Cardiologist in West Palm Beach, FL

CARDIOLOGY IN PALM BEACH

involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. According to a January, 2023 report by the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one in every five deaths in the country.

Heart disease is the collective term for a group of conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels. Nearly half of adults in the US have at least one heart condition, with the disease afflicting people across racial and ethnic groups.

THE MOST COMMON CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD), also called coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease, is the most common type of cardiology condition in Palm Beach and the rest of the United States. It is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque in the arteries’ walls. Coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart, so narrowed or blocked arteries limit the amount of blood that reaches the heart.

As blood flow to the heart is restricted, the heart is unable to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function well. Over time, this condition can weaken the heart and lead to other complications, including heart failure.

The risk factors for CAD include:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Smoking
• Age (45 and up for men, 55 and up for women)
• A family history of heart disease

What are the symptoms of coronary artery disease?

The plaque buildup that causes CAD happens gradually and can take place over years or decades. As the arteries narrow, some people may notice mild symptoms, including:

• Stable angina or temporary chest pain that comes with physical exertion or emotional distress. The pain goes away when the patient rests or takes nitroglycerin.
• Dyspnea or shortness of breath after mild physical exertion

For many people however, the first symptom of CAD is a heart attack. The disease is often called “the silent killer” because it doesn’t manifest in symptoms until the heart attack.

The symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or angina
• Pain or discomfort in the shoulder, arms, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Palpitations of the heart

What are the treatments for coronary artery disease?

• Lifestyle changes
  • Quitting smoking
  • Eating a low sodium, low fat, and low sugar diet
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Limiting alcohol intake
• Managing risk factor conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and high triglycerides
• Taking medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, manage stable angina, and reduce the risk of blood clots
• Surgical procedures such as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) to help restore blood flow to the heart

How can you prevent coronary artery disease?

• Manage other health conditions that can lead to CAD such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
• Have a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet
• Avoid stress
• Reduce salt and fat intake, particularly saturated fats and trans fats,
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly

Heart Failure

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition that happens when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to provide the body’s needs. Despite the name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working. It can still pump blood but does it at a slower rate. As a result, other organs in the body cannot receive the amount of oxygen and nutrients that they need. The defective pumping action may also eventually lead to the accumulation of blood in other parts of the body, including the lungs, feet, and legs.

Heart failure is often caused by other conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart inflammation, and arrhythmia or irregular heart beat. It may also be caused by diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, obesity, and smoking.

Heart failure may lead to complications that include cardiac arrest, accumulation of fluid in the lungs, irregular heart beat, and kidney or liver damage.

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

At the initial stages of heart failure, the heart and other organs may compensate for the slower pumping rate through such responses as enlargement of the heart and the kidney’s retention of more salt and water. This is why heart failure symptoms may not immediately manifest.

Over time, however, these responses can further weaken the heart and result in symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath in performing daily activities
• Trouble breathing when lying down
• Chest pains
• Palpitations of the heart
• Rapid weight gain
• Bloated stomach
• Swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles
• Persistent coughing
• Nausea

What are the treatments for heart failure?

There is no cure for heart failure, but at its early stages, treatment is given to manage the symptoms and prevent its progress to a more severe stage.

Cardiology experts in Palm Beach may recommend treatment depending on the stage of the condition. At the early stages, doctors may recommend healthy lifestyle changes and medications to address symptoms and treat heart related diseases.

At more severe stages, advanced treatment options may be recommended, including:

• Heart transplant
• Ventricular assist devices
• Heart surgery

How can heart failure be prevented?

• A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet
• Avoiding stress
• Reducing salt and fat intake, particularly saturated fats and trans fats,
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular exercise

Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia refers to the irregular beating of the heart. The heart normally beats in an organized manner, beating fast when a person is engaged in physical activity, and slow when the person is at rest. A person with arrhythmia may have a heartbeat that’s too fast or too slow, or simply irregular, regardless of the person’s activity.

Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be life threatening. Frequent irregular heartbeats can mean the heart is not pumping the right amount of blood to the body, which can lead to damage in the brain and other organs. It may also damage the heart and lead to cardiac arrest, stroke, or heart failure.

Most arrhythmias are caused by a problem with the coronary arteries, heart muscles, or valves. Other heart and blood vessel conditions such as a previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure can lead to arrhythmia.

There are different types of arrhythmia grouped under the following categories:

• Bradycardia or slow heartbeat
• Tachycardia or fast heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat, also known as fibrillation or flutter

The most serious types of arrhythmia include:

• Atrial fibrillation (A-fib)

This condition is characterized by a fast uncoordinated heartbeat. Some episodes are temporary but others need medication to stop. A-fib can increase the risk of stroke, and strokes caused by A-fib can be more severe than strokes caused by other factors.

• Ventricular fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation happens when the heart’s lower chambers fibrillate or contract in a fast and irregular manner, preventing the heart from pumping blood to the body. If the heart’s rhythm is not restored immediately, this condition can have fatal results.

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

This refers to the sudden rapid beating of the heart which normally lasts for just a few minutes, but may sometimes last several hours. While rarely life threatening, SVT may require treatment if the person consistently experiences episodes lasting more than a few minutes.

• Ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by the rapid beating of the heart, preventing the heart from pumping enough blood to the body. It can last for only a few seconds and cause no problems, but sustained ventricular tachycardia may lead to lower blood pressure, cardiac arrest, or ventricular fibrillation.

What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

• Palpitations of the heart
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fainting episodes
• Nausea

What are the treatments for arrhythmias?

See a practitioner of cardiology in Palm Beach for diagnosis and treatment. Some types of arrhythmias may not need treatment. However, when an episode lasts for more than 30 seconds or when episodes happen frequently, treatment may be necessary.

Arrhythmias may be treated by the following:

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Therapies such as cardioversion, catheter ablation, and pulmonary vein isolation
• Implantable medical devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators and pacemakers
• Heart surgery

How can arrhythmias be prevented?

• Avoiding or limiting caffeine intake
• Quitting smoking
• Regular exercise
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding stimulants
• Avoiding activities that may trigger arrhythmias

Valvular Heart Disease

Also referred to as heart valve disease, valvular heart disease is a condition where one or more valves in the heart become damaged or defective, resulting in the disruption of the flow of blood through the heart and to the body.

Heart valves are passages in the heart where blood flows in one direction from the lungs through the four chambers in the heart and to the aorta. The valves open and close to regulate the flow of blood. Defective valves are not able to open and close properly, preventing the heart from pumping blood efficiently.

Complications of valvular heart disease include stroke, heart failure, enlarged heart, blood clots, and abnormal heartbeat. When untreated, the disease can lead to death.

There are several types of valvular heart disease, including:

• Valvular stenosis refers to the narrowing of the valve which leads to restricted blood flow
• Valvular prolapse is a condition that happens when the valve flaps (called leaflets) are displaced, preventing the valve from opening and closing properly.
• Valvular insufficiency or regurgitation happens when the valve flaps do not close properly – sometimes due to valvular prolapse – causing the blood to flow backward. This will cause the heart to pump harder to compensate for the reversed flow and may result in insufficient blood flow to the rest of the body.
• Valvular atresia refers to a defective valve at birth

Valvular heart diseases that are not congenital may be caused by infections, aging, and other conditions affecting the heart. The most common causes include:

• Rheumatic disease – When untreated, the bacteria that caused the disease can cause scarring of the heart valve
• Infective endocarditis – This is an infection of the heart’s inner lining caused by a severe blood infection, which in turn can damage the leaflets
• Radiation therapy as a cure for cancer
• Heart related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, high blood cholesterol, cardiomyopathy, and others

What are the symptoms of valvular heart disease?

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations or rapid heartbeats
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Swollen abdomen, feet, and ankles

What are the treatments for valvular heart disease?

In the early stages, valvular heart disease may not need treatment, but regular monitoring is done to check if the condition gets worse.

Once symptoms manifest and the disease advances, treatments may include:

• Medication to address the symptoms and control other conditions that can cause the disease to advance
• Heart valve surgery to repair or replace damaged heart valves
• Healthy lifestyle changes

How can valvular heart disease be prevented?

• Getting early treatment for infections
• Regular exercise
• A healthy diet
• Taking medications for conditions that can lead to valvular heart disease including high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Quitting smoking
• Not using IV recreational drugs
• Maintaining a healthy weight

When should you go to a cardiologist?

1. When you experience symptoms.

See a cardiologist as soon as you experience symptoms such as chest pains, shortness of breath, and palpitations. If diagnosed at an early stage, treatments can help prevent the disease from advancing. If the condition is advanced, a cardiologist can devise treatment options to help restore the normal functioning of your heart and allow you to continue enjoying an active lifestyle.

1. When you have a family history of heart disease

Many types of heart disease do not show symptoms at the early stages. By the time symptoms manifest, the disease may have progressed to an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult.

If you have a family history of heart disease, it’s best to see a cardiologist even without any symptoms. A cardiology expert in Palm Beach can determine your risk, order testing to see if you have an early stage condition, and recommend preventive solutions.

1. You’re diagnosed with other conditions that could lead to heart disease

Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral arterial disease put you at a higher risk for heart disease. A cardiologist can explain how your condition is related to heart disease and may recommend tests and treatment plans to help prevent the onset of a cardiovascular condition.

1. You have a history of smoking

Smoking is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. If you have a history of smoking, it’s best to see a cardiologist for a heart health check. The cardiologist may also be able to help you start a smoking cessation program.

1. You want to start a fitness routine

Exercise has many benefits and is one of the best ways to prevent a cardiovascular condition. However, if you have an existing heart condition that you may or may not know about, certain types of exercise may be unsafe for you. This is especially true if you have been inactive in the past or have a higher risk for heart disease. Before starting a new exercise regimen, it’s best to first ask guidance from a cardiologist.

Consult a Cardiology Expert in Palm Beach

Dr. Chauncey Crandall is a leading practitioner in interventional, vascular, and transplant cardiology in Palm Beach, Florida. He is the Director of Preventive Medicine and Complex Cardiology at the Mount Sinai Heart New York-Palm Beach site and is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai Heart New York. An author of several books on faith, medicine, and heart disease, Dr. Crandall has inspired millions of patients looking for expert healthcare to address cardiovascular conditions.

Get in touch with Dr. Crandall by calling 561.529.3997 or by leaving a message here.