Heart Conditions

Many adults suffer from medical conditions that cause plaque buildup, narrowing of the arteries, irregular heartbeats, valve problems or restricted blood flow, putting them at high risk of heart attack, stroke or other serious health complications. At Brookhaven Heart, our doctors have the experience and expertise necessary to treat a wide range of common heart conditions.

Coronary Artery Disease

In coronary artery disease, plaque lodges inside the vessels that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. Eventually, the plaque might build up enough to block the arteries, in a condition called atherosclerosis. Arteries that were once smooth and elastic become rigid, which restricts blood flow and impedes your heart from getting the nutrients it needs to operate correctly. Patients with atherosclerosis face a high risk of heart attack, stroke and even death.

Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort resulting from an inadequate supply of blood to the heart, commonly caused by narrowing arteries and plaque buildup. Chest pain can be a serious warning sign of a coming heart attack. As soon as you notice signs of angina pectoris, contact your doctor. Early detection is key to reducing your risk of developing a serious heart condition.

Heart Attack

Plaque buildup, narrowed arteries, or any other condition that blocks the flow of blood to the heart can lead to serious damage to the heart muscle. In severe cases, conditions that limit blood flow can be fatal. Identifying early warning signs and reducing the risk of heart attack can help prevent tragedy. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, symptoms may include new or sudden onset of chest pain or chest tightness, jaw pain, arm pain, back pain, numbness or tingling in the hands, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, nausea and indigestion.

High Blood Pressure

Millions of Americans suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure. With few, if any, symptoms, hypertension is often called the ‘silent killer.’ If untreated, high blood pressure can lead to a higher risk of stroke, heart failure, vision loss, kidney problems, and heart attack, as well as other deadly heart conditions.

Heart Failure

Many different conditions and factors can lead to heart failure, but the result is always the same: the heart muscle loses its ability to pump blood through the body. Heart failure can occur suddenly or as the result of many years of untreated conditions.

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is essential for many bodily functions, but too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can lead to heart disease, clogged arteries, and other chronic conditions. The experts at Brookhaven Heart can help you diagnose and treat high cholesterol with medication and lifestyle changes.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Many older adults assume that leg pain is a symptom of aging, arthritis or other nerve issues. Pain in the legs and feet, however, can be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious condition that can put you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. If you experience pain in your extremities, contact your doctor to talk about PAD screening, prevention and treatment options.

Come in for a Consultation

If you are suffering from a heart condition or believe you might be at risk, contact the experienced cardiology team at Brookhaven Heart today. Call 631-65-HEART (631-654-3278) or fill out a quick form online to get started.

FAQs

What is the connection between high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart disease? [Read The Answer]
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