Cardiac care: We’re here when you need us.

Two years into the pandemic and our lives are still evolving and changing. Many of us have been sitting more, walking less or have lingering effects from COVID-19. For some, these changes have affected their heart health.

Heart disease — a range of disorders that affect the heart including narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) and stroke — is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world for men and women. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect your heart's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.

Prevention begins with knowing your numbers.

“Knowing your numbers is the first step in heart disease prevention. Once we have that information, there are various steps we can take to decrease the disease risk,” says Bret Rogers, MD, a clinical cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center.

Dr. Rogers says these four numbers are important for a healthy heart:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
   LDL cholesterol is a major cause of coronary heart disease. It’s the culprit behind most cholesterol buildup and arterial blockages in your body.
2. Body mass index (BMI)
   Your BMI calculates your body fat, based on your height and weight. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.
3. Triglycerides
   Many people don’t realize that triglycerides are not a type of cholesterol. But high levels of this blood fat are linked to heart disease, especially in women.
4. Blood pressure
   Blood pressure often, but not always, rises as we age. High blood pressure (hypertension) is silent, but it raises risk of heart disease, stroke and other problems.

Is it time to seek cardiac care?

Subtle signs like neck pain or nausea could be a symptom of heart disease, but many hesitate to go to the hospital because it could also be from sleeping on a lumpy pillow or from an upset stomach. It’s imperative to seek medical attention if you have symptoms that are linked to heart disease.

Signs and symptoms of heart disease may include:

• Chest pain, tightness, pressure and discomfort.
• Pain in the neck, throat, jaw, back or upper abdomen.
• Numbness, pain, coldness or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Shortness of breath.

Additional risk factors for heart disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, race and family history of heart problems.

Call 911 if you suspect you’re having a heart attack
Some types of chest pain are more acute and require immediate medical attention. If certain symptoms are relentless and last for five minutes or more then a trip to the emergency room may be necessary.

“A heart attack is serious; calling 911 is the quickest way to get life-saving treatment,” explains Amir Taraben, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital. “Emergency medical service workers are specially trained and can begin interventions immediately and while on the way to the hospital.”

Chest pain is a sudden, common symptom of heart attack.

Pain, pressure or discomfort also may radiate to the:

• Arms.
• Back.
• Jaw.
• Neck.
• Upper stomach.

Symptoms can include a cold sweat, nausea, fatigue or lightheadedness.

Dr. Taraben says if you have any of these symptoms for no apparent reason, you shouldn’t drive yourself to the hospital or call your physician — that’s just wasting precious time. Calling 911 is imperative if you think you’re having a heart attack.

Innovative surgical services for your heart

“Whether your heart problem is common or complex, our cardiologists focus on prevention, detection, treatment and follow-up. If you need surgery, that’s available at Hillcrest Hospital as well,” says Derlis Martino, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Hillcrest Medical Office Building. “Hillcrest Hospital is a long-standing, trusted resource in the community known for superior technology and experienced cardiovascular care.”

Hillcrest Hospital’s cardiothoracic surgeons perform the most effective cardiac surgical services, from less invasive to advanced surgical techniques. Their depth and breadth of experience allows them to perform complex operations — such as second or third heart surgeries and conditions previously deemed inoperable — with success rates above the national average. We work closely with our colleagues at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus, collaborating on complex cases as needed.

“We work with the newest surgical techniques, equipment and devices, including minimally invasive and off-pump bypass surgery,” explains Christopher Genco, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Hillcrest Medical Office Building. “Those techniques are important when dealing with your heart.”

Dr. Genco says cardiothoracic surgical options at Hillcrest Hospital include:

• Open heart surgery.
• Valve repair and replacement.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
• Minimally invasive procedures.
• Aneurysm surgery.

“Your heart is what keeps you alive, it’s the most vital organ in your body. Whether you need regular heart care or are in an emergency situation, we’re here to take care of you and your heart for as long as you need us,” says Dr. Martino.