Cardiology is a specialized area of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and blood vessels. This field is constantly advancing, offering new procedures to manage complex cardiovascular conditions. These developments provide patients with more options for addressing serious health concerns. Here’s information on cardiovascular treatments and how they benefit patients:
Aneurysm Treatment
Cardiology specialists diagnose aneurysms through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and advanced imaging techniques. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the aneurysm’s size and location, cardiologists utilize imaging technologies like ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or echocardiograms. These diagnostic tools offer precise details that guide appropriate treatment strategies. Cardiologists often begin by assessing risk factors, such as:
- Family History
- Smoking History
- High Blood Pressure
- Prior Cardiovascular Issues
An aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in a weak spot in the wall of an artery. If an aneurysm grows too large, it can rupture, leading to serious complications. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat aortic aneurysms.
During EVAR, a surgeon makes small incisions in the groin to access the femoral arteries. Using real-time imaging, a catheter is threaded through the artery to the site of the aneurysm. A stent graft, a fabric tube supported by a metal mesh, is then deployed. This graft reinforces the weakened artery wall from the inside, creating a new path for blood flow and reducing pressure on the aneurysm.
Renal Artery Treatment
The renal arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the kidneys. When these arteries narrow or have built-up plaque, it can lead to high blood pressure and impaired kidney function. Renal artery stenting is a procedure used to open these narrowed arteries. A thin tube with a balloon at its tip is guided through an artery, typically in the groin or arm, to the point of blockage in the renal artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and a small mesh tube called a stent is often placed to keep the artery open.
This procedure can help improve blood flow to the kidneys, which may assist in managing certain types of high blood pressure and preserving kidney function. There are two main causes of renal artery disease:
- Atherosclerosis
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. This can cause symptoms like leg pain when walking and, in severe cases, can lead to tissue damage. Atherectomy is a procedure used to remove plaque buildup from within the arteries. During this procedure, a specialized catheter is inserted into the affected artery. The catheter has a sharp blade on its tip that is used to scrape and cut the plaque. By clearing the blockage, atherectomy can restore blood flow, which may help relieve symptoms and improve circulation in the affected limbs.
Vascular Disease Treatment
Vascular disease encompasses any condition that affects the circulatory system, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Once diagnosed, treatments depend on the severity of the disease. For varicose vein concerns, cardiologists can use an endovenous ablation procedure that utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat and close veins. Similar to some artery treatments, stenting and angioplasty procedures are used to remove excess plaque, to add a mesh stent that keeps arteries open, or to remove a blood clot.
Schedule a Cardiology Appointment
Staying informed about advancements in cardiology can be key to your heart health and treatment. By working with a qualified provider, you can receive personalized information and treatment plans tailored to your needs. If you have questions about your heart health or would like to learn more about treatment options for specific conditions, contact a cardiologist today.
