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Cardiovascular Innovations - February '07
Cardiovascular Disease: It hurts more than the heart
Mark Burket, MD
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States so it is important to know which symptoms to watch for and how to treat the condition before it becomes deadly. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 71 million people in the United States have cardiovascular disease and 27 million of those affected are age 65 and older.
Beyond the heart
According to Mark Burket, MD, director of vascular medicine and professor of cardiovascular medicine at The University of Toledo Medical Center, a greater understanding of cardiovascular disease means looking beyond the heart.
“The heart is the central focus of cardiovascular disease and with heart attacks being the number one killer in the United States, a lot of emphasis is placed there,” says Dr. Burket. “But the complications that affect the heart also affect blood vessels throughout the entire body.” This includes the arteries that go to the brain, which can result in a stroke or the arteries that go to the leg, which can produce clotting or pain when walking. Complications can also affect the arteries that run to the kidneys, resulting in high blood pressure or kidney dysfunction.
Risk factors and prevention
Dr. Burket says there are a number of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol, family history, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. Most risk factors can be addressed with preventive measures including routine check-ups.
Dr. Burket recommends a periodic physical exam for all adults, beginning in their 20s. “A physical exam can significantly reduce your risk,” he says. “We usually check blood pressure, measure cholesterol and conduct routine testing to monitor any changes.”
In addition to a yearly physical exam, people should visit a physician if they experience any chest pain or pressure. “If you have pain in your chest, especially with exercise, it should be evaluated,” says Dr. Burket. He also suggests a physician consultation for people who want to engage in strenuous exercise and have been physically inactive more than a couple of years. “It’s important for people to undergo a physical examination, cholesterol screening, and EKG to look for anything that might manifest when they begin exercising,” says Dr. Burket.
Immediate medical attention reduces risk of death
According to the American Heart Association, symptoms of a heart attack can include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea and lightheadedness. Dr. Burket urges people to seek medical attention immediately if they experience these symptoms.
“During the early stages of a heart attack, the rhythm of the heart can completely destabilize and the person can go into cardiac arrest,” says Dr. Burket. “If that happens in an emergency room, there is an excellent chance the patient will survive. If it happens at home, the survival rates are quite poor.”
Every minute of a heart attack is critical. “During a heart attack, an artery in the heart becomes completely blocked, which gradually destroys heart tissue,” says Dr. Burket. That process completes itself in the course of a few hours. “If we can get to the person, get them to the lab and get that artery opened up early in the heart attack, we can help prevent permanent damage,” he says.
Innovative treatments provide better results
The UT Medical Center is dedicated to providing leading-edge treatments and is leading the way in cardiovascular disease management. Dr. Burket says when addressing cardiovascular disease, it is important to keep the entire body in mind, not just the heart. “The treatment now is global, so we are opening up arteries all over the body,” he says.
One example of taking this therapy outside the heart is when this treatment is applied to the carotid arteries. “These important arteries pass through the neck to supply blood to the brain,” says Dr. Burket. When a blockage develops, it can be opened with a balloon, and a wire mesh tube called a stent. These procedures can now be performed with a small umbrella-like device that is inserted into the artery. It is folded when inserted and then opened once inside the artery, allowing the blood to be filtered as it goes through to the brain. Dr. Burket says, “If a fragment of cholesterol breaks off and gets caught in the umbrella, it gets removed when we take the umbrella out. The patient has normal circulation throughout the entire process.”
Another advancement at the UT Medical Center involves clearing blockages that affect circulation to the legs. “There are new tools that aid in taking care of blocked leg arteries, which help prevent the loss of limbs,” says Dr. Burket. Researchers at UT Medical Center are also evaluating coated stents for leg arteries that are designed to prevent the renarrowing of arteries. “There are a lot of exciting advancements going on both in and out of the heart at the UT Medical Center,” says Dr. Burket.
To make an appointment with Dr. Burket or another cardiovascular physician, please call 877-451-2299.
