Patient Education

Central Florida Cardiovascular Center would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Central Florida Cardiovascular Center provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Angina

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, as a result of coronary heart disease. When plaque forms on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, blood flow is slowed. As this plaque builds, the heart must work harder to ensure blood flow. This buildup of plaque, known as atherosclerosis, causes the heart to gradually become oxygen-starved, producing pain in the surrounding tissue. Angina may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in the chest and is often associated with a range of other symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness sweating, nausea, and fatigue. ...

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular or too-rapid beating (contraction) of the heart's upper chambers (atria) that affects the movement of blood into the heart's lower chambers (ventricles). It can lead to stroke or heart failure. When the movement of blood is irregular, blood may pool and form a clot; if a clot breaks off and travels to an artery leading to the brain, stroke can result. When the heart is incapable of pumping the amount of blood required to meet the body's needs, heart failure can result. Atrial fibrillation affects more than 2.7 million people in the United States, and often requires medical intervention. ...

Balloon Valvuloplasty

A balloon valvuloplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct pulmonary valve stenosis. Pulmonary valve stenosis is a condition that slows the blood flow from the heart to the lungs as a result of narrowed heart valves. Stenosis, or narrowing, occurs when the valve cannot open wide enough and results in less blood flow to the lungs. An alternative to open heart surgery, balloon valvuloplasty relieves the valve obstruction and allows blood to flow properly through the valve. Many cases of pulmonary valve stenosis are mild and do not cause symptoms. However when the condition is severe, symptoms may be serious and treatment is necessary. ...

Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation is a procedure performed to treat arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm. The cardiac ablation procedure uses small wires, called electrodes, that are placed inside the heart to measure electrical activity. Cardiac ablation helps to prevent abnormal electrical signals from traveling through the heart, which can stop an arrhythmia. These electrodes may also be used to scar or destroy tissue in the heart that triggers an abnormal heart rhythm. Cardiac ablation is often used to treat certain heart rhythm problems that have not responded to medication or other forms of treatment. ...

Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation

A cardiac pacemaker is a device that is implanted under the skin to help control an individual's heart beat. This device is often used in people who have an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart beat, or in people whose heart beats too fast or too slow. A cardiac pacemaker sends signals to the heart that help it to beat at the correct and healthy pace. A cardiac pacemaker helps to track the heartbeat and maintain an adequate heart beat frequency to allow oxygen and nutrients to flow through the body. ...

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also known as biventricular pacing, is a relatively new approach to tackling the problem of heart arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). CRT involves implanting a pacemaker to normalize heart rhythm, and alleviate symptoms associated with arrhythmia. It differs from other therapies using pacemakers by addressing the fact that, in approximately 30 percent of heart failure patients, the ventricles do not pump blood at precisely the same time. This lack of synchronicity results in decreased efficiency of blood flow. ...

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick or rigid. This condition makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Cardiomyopathy can be caused by a number of different factors, which may produce different symptoms and require different treatments. Although it can be a serious condition that may lead to life-threatening complications, many cases of cardiomyopathy can be effectively treated to reduce symptoms and damage. ...

Cardiovascular Disease

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and the blood that is circulated throughout these vessels. The cardiovascular system is powered by the heart and it is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body. When there is a breakdown or deficiency in the circulatory system, it is often referred to as cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease includes many different conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. Plaque may build up, narrowing the coronary arteries, and decrease blood flow to the heart. Blood clots may form within blood vessels and block blood flow to the heart or brain. In some cases, cardiovascular disease cannot be prevented. However, it can often be initially treated with healthy life style modifications. ...

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart muscle, whether from weakness or stiffening, does not pump with sufficient force to circulate the blood properly. As a result, blood backs up in other parts of the body, such as the liver, abdomen, lower legs and lungs, because the heart is unable to keep pace with the body's circulatory needs. Although CHF can occur on either side of the body, it usually begins on the left, where the left ventricle, the primary pumping chamber of the heart, is located. ...

Coronary Angioplasty

A coronary angioplasty is a procedure performed to improve blood flow, by re-opening or enlarging blocked arteries, in the heart. The blockages usually develop as a result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries and causes them to harden and narrow, often leading to coronary artery disease. A coronary angioplasty involves the insertion of a tiny balloon that is inflated to open and widen the artery. It is often combined with the insertion of a small wire tube, called a stent, that helps keep the artery open. ...

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart become narrowed and hardened. Typically, this condition is caused by the build up of plaque and fat on artery walls, which narrows the vessels that connect to the heart. This narrowing of the arteries restricts blood from reaching the heart, and proper circulation of blood and oxygen is not provided to the heart and its surrounding tissue. Blood clots can also form and completely block the artery. Coronary artery disease develops gradually and can eventually lead to a heart attack or heart failure. ...

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is a buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This buildup of fat, cholesterol and calcium, known collectively as plaque, can cause a hardening and narrowing of the arteries that restricts blood from reaching the heart. Blood clots can also form and completely block the artery. Coronary artery disease develops gradually, and can eventually lead to a heart attack or heart failure. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. ...

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram

A coronary computed tomography angiogram, also known as a coronary CTA, is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to detect a buildup of fat or calcium within the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Through images produced with contrast dye, the coronary CTA examines the blood vessels of the body to help identify any abnormalities. ...

Diet and Exercise

Developing a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen are equally important. Many people only consider improving their diet and exercise routine when they want to lose weight. Diet and exercise, however, should not be forgotten once weight loss goals are achieved since they are important health factors even in individuals who are at an optimal weight. ...

Heart Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. A heart arrhythmia may occur when the electrical impulses that control the beating of the heart do not work properly, causing the heart to beat too slowly, too rapidly, or irregularly. While most arrhythmias are harmless, they may be an indication of a serious underlying condition, such as heart disease or a lack of blood flow to the heart. Heart arrhythmias are not uncommon and may be congenital or caused by various factors. ...

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that deliver blood to the heart, are suddenly blocked and cannot supply the heart with blood and oxygen. This blockage causes damage and gradual death of the heart muscle and often requires immediate treatment in order to save the person's life. Also known as a myocardial infarction, heart attacks most often occur as a result of coronary artery disease, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. ...

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing against the artery walls is above the normal range. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the blood flow resistance in the arteries. If the heart pumps more blood than normal, and the arteries are narrower than normal, the result is high blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. There are two types of high blood pressure: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that develops gradually over the course of time, and secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition. ...

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is produced by the liver, the intestines and nearly all tissues in the body. Cholesterol is needed for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and the bile necessary to digest fats in food. Cholesterol also protects cell membranes from changes in temperature. Although a certain amount of cholesterol is needed, too much is unhealthy. An excessive amount of cholesterol can block blood flow in the arteries, which can lead to a stroke. High cholesterol does not have symptoms, but a simple blood test can determine its presence. Cholesterol levels can be controlled or reduced with an active and healthy lifestyle, although, in some cases, medication will be necessary. ...

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that continuously records the heart's rhythms as well as the electrical activity of the heart. A Holter monitor may be used to capture information and check an individual's heart rhythm if results of other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), have been inconclusive. The monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours during normal activity, and it it records the heart's electrical activity during that time period. ...

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that is implanted under the skin, and is used to detect an abnormal heartbeat. An ICD is often implanted in individuals with arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). This device uses electrical impulses to control dangerous arrhythmias that may lead to heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. If an abnormal heartbeat is detected, the ICD will deliver an internal electric shock to the heart, restoring a normal heart beat as needed. ...

INR Testing

INR (international normalized ratio) testing measures the speed at which blood clots. It is commonly used to measure the clotting time of patients taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin. The results of this test are given as a ratio. INR testing is performed to evaluate the patient's blood-clotting process to make sure it is in the normal range, and that the medication in question is preventing serious blood clots without causing dangerous bleeding. ...

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse occurs when one of the valves of the heart does not work properly. The mitral valve is the valve between the upper and lower left chambers of the heart. When this valve does not close properly, it causes a condition known as mitral valve prolapse. Mitral Valve prolapse often causes no symptoms and is usually not a serious condition. However, it may sometimes cause blood to flow backward into the upper left chamber or left atrium of the heart. This back flow of blood is referred to as mitral valve regurgitation. Most people are born with mitral valve prolapse and this condition is often hereditary. ...

Pediatric Heart Murmur

A heart murmur is defined as an extra or unusual sound that is heard during a heartbeat, which is the sound made when blood flows into and out of the heart. It is not unusual for a child to have a heart murmur; in most cases, it is not an indicator of an underlying heart problem. Referred to as "innocent" or "functional," this type of murmur is heard only periodically, often goes away as a child gets older, and does not affect quality of life in any way. However, a problematic murmur, which is classified as abnormal, can be the result of a congenital heart defect (a structural defect present at birth). A heart murmur is graded, based on its intensity (loudness), on a scale of one to six. ...

Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the strength of the heart muscle as it pumps blood throughout the body. Using ultrasound imaging, the stress echocardiogram detects and records any decrease in blood flow to the heart caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. The test, which takes place in a medical center or in the doctor's office, is administered in two parts: resting and with exercise. In both cases, the patient's blood pressure and heart rate are measured so that heart functioning at rest and during exercise can be compared. The ultrasound images enable the doctor to see whether any sections of the heart muscle are malfunctioning due to a poor supply of blood or oxygen. ...

Transient Ischemic Attack

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when the blood flow to the brain stops for a brief period of time. A TIA is a stroke-like event caused by improper blood flow in the carotid artery. The carotid artery is located in the neck and it carries blood from the heart to the brain. When blood flow is disrupted or blocked within these arteries, stroke-like symptoms may occur. Symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but they do not last as long, as the blockage within the artery may break-up or dissolve. In some individuals, a transient ischemic attack may be a warning sign that a stroke may occur in the future. ...

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. During the procedure, a catheter (a long, thin tube) is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm, groin or neck, and guided to either the right or left side of the heart. When the catheter reaches the heart, it can be used to perform a number of diagnostic tasks and, in the case of left heart catheterization, repairs. ...

Cardiac Pacemaker

The heart has a special group of cells called the sinoatrial (SA) node that emits pulses of electricity that make the heart beat. If this natural pacemaker is defective, or if the electrical impulses are blocked, the heart can beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.

Using tiny batteries and electrodes, an artificial cardiac pacemaker regulates the heartbeat and overcomes any blocked pathways. Many pacemakers have built-in sensors that switch the pacemaker on when the natural heartbeat gets too slow and switch it off when it is too fast. ...

Cardioversion

Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to treat irregular heart rhythm, a condition also known as arrhythmia. Arrhythmia can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body and eventually lead to a stroke, heart attack or cardiac arrest. Cardioversion helps restore a normal heartbeat through a noninvasive procedure. ...

Carotid Artery Disease

The pair of carotid arteries in the neck carry blood from the heart to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs as a result of the build-up of plaque that hardens the artery, a condition called atherosclerosis. The blockage can narrow the artery restricting blood flow, increasing a person's risk of having a stroke. A piece of the blockage can also break off and lodge in the artery or in a smaller vessel. ...

Carotid Artery Ultrasound

A carotid artery ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images of the neck's internal carotid arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. A carotid artery ultrasound is used to evaluate a patient's risk of stroke or other cardiovascular complications by checking for artery-narrowing plaque buildup. ...

Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove plaque buildup inside the carotid artery so that normal blood flow may be restored. This procedure is usually recommended for patients who have suffered from a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, and whose carotid arteries are at least 70 percent blocked. ...

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Also known as an EKG or ECG, the electrocardiogram translates the information it receives into a pattern of waves for analysis. An EKG produces a record of waves that correspond to the electrical impulses that occur during each beat of a patient's heart. This non-invasive test is usually performed as part of a routine physical examination, however, it may be performed to investigate the cause of heart-related symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. ...

Nuclear Stress Test

A nuclear stress test is similar to an exercise stress test but combines elements of a nuclear imaging exam to provide more accurate results than a standard exercise electrocardiogram.

A typical stress test involves the patient exercising on a treadmill while electrodes attached to the body record the heart's response to physical activity. This is done through an electrocardiogram (EKG). During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive dye is injected into the bloodstream. A special scanner is used to detect this substance and capture images of the heart muscle as the patient exercises and rests.
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Nuclear Cardiology

Nuclear cardiology uses nuclear-imaging tests and studies to diagnose and assess conditions related to the heart. Nuclear-imaging tests may be used to assess blood flow, evaluate the pumping function of the heart, view the arteries of the heart, or determine the cause of a heart attack. ...

Nuclear Cardiology Stress Testing

A nuclear cardiology stress test, also known as myocardial perfusion imaging, is used to determine if the heart is receiving an adequate blood supply under both stress and rest conditions. It involves injecting into the bloodstream a small amount of radioactive material that then circulates through the body, helping to evaluate the blood flow and function of the heart. ...

Treadmill Stress Testing

Treadmill stress testing is a noninvasive procedure used to determine how well the heart can handle physical activity. This procedure may be used to diagnose heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, determine a safe level of exercise for patients or to determine the effectiveness of a procedure to improve circulation in patients with heart disease. This test may also be performed in patients over the age of 35 to screen for heart disease, especially before beginning a vigorous exercise program. ...

Venous Ultrasound

Venous ultrasound is used to diagnose vascular conditions in the legs. This procedure can effectively detect blood clots in the legs that may cause dangerous conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. While many diseased leg veins are visible on the skin in the form of varicose or spider veins, some patients may experience significant venous reflux, or back flow, that can only be detected through ultrasound imaging. A venous ultrasound shows a thorough, detailed image of the veins, along with the direction of blood flow, to help accurately diagnose vascular conditions. ...