Many Heart and Vascular Conditions Treated at St. Luke’s

Heart Disease

The term “heart disease” covers a number of conditions that affect the heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and a major factor in disability.

The most common cause of heart disease is a narrowing of or blockage in the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart. Other problems may occur in the heart’s valves or with the heart’s pumping function. 

You can help reduce your risk of heart disease by:

• Exercising regularly
• Following a healthy diet
• Not smoking
• Controlling your blood pressure
• Lowering your cholesterol

Vascular Disease

The term “vascular system” refers to the body’s network of blood vessels, including all veins, arteries and capillaries. Vascular diseases are those found in the body’s blood vessels.

Heart and Vascular Disorders

Some of the more common heart and vascular disorders include:

Aneurysm – A weak spot on the wall of a blood vessel. Although present at birth, aneurysms develop over a number of years. In most cases, they go undetected until they rupture and cause bleeding.

Angina – Discomfort or pain in the chest caused by decreased blood and oxygen flow to the heart.

Arrhythmia – A change in the heart’s regular beat. Many arrhythmias are mild and do not require treatment.

Cardiomyopathy – An inflammation of the heart that causes the heart to weaken. The heart cannot pump enough blood through the body and clots form more easily.

Cholesterol – A lipid made by the liver that is carried in the blood. The body also takes in cholesterol from foods.

Circulatory disorders – A variety of problems affecting the body’s circulatory system.

Congenital heart disease – Problems with the structure and function of the heart caused by abnormal heart development before birth. Even though congenital heart disease is present at birth, the symptoms may not appear for years.

Coronary artery disease – A type of heart disease resulting from the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

Diabetic feet – A skin infection on the feet of a person with diabetes.

Edema – Swelling, usually in the legs and feet, that is caused by fluid in tissues. Among other things, edema can be caused by heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems and more.

Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – A life-threatening episode of abnormal heart function. Heart attacks occur when the supply of blood and oxygen is blocked. When this happens, the heart begins to beat irregularly and the heart’s functions are impaired. A heart attack could lead to cardiac arrest, which means that the heart stops beating.

Heart failure – This occurs when the heart is not able to maintain enough blood flow to meet the body's needs. It is a progressive disorder that occurs when the heart muscle is damaged. Heart failure often can be treated with good results. Medications and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms and quality of life.

Heart valve diseases – Several diseases that damage or destroy the valves that control the blood flow into or out of the heart.

High blood pressure – Blood pressure is the force with which blood flows through the arteries. The first number—the “systolic” pressure—measures the pressure as the heart pumps. The second number—the “diastolic” pressure—measures the pressure between heartbeats. Normal adult pressure is considered to be 120/80. If blood pressure remains high, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension.

Low blood pressure – A blood pressure reading of 90/60 or lower. It can be normal or the result of a medical condition. Low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness, fainting or shock.

Metabolic syndrome X – A group of five health risks, including obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of fat known as fasting blood triglycerides, low levels of “good” cholesterol and high glucose or insulin. People with any three of these risks are considered to have metabolic syndrome X, and are more likely to suffer a stroke, diabetes and/or heart disease in the future.

Mitral valve prolapse – A disorder in which the valve between the heart's left upper chamber and the left lower chamber does not close properly. In most cases, mitral valve prolapse is harmless and does not require treatment.

Raynaud’s disease – A circulatory system disorder that primarily affects blood flow to the fingers. However, it also can affect blood flow to the toes, lips, ears and more. In most cases of this disease, a person’s fingers turn pale, then light blue and finally red when he or she is exposed to cold or emotional stress. While usually there is no pain, the fingers also feel numb and tingle. The cause of this disease is not known.

Stroke – A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is blocked. This rupture or blockage keeps an area of the brain from getting the blood and oxygen it needs to work properly. Nerve cells in the area of the brain where a stroke takes place begin to die after several minutes. In fact, about two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke.

Syncope – The medical term for fainting. Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a decrease of blood and oxygen to the brain.

Thoracic outlet syndrome – The thoracic outlet is located between the collarbone and the rib cage. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a word for the symptoms that come from pressure on blood vessels and nerves in the neck. This pressure may cause tingling, numbness and/or pain in the arms, hands, neck and shoulders.

Thrombophlebitis – Swelling, redness and/or blood clots in veins near the skin’s surface.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – Also known as a “mini stroke,” this type of stroke lasts just several minutes. These strokes happen when blood to the brain slows for a short period, for instance, because of a blood clot or a narrowing of a brain artery. TIAs usually do not cause the lasting damage that other strokes do.

Varicose veins – Veins that become enlarged, bluish and bulging, and can become twisted. Varicose veins usually appear in the legs. Varicose veins are caused by improper function of the valves in the veins that help return blood to the heart.

Vasculitis – A term for a group of diseases that cause inflammation in blood vessels.

Wegener’s Granulomatosis – A disorder in which certain blood vessels become swollen and inflamed, affecting proper blood flow. This disease usually affects blood vessels in the kidneys, lungs, nose, sinuses and ears. The cause is unknown.