If you sometimes feel like your heart beats too fast or skips a beat, you may have an unusual heart rhythm (arrhythmia). This condition happens because of faulty electrical signals in your heart. An electrophysiologist can restore a healthy rhythm and treat any type of arrhythmia, including:
- Atrial fibrillation (Afib) and atrial flutter – Failure of the heart’s upper chambers (atria) to beat at the same rate as the lower chambers (ventricles)
- Bradycardia – Slow heartbeat
- Tachycardia – Fast heartbeat
- Premature (early) or extra heartbeats
Learn about the advanced treatment options for heart rhythm problems at Adventist HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute.
Heart defects include problems you may be born with, such as:
- Atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale or ventricular septal defect – Hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers (atria) or lower chambers (ventricles)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – Thickened heart muscle that makes it harder to pump blood and can cause arrhythmia
If you have a heart defect, you may feel tired, have trouble catching your breath, or experience leg swelling and other symptoms. Your cardiologist may recommend medication, a minimally invasive procedure or surgery to fix the problem.
There are many types of heart diseases, but some of the most common include:
- Coronary artery disease – Clogged vessels that can’t send enough blood to your heart, causing angina (chest pain)
- Heart failure – Weak heart that can’t pump enough blood
Your cardiologist will likely work with you on ways to improve your heart health through lifestyle changes and other treatment options. You may also benefit from a minimally invasive treatment, a cardiac device to support a weak heart or bypass surgery for clogged arteries.
Blood flow through your heart depends on four valves: aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid. If they don’t fully open or close, other areas of your body may not get enough blood and oxygen. This can cause fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms.
Common conditions include:
- Aortic stenosis – Narrowed valve that prevents blood from flowing freely
- Mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation – Valve flaps that don’t close all the way, letting blood leak backward through the heart
- Atresia – Improperly formed or missing valve
In some cases, your cardiologist may recommend valve repair and replacement at Adventist HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute. You will have access to the most advanced, least invasive procedures, which offer symptom relief with the shortest recovery possible.
If you have a vascular disease, one or more blood vessels are clogged, narrowed or weakened. This prevents certain organs and muscles from getting enough oxygen. You may experience pain, organ damage and other symptoms, depending on your specific condition.
Your Adventist HealthCare vascular specialist can treat:
- Aneurysm – Bulging, weak spot in an artery that can burst, causing life-threatening internal bleeding
- Atherosclerosis – Buildup of fatty plaque that slows blood flow
- Blood clots – Blockages in blood flow
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – Clogged, painful leg arteries
- Varicose veins – Swollen, twisted, painful veins that appear just under the skin
