Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular disease is the general term for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It can refer to several conditions such as:

• Coronary heart disease – diseased blood vessels supplying the muscle of the heart
• Cerebrovascular disease – diseased blood vessels supplying the brain
• Peripheral arterial disease – diseased blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
• Rheumatic heart disease – damaged heart caused by rheumatic fever
• Congenital heart disease – birth disorders of the heart 
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the veins (legs)

Symptoms of a Heart Problem

Symptoms vary according to the specific cardiovascular disease, and there may be no symptoms. Sometimes, a heart attack may be the first sign of an underlying illness. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it would be best to consult one of our cardiovascular doctors in Tucson, AZ:

• Chest pain
• Pain, weakness or numb legs and/or arms
• Breathlessness
• Very fast or slow heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Fatigue
• Swollen limbs

There may not be symptoms, so it is best to seek medical attention, especially if you risk developing a heart condition. Risk factors include smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, diabetes, family history of heart disease, sex and age.

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Cardiovascular Services

Our cardiovascular surgeons in Tucson, AZ, offer a full range of diagnostic cardiovascular services and treatment using advanced techniques and technology.

Diagnostic tests may include, but are not limited to:

• Echocardiography
• Transesophageal Echocardiograms
• Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography
• Exercise Stress Test
• Stress Echocardiography
• Nuclear Stress Testing
• Dobutamine Stress Testing
• Elective Cardioversion
• Diagnostic Right and Left Heart Catheterization

Click here for more diagnostic treatments at Carondelet Health Network.

Cardiovascular disease treatment may include, but is not limited to:

• Angioplasty
• Artificial Heart Valve Surgery
• Atherectomy
• Bypass Surgery
• Cardiomyoplasty
• Laser/light therapy
• Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Sclerotherapy
• Stent Procedure
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
  • Traditional (open) repair
  • Endovascular stent grafting
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair
• Carotid Artery Surgery and Stenting
• Vascular Access for Hemodialysis and Chemotherapy
• Venous duplex imaging
• Complex Wound Management

Click here for more information about Cardiovascular Services from Carondelet Health Network.

Heart Specialists at Carondelet Health Network

A heart doctor is called a cardiologist. Cardiologists, also called cardiovascular doctors, heart specialists or cardiac specialists, specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders of the heart and circulatory system.

All of our heart specialists deal with cardiovascular conditions and diseases, but we have different types of heart doctors who focus on various disorders and abnormalities of the heart:

• Noninvasive cardiologist – specializes in noninvasive techniques for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions
• Invasive cardiologist – specializes in invasive procedures for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions
• Interventional cardiologist – specializes in angioplasty and stent placements
• Cardiothoracic surgeon – a cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in the surgery for the heart, lungs and thorax
• Vascular surgeon – a cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in the issues of the arteries, veins and lymphatic systems
• Electrophysiologist – specializes in abnormal heart rhythms, palpitations and fibrillations
• Pediatric cardiologist – focuses on children’s cardiovascular conditions
  

Carondelet is proud of its elite team of cardiovascular specialists at the Carondelet Heart & Vascular Institute. The specialty group of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, radiology technicians and nurses work collaboratively to provide you with excellent care. Our cardiovascular doctors share a passion for excellence and an extraordinary dedication to those they serve.

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Advanced Heart Care Close to Home

When it comes to your heart health, you want high-quality care close to home. Carondelet Health Network cardiologists in Tucson, AZ, provide inpatient and outpatient services at the Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital on Tucson’s east side and at the Carondelet Heart and Vascular Institute on the campus of St. Mary’s Hospital – each with a full complement of medical specialties.

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Catch the Signs Early

If you or a loved one is experiencing the following symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

Heart attack symptoms

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Pain felt in the arms, neck, tooth, jaw or back
• Tightness, burning, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes OR goes away and then returns — sometimes called the “elephant sitting on my chest” feeling
• Chest discomfort with fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath or sweating

Other warning signs to watch for include:

• Unusual pain in the chest, abdomen or stomach
• Fast or uneven heartbeat or pulse
• Sweating for no reason; pale, gray or clammy skin
• Any new or worsening chest pain (for example, any pain that lasts longer or occurs more frequently)

Signs of a heart attack that are more commonly experienced by women include an uneasy feeling in the chest along with:

• Unexplained or extreme anxiety
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Fluttering heartbeats
• Severe indigestion (for which an antacid doesn’t help)

Stroke symptoms

Remember the FAST acronym to catch the early signs of stroke:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911