As a premiere cardiovascular treatment facility, our cardiology department diagnoses and treats various types of heart problems and blood vessel diseases. Our Queens heart condition specialists develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient in order to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. Jamaica Hospital is one of the busiest medical centers in New York City, in terms of volume of heart attacks treated.
Heart Attack
A myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced, causing damage to the heart. Blood vessels typically become blocked due to a buildup of fat, plaque, or other substances. Symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort that may radiate to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper abdomen, as well as fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating. If a heart attack is catastrophic, a patient may also go into shock; our team is well-equipped to handle these scenarios.
Valvular Diseases
The heart relies on multiple structures to function, including valves, which can become narrow or leak. A patient with an echocardiogram demonstrating symptoms of valvular disease may require more invasive treatment, which our team routinely performs. Common valve issues include aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation or prolapse.
Heart Failure
Heart failure, also referred to as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood as well as it normally should, potentially leading to symptoms such as fluid buildup in the lungs. Heart failure can occur as a result of other forms of heart disease that cause blockages in blood vessels. Treatment for heart failure includes a base measurement tailored specifically to each patient and more invasive measurements to assess cardiac function.
Coronary Artery Disease (AKA Angina)
Coronary artery disease is a blockage that slowly reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. This occurs gradually over time as opposed to a heart attack, in which case this occurs suddenly. Patients may experience chest pain or shortness of breath after normal exertion, such as while walking or going up stairs, as well as during exercise. In some cases, an angiogram, followed by the placement of a stent, may be performed on a patient to improve their symptoms.
Heart Arrhythmia
A multitude of heart rhythm issues may cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. Some causes of these symptoms include atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, or heart blockage. If you experience symptoms of any of these conditions, it’s important to get the help of a skilled electrophysiologist.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of heart problem that causes an irregular heartbeat, which occurs due to abnormal electrical signals in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This can cause the heart to beat too fast, or in some cases, too slow. Additionally, blood can form small clots in the atria and lead to a stroke. Our electrophysiologists can offer multiple treatment options for AFib. This can cause the atria to contract 400 or more times per minute, overwhelming the lower chambers of the heart and preventing blood from being pumped normally. Blood can pool in the atria, potentially causing the formation of clots and medical problems such as heart failure or stroke.
Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Pulmonary embolism is a deadly disease that occurs when arteries in your lungs become blocked, overwhelming the heart. This most often occurs due to blood clots that form in the legs, which can occur as a result of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can also occur as a complication of surgery or as a result of prolonged immobilization, as may occur during a long flight. Pulmonary embolism requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Our team has advanced experience in life-saving invasive management of this condition.
Contact Us
We are proud to offer an environment that is patient-centered and that consistently provides quality cardiology care for any heart problem you may experience. Call our Queens cardiology center at (718) 206-7100 to make an appointment or learn more about our services.