Biltmore Cardiology

Cardiology Care

Your heart plays a vitally important role in your overall health. This organ the size of a large fist beats around 115,000 times each day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through the body. This ensures that the organs and tissues throughout your body have the essential oxygen they need to function.

Because of that, when your heart isn’t functioning at its best, you can experience a wide range of issues affecting nearly every part of your body. Having access to advanced cardiac care is essential.

We offer an array of cardiac services provided by a team of specialized heart doctors. We care for a wide range of heart health issues, including:

  • Arrhythmia
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure

Our range of services includes a full spectrum of diagnostic testing to determine an accurate diagnosis, identify any underlying medical conditions and provide advanced cardiac care, including cardiac surgery, when needed. Treatment extends to post surgical care, including cardiovascular rehabilitation and continued monitoring.

Cardiac Research

We are committed to bringing the latest cardiovascular medical and device therapy to our patients, and we use clinical research as one avenue for our patients and physicians to access new and developing cardiovascular treatments.

Heart Health Information

Can You Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – when the heart unexpectedly stops beating – is important to treat within minutes. It is different than a heart attack, because a heart attack happens when blood flow is blocked, but the heart has not stopped beating. Immediate application of an automated external defibrillator (AED), found in many public locations, can be lifesaving.

Because the stakes are so high – life or death – let’s look at ways to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. How to prevent SCA depends on your risk factors – those who have already had SCA, those at high risk, and otherwise healthy people.

1. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors

People who have survived SCA are at high risk of having another one. Your doctor may recommend a procedure for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which:

  • Is surgically place under the skin in your chest or abdomen
  • Monitors your heartbeat
  • Provides an electric shock to restore normal rhythm if it detects a dangerous rhythm

2. High Risk Categories for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Your doctor may prescribe a beta blocker, statin or other type of medication to help reduce your risk for cardiac arrest if you have the following conditions:

  • Ischemic heart disease and/or a recent heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease or a prior stroke
  • High LDL cholesterol
  • High blood pressure

Treatments for coronary heart disease, such as coronary angioplasty or artery bypass may also help lower your risk for SCA. A heart healthy lifestyle is recommended for all conditions. Talk with your doctor about the preventive recommendations that are best for you.

3. No Immediate Symptoms

A heart healthy lifestyle can help reduce risk for many conditions, including sudden cardiac arrest. Practice the following for optimal health:

Don’t Delay Care in an Emergency

Signs of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest can be similar. Some people experience the following within an hour of SCA:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting (preceded by a racing heartbeat or feeling of dizziness/lightheaded)

If you suspect heart attack in yourself or a loved one, call 911 immediately.

Source:
National Institutes of Health

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