Vascular Surgery and Heart Health

Written By: Sara Loch

Like all organs in your body, your heart requires a constant supply of blood to function properly.  Blood is supplied to the heart by the coronary arteries, and if these become diseased or blocked, that can be life-threatening.  If blood flow is restricted, that can lead to pain and discomfort.  If they become completely blocked, a heart attack occurs.  The area of the heart that is affected dies after it stops receiving nutrients, and sometimes the damage is so bad that it makes the heart stop, called cardiac arrest.  Vascular surgery is sometimes done in emergency situations to restore the flow of blood to the heart, but vascular surgery Washington DC can also be part of preventative measures to make it less likely that a heart attack will occur.

Vein surgery DC

Symptoms that the blood flow to the heart is restricted include pain and discomfort in the chest, arm, and lower jaw.  If you have these symptoms, a cardiologist will likely want to do tests at a vascular surgery center Washington DC to determine the extent of the blockage and the area of the heart that is affected.  If he or she discovers that the coronary arteries are narrowed, they may recommend vascular surgery DC to widen them.  This is important because narrowed arteries are more likely to become completely blocked, which can lead to heart attack and sometimes death.  One type of vascular surgery DC is called angioplasty and stenting.  During this procedure, a catheter is threaded through blood vessels to the blockage where a tiny balloon is inflated to widen the artery.  A stent (a tiny mesh tube) is then placed in the widened artery to make it less likely that the blockage will happen again.

Lifestyle changes

Vein surgery DC is not the only way to help prevent coronary artery disease.  You can help by managing your weight, staying active, and not smoking.  At vascular surgery hospitals Washington DC, they will also recommend a heart healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol and that includes lots of leafy green vegetables. You can learn more about heart health and vascular surgery Washington DC at www.medstarwashington.org/.