to access the heart to perform this procedure

Transfemoral: the catheter is inserted through a puncture in the femoral artery located in the groin.
Transapical: A small cut is made between the ribs on the left side of the chest overlying the apex of the heart.
Transaortic: A small cut is made in the upper part of the chest at the level of the aorta.

The patient is usually sedated through the procedure and is given a local anesthetic to numb the pain from the cut. Heparin, a blood thinner is injected to prevent clot formation. A dye is inserted via the catheter and repeated images are taken to visualize the location of the tip. At the correct level, the catheter releases the new valve which expands and fits into position. The catheter is withdrawn.

Complications of TAVR

Bleeding
Incorrect positioning of the valve
Blood clots
Stroke
Heart attack
Abnormal heart rhythm

Post-procedure

Following the procedure, the individual is placed on medicines to prevent blood clots and to prevent infection of the new valve. To prevent clots, generally, two drugs, one of which is aspirin, is given for 3 to 6 months followed by lifelong aspirin.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date September 27, 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of a higher death rate across the world. In the U.S., CVD accounts for approximately 600,000 deaths every year. Although there was a constant decline over the last five decades, its frequency is rising again.

Among multiple risk factors, low physical activity is considered the major contributor to poor cardiovascular health. Hence, the American Heart Association recommends a range of 75-150 minutes/week of vigorous physical activity or 150-300 minutes/week of moderate physical activity, or a combination of both. However, it was unclear whether performing a higher level of moderate and vigorous exercise could reduce mortality risks.

The Study

A team of researchers performed a research analysis study involving more than 100,000 adults over a 30-year follow-up period (1988-2018), which was published in the journal Circulation in 2022.

The average age of the participants was 66 years where more than 96% were white adults and 63% were females. These participants were asked to complete a validated questionnaire study every two years where they reported their health information, family medical histories, personal habits, and frequency of physical activities including the average time spent per week.

Moderate physical activities include walking, weightlifting, lower-intensity exercise, and calisthenics while vigorous physical activities include running, jogging, bicycling, and swimming.

The Findings

Duration of exercise (min/wk)	Reduction in mortality risk (%)
	CVD mortality	Non-CVD mortality	Overall mortality
150-300 (Moderate)	22-25	19-20	20-21
75-150 (Vigorous)	31	15	19
300-600 (Moderate)	28-38	25-27	26-31
150-300 (Vigorous)	27-33	19	21-23

What It Means

People who performed 2-4 times the weekly recommended moderate or vigorous physical activity had a significant reduction in CVD-related mortality rate.

Although this study supports national physical activity guidelines, it further recommends performing medium to a high level of either moderate or vigorous physical activity or a combination of both every week to achieve maximum overall health benefits. The bottom line is to set realistic goals and start doing physical activity consistently by selecting the right amount and intensity.

For more guidance on physical activity, you can consult with one of our experienced cardiologists through a virtual visit or in person at one of our clinic locations. To schedule an appointment, call Peak Heart & Vascular in Surprise, Avondale, Flagstaff, or Phoenix, Arizona, or connect online to submit an appointment request for an in-office or virtual visit.

Reference

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date August 7, 2022

Fewer than 1 out of 14 American adults have optimal heart and metabolic health according to the recent July 2022 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The research evaluated heart health trends and disparities compared to 20 years ago.

Researchers from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University assessed more than 55,000 adults aged 20 and older from the past 10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The duration considered for this study was from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018. Along with the heart disease diagnosis, this research study assessed four more indicators such as blood sugar level, body fat level, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure level. It was shocking to know that only 6.8 percent of them had excellent levels of above five indicators with significant differences across sex, age groups, race/ethnicity, and education levels.

Among these components, blood glucose and adiposity worsened significantly between 1999 and 2018. When 1 in 3 adults had optimal adiposity levels in the year 1999, this number got reduced to 1 in 4 by 2018. Similarly, 3 out of 5 had neither diabetes nor prediabetes in the year 1999. By 2018, less than 4 out of 10 were free from diabetes and prediabetes.

Between the years 1999 and 2018, cardiometabolic health declined among all groups, especially Hispanic and Black Americans. Among non-Hispanic White Americans, the rate of proper heart health improved slightly although it remained low.

Optimal Cardiometabolic Health Was Poorest Among:

Men compared to women
People aged 65+ compared to those between 20 to 34 years of age
Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic White Americans
Adults with lower educational attainment than higher educational attainment

While evaluating the indicators, the greatest decline was observed in glucose and adiposity levels.

Outcomes of Cardiometabolic Health Indicators:

A separate June 2022 study, using the American Heart Association’s new Life Essential 8 metrics, reported that only 1 in 5 U.S. individuals have ideal heart health. In this study, physical activity, diet intake, sleep duration, nicotine exposure, blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipids, and body mass index were considered to assess the overall cardiovascular health. While assessing the heart health of more than 23,400 people in the U.S. during the 2013-2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 80 percent were found with a poor or moderate heart health condition.

Reasons for Worsening Cardiometabolic Health:

The trend of worsening cardiometabolic health should not be a shocking surprise since the following factors seem to be the usual lifestyle for many people in the U.S.

Unhealthy diet patterns include foods and beverages rich in salt, sugar, calories, and saturated fat
Alcohol intake
Little or no physical activity
More hours of screen time
Little or too much sleep

Final Thoughts

As these cardiovascular health outcomes prove to be a crisis for everyone, the urgent need of the hour is to improve cardiometabolic health. Although it’s impossible to regain cardiometabolic health overnight, cardiology specialists will have to treat the problem at the personal, clinical, as well as community level.

Contact Us

Searching for cardiology specialists near you? Visit Peak Heart & Vascular to make sure your cardiovascular health is in ideal condition. You can either call Peak Heart & Vascular at 602-698-PEAK or submit an online request form. Consult our experienced cardiology specialists through a virtual visit or in-person at one of our 10 clinic locations conveniently located across Arizona.

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Post author By Dev Team
Post date July 15, 2022

Study Shows that Poor Sleep Leads to Plaque Buildup and Poor Cardiovascular Health

It makes sense, doesn’t it? A good night’s sleep is good for you-you to feel better, more rested. But now, a study is showing that a good night’s sleep means more for your health than you might have ever imagined.

According to a study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, it’s thought that lower sleeping times – and fragmented sleep times, for that matter – are independently associated with an increased risk of subclinical multi-territory atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid.

In laymen’s terms, this means that poor, interrupted, and low-quality sleep has been linked to plaque buildup in the heart, negatively affecting a person’s cardiovascular health.

What Was SLEEP HEART HEALTH Study?

In this study, seven-day sleep recordings were performed on almost 4,000 patients. These patients were divided into separate groups, each characterized by sleep durations and fragmentations; very short durations (less than six hours), short sleep durations (six-seven hours), reference sleep durations (seven-eight hours), and long sleep duration (over eight hours).

What did this study deduce?

In short, very short sleep duration was independently associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden. In other words, a link to plaque buildup in arteries was linked back to those who had the shortest sleep durations, supporting the theory that shorter, interrupted, lower-quality sleep durations tend to result in poorer cardiovascular health. We already know the relationship between sleep apnea and heart health, this study establishes the strong link between lack of sleep and heart health.

What Does this Mean for Your Health?

As we stated above, irregular sleep, poor sleep, or infrequent sleep can lead to the increase in the development of plaque in your arteries in your heart, but more than that, this can lead to an increase in damaging plaque increases throughout your entire body.

The issue with an increase in plaque throughout your body (especially in your heart)? It dramatically reduces your health and puts you at extreme risk for dangerous, damaging health conditions and issues. For example, a buildup of plaque in your body can lead to issues with digestion, circulation problems, extremity pain, and even put you at increased risk for strokes and heart diseases. Further, lack of sleep can lead to issues like depression or anxiety, as well as play a huge role in diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

How You Can Sleep Better

The easiest fix here? Sleeping for longer, more uninterrupted periods of time. Note that there are far more factors that affect your heart health than just your sleep schedule, but it certainly can help better your overall health to promote better productive sleep.

Are you looking for ways to ensure you’ll sleep better? Try setting an alarm to remind yourself of when you should be getting to bed (and try to stick to it!). It helps to establish a set, bedtime routine to get your body regimented and prepared for a regulated sleep schedule. Still struggling to get better sleep? Try to implement healthy tricks like walking, biking, or aerobic exercise to improve the quality of your sleep, too!