Cardiology

Cardiology
Cardiology
Cardiology
SERVICES

Advanced Cardiovascular Care

Cardiology is the branch of medicine that focuses on diseases and abnormalities of the heart, blood vessels and circulatory system. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, making advanced cardiovascular care extremely important.

Fast facts about heart disease (according to the CDC):

  • Heart disease is responsible for one in four deaths in America.
  • Approximately 6.2 million Americans suffer from heart failure.
  • Every 36 seconds, one person dies in the United States from heart disease.
  • Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease. It affects about 18.2 million adults over 20 in the United States.

Risk factors for heart disease include:

  • High blood cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Physical inactivity
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Genetic history of heart disease
  • Heavy use of tobacco products and/or alcohol

Our dedicated physicians offer a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services for all types of cardiovascular diseases and conditions. Advanced diagnostic tests are also available to help detect issues and create an individualized treatment plan.

Our services include:

  • Angioplasty for treating blocked arteries: We offer a range of procedures to treat blocked arteries in the heart, neck and legs, including angioplasty and stenting. Your physician may recommend one of these options based on your condition.
  • Cardiac and vascular Ultrasounds, Echocardiograms and Stress Tests: Tests like cardiovascular ultrasound exams can help determine your heart health and prevent heart disease and stroke. Heart ultrasound images give doctors a picture of the overall function and integrity of your heart.
  • Cardiac consultation: Cardiology consultations with a dedicated cardiovascular doctor can help prevent and treat heart conditions before they become disastrous. Cardiologists look at the whole picture, including pre-existing risk factors, genetic history and physical assessments. This in-depth assessment allows them to come up with individualized treatment plans for every patient. The main goal of a cardiologist consultation is to help address existing or prevent developing heart disease.
  • Congenital heart disease treatment: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural issues with the heart that are present when a baby is born. These defects occur when the heart is not fully formed in the womb. They impact normal blood flow, either slowing it down, changing its direction or blocking it completely. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CHDs are the most common type of birth defect. Fortunately, medical and technological advances have increased the treatment options and life expectancy for children born with CHDs.
  • Heart failure program: Individuals living with heart failure require accessible healthcare services while maintaining a close relationship with cardiologists, primary care physicians and other specialists. The joint Heart Failure Program at Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Carolina Heart and Vascular Center meets these specialized needs and more.
  • Heart, lung and vascular surgery: Our skilled heart, lung and vascular surgeons offer a variety of procedures to treat many conditions.
  • Pacemakers and defibrillators: The team at Aiken is proud to offer pacemaker and defibrillator insertion, follow-up care and cardiac resynchronization therapy. They are an excellent option for many patients as they require only minor surgery. Most patients can resume normal physical activity shortly after surgery.
  • Varicose vein treatment: Whether your concerns over varicose veins are cosmetic or medical, the physicians at Aiken are here to help. We offer both surgical and nonsurgical options to treat varicose veins.

Check out our FAQs and Glossary of Terms to learn more about common conditions and treatment options. Don’t hesitate to contact us for cardiology services in and around Aiken, South Carolina. A member of our cardiology department would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.