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Cardiac definitions of terms
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic
procedure that gives cardiologists a definitive picture of heart function
and the coronary arteries. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted
into the femoral or brachial artery and guided to the coronary arteries. Real-time
X-rays are taken of the heart arteries, showing narrowing and blockages.
Coronary balloon angioplasty is an
invasive method of opening blocked arteries that might impede flow to the
heart and possibly result in heart attack or death. Angioplasty involves
creating space in the blocked artery by inserting and inflating a tiny
balloon, which compresses some of the blocking plaque against the arterial
wall. When the balloon is deflated and removed, the plaque still remains
compressed, clearing space in the artery and improving blood flow. Since
angioplasty is a less invasive procedure than bypass surgery, it has less
risk and a quicker recovery period. However, it is not recommended for all
patients. Candidates for angioplasty are chosen based on age, physical
history and severity of the blockage or arterial damage.
Stents are tiny wire mesh tubes
which interventional cardiologists use to keep arteries open following
angioplasty. About 70 to 90 percent of all angioplasty patients receive a
stent, which is inserted permanently at the site of the blockage.
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Drug eluting stents - FMC also implants
drug-eluting stents, which are coated with a drug as well as a polymer
that acts as a time-release agent. The drug is slowly released over a
period of 90 days, and can help prevent tissue regrowth into the openings
in the mesh stent. For patients who meet certain criteria, the stent
actually can help address the problem of reblockage, which can occur in as
many as 15 to 30 percent of patients who have bare metal stents.
Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
is the death of a segment of heart muscle following interruption of its
blood supply. Also known as a heart attack, a patient having an acute MI
may experience sudden chest discomfort that can spread to the arms and
throat.
Peripheral intervention evaluates
those diseases of the blood vessels outside the heart, known as
peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Balloon angioplasty and stenting may
be used similarly to coronary procedures. Another procedure, peripheral
atherectomy, cuts through plaque, converting it into particles smaller
than red blood cells. The particles are then eliminated in the same way
the body disposes of aging red blood cells. The result is a smoother
inner surface of the vessel, resulting in increased blood flow through
the artery.
Stroke is a sudden attack of
weakness on one side of the body following an interruption in blood flow
to the brain. The flow of blood may have been impeded by clotting, a blood
clot that lodges in an artery, or a rupture in an artery wall
(hemorrhage). A stroke can vary in severity from passing weakness or
tingling in a limb to profound paralysis, coma and even death.
Cholesterol is an important
component of cell membranes and is vital to the structure and function of
your cells. Cholesterol is a building block in the formation of certain
types of hormones. If your cholesterol is high, you could be at risk for
heart disease. There are two main types of cholesterol that your physician
will monitor: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or “bad” cholesterol; and HDL
(high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol.
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LDL contains about 25 percent protein
and 45 percent cholesterol. LDL transports cholesterol to sites throughout
the body, where it is deposited or used to repair cells. LDL can promote
accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of your arteries, which can clog
them and lead to heart disease.
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HDL contains almost 50 percent protein
and 20 percent cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps clear excess cholesterol
from your body.
Triglycerides are the chemical form in
which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. They’re also present
in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma
lipids.
Triglycerides in plasma are derived from fats eaten in foods or made in
the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates. Calories ingested
in a meal and not used immediately by tissues are converted to
triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Hormones regulate
the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they meet the body’s needs
for energy between meals. An excess of triglycerides can cause heart
disease.
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CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information about FMC’s Cardiology department call,
928
773-2314.
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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz.
86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928
639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000
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