Your heart is a complicated organ. It delivers blood to your entire body bringing oxygen to all your organs and tissues while removing carbon dioxide. It’s a fine-tuned instrument that’s part of a network of organs that keeps you moving.
However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and the heart starts to malfunction. A disruption in heart function can lead to a slew of conditions that require medical intervention through medication, lifestyle changes and/or surgery. The Brooklyn Heart Center specializes in treating conditions that can cause the heart to work insufficiently.
These conditions include:
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Dysrhythmia
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Heart Attack
When the arteries are clear, the heart pumps blood to the body. But, when a blockage develops, it can complicate the process. Plaque can build up one or more arteries. If a piece of the plaque dislodges, it can form a clot and result in a heart attack.
Heart Failure
There are times when the heart just can’t do its job properly anymore. Heart failure results when the heart can’t pump enough blood to supply the body with oxygen. It can be caused by genetics or by external factors.
Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of heart failure. And there are certain external factors and behaviors that increase the risk of developing heart disease. These included: being overweight or obese, smoking, not getting enough exercise, and eating a diet high in fat, salt, and cholesterol.
Coronary Artery Disease
When the arteries become blocked, narrowed, or hardened, it’s called coronary artery disease. Plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries and causes the heart to pump insufficiently. It’s the most common type of heart disease.
Dysrhythmia
Also called arrhythmia, dysrhythmia happens when the heart beats too slow, too fast or irregularly. Several factors can lead to heart arrhythmia, from an electrolyte imbalance to heart damage due to heart attack.
Some people may feel like their heart is fluttering, palpitating or skipping beats. These are symptoms of arrhythmias. When they occur regularly or consistently, medical intervention may be needed.
Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is a type of arrhythmia in which the atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat fast and irregularly, so they can’t efficiently pump blood to the body.
All of these conditions are treatable at The Brooklyn Heart Center. Here, we have a leading cardiac program with one of the highest rates of successful patient outcomes in the state. Our cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and vascular surgeons are pioneers in cardiac surgery techniques that work collaboratively to ensure quality patient care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a cardiac or vascular care specialist.
