Disease Management
Heart Failure
Heart failure can also be referred to as cardiomyopathy, weakened heart/pump, stiff heart and/or congestive heart failure. When you have heart failure, your heart doesn’t pump as efficient as it should. Therefore, your body may not be getting the amount of blood and oxygen it requires which results in fatigue and shortness of breath (some experience coughing). Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult.
- Symptoms:
- Rapid weight gain with swelling in the hands, abdomen, ankles and/or feet
- This means your body is storing extra fluid. Gaining 2 or more pounds in 1 day, or 5 or more pounds in 1 weeks means that you heart is not working as well as it should.
- High sodium foods (salty foods) can increase the fluid in your body. Once your body begins to retain fluid, the heart cannot pump as well as it should and the heart can become further weakened and enlarged.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing with exertion, trouble breathing lying flat, or the need to sleep propped up
- The heart and lungs are closely related. When the heart is not working as well as it should, the extra fluid may back up into the lungs.
- Feeling more weak or tired than usual
- This occurs when you body doesn’t get enough blood. You may notice that you have less energy and feel tired even when you are not doing much.
- Decreased urination
- Rapid weight gain with swelling in the hands, abdomen, ankles and/or feet
- Managing symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of changes in weight, symptoms, activity, fit of clothing, and blood pressure
- Call your cardiologist if you experience worsening of signs and symptoms at 480‐835‐6100.
Heart Failure Management
Heart failure is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Managing heart failure requires continuous monitoring to detect early signs of deterioration and prevent hospitalizations. One innovative solution that has emerged in recent years is the CardioMEMS™ HF System, a groundbreaking technology designed to revolutionize the management of heart failure.
Cholesterol/Lipid Management
High cholesterol means that you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat. It’s needed for many body functions, such as making new cells. It’s made by your body. It also comes from food you eat (meat and dairy products). Having high cholesterol can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque (say “plak”) in artery walls. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your provider will help you manage your cholesterol levels to lessen your risk for heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension
What is Hypertension?
A very common condition, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. Because blood pressure is a measure of how much blood your heart pumps and how resistant your arteries are to blood flow, narrow arteries generally means high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause a great deal of health problems including heart disease.
The board-certified cardiologists at Tri-City Cardiology are expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure. Call (480) 835-6100 to request an appointment at one of our cardiology clinics throughout the Mesa, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Chandler, Sun Lakes, and Casa Grande area.
Valvular Disease
Valvular disease is when any valve in the heart has damage or has disease. This is a general term that is also called valvular heart disease or heart valve disease.
If you are worried about your heart and think you may have a valve disease, talk to your cardiologist. You will normally see a cardiologist, who specializes in heart disease. You will have a physical exam and review your medical history. There are several tests that can be performed to see what is going on in your heart and make an accurate diagnosis.
Depending on what is occurring your cardiologist will talk with you about a treatment plan to help with your valvular disease. You may need to take medications, make adjustments to your lifestyle, or undergo surgery to repair or replace a valve.
It is important to seek medical care if you suspect a heart problem, so you are not at risk for more serious complications.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common circulatory condition where over time plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, forcing the arteries to narrow and constrict blood flow to the legs and feet.
Although it may be easy to diagnose symptoms of leg pain as just “a normal part of aging,” this pain could be an early sign of PAD. The most common symptoms of PAD may include:
- Cold toes or feet
- Dry, discolored skin
- Pain while walking
- Leg pain at nighttime
- Feeling like your leg is heavy
- Numbness or burning sensation
- Wounds and bruises that won’t heal
- Black areas on your feet or toes (otherwise known as Gangrene)
Cardiac Rehab
Tri-City Cardiology Physicians have partnered with RECORA Virtual Cardiac Rehab to provide a convenient in-home program that will help patients modify their risk factors and achieve their heart health goals.
Your Tri-City Physician will make a referral to this program for patients who qualify based on their cardiovascular diagnosis.
Click this link to learn more Recora Patient Video (youtube.com)