Disease Management
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.
Device Clinic
Cardiac devices include pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators). Cardiac devices have very advanced features. Your doctor can program your device to work in different ways depending on your needs. Doctors check, or monitor, cardiac devices on a regular basis to make sure that they are working right and aren’t causing any problems. Doctors also check the battery. Your doctor can also get information about your heart rate and heart rhythm. Cardiac devices can keep a record of when you had an abnormal heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm. So these devices can help your doctor know how your heart is doing and if you need any changes in your treatment.
Monitoring is done at office visits and remotely. Remote monitoring can be done from your home.
Anticoagulation Clinic
Heart Failure
What is 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.