Middle Georgia Heart

Products And Services

• Congestive Heart Failure

  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.

  Link: Congestive Heart Failure

• Atrial Fibrillation/Arrhythmia

  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.

  Link: Atrial Fibrillation/Arrhythmia

• Coronary Artery Disease

  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.

  Link: Coronary Artery Disease

• Valvular Heart Disease

  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.

  Link: Valvular Heart Disease

• Vascular Disease

  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.

  Link: Vascular Disease

• Severe Hyperlipidemia & Hypertension

  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.

  Link: Severe Hyperlipidemia & Hypertension