Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by plaque buildup within the walls of arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. These plaques are made up of cholesterol deposits which continue to accumulate over time, causing narrowing of the artery and ultimately restricting the flow of blood to the heart muscle. As plaque buildup worsens, symptoms may develop such as exertional chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Moreover, a sudden heart attack may occur if the plaque wall ruptures and forms a blood clot within the artery, causing a complete blockage. For this reason, people with known CAD are prescribed aspirin and cholesterol-lowering medications to limit or reverse plaque buildup and minimize the risk of a sudden complete blockage happening. A heart-healthy diet and regular exercise are also powerful ways to minimize plaque burden and promote heart health. Patients with advanced CAD may require one or more coronary artery stents or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle.

Hypertension (HTN), or high blood pressure, is a disease which often goes undiagnosed and untreated when people do not have symptoms. In patients with HTN the average resting blood pressure is high, generally greater than 130/80. While high blood pressure is not usually an emergency (though severely high pressures can do damage to body organs and even cause a stroke), chronically high blood pressure puts added stress on the heart and blood vessels which may cause aneurysm rupture, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and other complications.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) encompasses multiple different diseases which ultimately cause the pumping action of the heart to be impaired. This in turn often causes excessive fluid accumulation in the body, shortness of breath, and edema (swelling). Treatment for heart failure depends upon the underlying cause but may include diuretic medications. CHF is often associated with atrial fibrillation but may also be caused by coronary artery disease, heart attack/infarction, chronic lung disease, high blood pressure, advanced kidney disease, heart valve disease, and more.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common heart rhythm disorder which becomes prevalent especially in the aged. People with Afib may have no symptoms or may experience palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or other symptoms. Afib is often associated with heart failure but may also be related to high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, hyperthyroidism, use of stimulants, or even lung disease. Afib significantly increases risk of stroke which is why many people with Afib are often prescribed a blood thinner. Options for treatment include ablation procedures, medications to control heart rate and rhythm, and electrical or chemical cardioversion.

Valvular heart disease may be congenital or due to progressive changes to the heart valve usually over many years. The purpose of valves is to allow blood to continually flow in one direction as the heart pumps. Valves may become stiff, calcified, and narrow thereby restricting blood flow through them. Or valves may lose their ability to shut completely thereby causing blood to flow backwards through them. Chronic heart valve disease is often monitored regularly with cardiac imaging such as echocardiography, CT scanning, or MRI until it worsens to the point of causing symptoms or strain on the heart. At this point patients often have consultation with a structural heart / valve specialist to discuss valve replacement or repair procedures.

Hyperlipidemia (HLD) or high cholesterol is another disease which may be overlooked or go untreated since those affected usually have no symptoms. HLD left untreated can cause or accelerate coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease thereby causing heart attack and stroke. It is even associated with non-cardiac issues like diabetes and pancreatitis. HLD is treated with diet, exercise, and medications such as statins to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.