Heart Disease Center - Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove Cardiologist Doctors for Heart DiseaseType of Physician: Cardiologist What is a Cardiologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat). Specialty: Cardiology Common Name: Heart Doctor Cardiologist Doctors in Downers Grove * Advanced Heart & Health Care  Midwest Cardiac Consultants  Midwest Cardiac Consultants  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Heart Specialists Downers Grove  Midwest Cardiac Center  Ceena Health PC  Suburban Cardiologists  Suburban Cardiologists  Suburban Cardiologists  Suburban Cardiologists  Suburban Cardiologists  Suburban Cardiologists  Riaz A Akhtar MD  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  Illinois Heart & Vascular  The Elmhurst Clinic  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Midwest Heart Specialists Elmhurst  Zaheen Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Cardiovascular Consultants of Naperville  Cardiovascular Consultants of Naperville  DuPage Cardiology  Steven Lieberman MD  Cardiovascular Consultants of Naperville  Cardiovascular Consultants of Naperville  Antonio Senat MD  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Midwest Heart Specialists Winfield  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  DuPage Medical Group Cardiology  Elmhurst Clinic  Behrooz Eshaghy MD  Loyola University Medical Center  Loyola University Practice Foundation  Loyola University Medical Center  Loyola University Medical Center  Loyola University Medical Ctr  Loyola University Practice Foundation  Nirmal Patodia MD  Loyola University Medical Center  Loyola University Practice Foundation  Lowell H Steen Jr MD  Loyola U Medical Center Electrophysiology  Heart Care Centers of Illinois  Heart Care Centers of Illinois  Clinical Cardiology Consultants  Bashi Bandari MD  Consultants in Cardiovascular Medicine  Ramesh Dhingra MD  S J Hasanain MD  Dragan Ivkovic MD FACC  Lloyd W Klein MD  Consultants in Cardiovascular Medicine Downers Grove, IllinoisUpcoming Local Events2010-11-23
2010-12-18
2011-01-24
2011-04-29
Heart DiseaseRead the Heart Disease article » Introduction to heart diseaseThe heart is like any other muscle, requiring blood to supply oxygen and nutrients for it to function. The heart's needs are provided by the coronary arteries, which begin at the base of the aorta and spread across the surface of the heart, branching out to all areas of the heart muscle. The coronary arteries are at risk for narrowing as cholesterol deposits, called plaques, build up inside the artery. If the arteries narrow enough, blood supply to the heart muscle may be compromised (slowed down), and this slowing of blood flow to the heart causes pain, or angina. A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when a plaque ruptures, allowing a blood clot to form. This completely obstructs the artery, stopping blood flow to part of the heart muscle, and that portion of muscle dies.
What are the risk factors for heart diseaseRisk factors for heart disease include:
What are the symptoms of heart disease?The typical symptoms of coronary artery disease are associated chest pain with shortness of breath. Classically, the pain of angina is described as a pressure or heaviness behind the breast bone with radiation to the jaw and down the arm accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating. Unfortunately, angina has a variety of presentations, and there may not even be specific chest pain. There may be shoulder or back ache, nausea, indigestion or upper abdominal pain. Women, the elderly, and people with diabetes may have different perceptions of pain or have no discomfort at all. Instead, they may complain of malaise or fatigue. Healthcare providers and patients may have difficulty underst... Recommended Reading Related to Heart DiseaseHeart attack facts
Other Related Heart Disease ArticlesEmergency Contact for Downers Grove
Nearby Downers Grove Hospitals *Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital RML Specialty Hospital Adventist Hinsdale Hospital Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital Edward Hospital Linden Oaks Hospital at Edward Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Adventist GlenOaks Hospital Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital Central DuPage Hospital Kindred Hospital Northlake Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital John J Madden Mental Health Center Loyola University Medical Center Riveredge Hospital Resurrection Health Care Westlake Hospital MacNeal Hospital Gottlieb Memorial Hospital RUSH Oak Park Hospital Advocate Christ Medical Center & Hope Children's Hospital Hartgrove Hospital Palos Community Hospital Loretto Hospital Resurrection Health Care West Suburban Medical Center Shriners Hospital for Children Chicago Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital Alexian Brothers Medical Center Rush-Copley Medical Center Chicago-Read Mental Health Center Resurrection Health Care Our Lady of Resurrection Medical Center Advocate Bethany Hospital Holy Cross Hospital Saint Anthony Hospital Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital Resurrection Health Care Resurrection Medical Center Sacred Heart Hospital Provena Mercy Medical Center Streamwood Behavioral Health Center Little Company of Mary Hospital & Health Care Centers Norwegian-American Hospital Kindred Hospital Chicago Central Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center Jesse Brown VA Medical Center John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County Silver Cross Hospital University of Illinois Medical Center Johnston R Bowman Health Center Resurrection Health Care Saint Elizabeth Hospital Resurrection Health Care Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center Rush University Medical Center Delnor-Community Hospital Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Northwest Community Hospital Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital St Alexius Medical Center Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County St Bernard Hospital & Health Care Center MetroSouth Medical Center Resurrection Health Care Holy Family Medical Center Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Tinley Park Mental Health Center Kindred Hospital Chicago North Mercy Hospital & Medical Center Provident Hospital of Cook County Swedish Covenant Hospital Children's Memorial Hospital CINN Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute of Chicago Lincoln Park Hospital University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital University of Chicago Hospital Bernard Mitchell Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Northwestern Memorial Hospital Prentice Women's Hospital Roseland Community Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Heart Disease by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
51 articles-
Low Blood Pressure
- Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
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Congestive Heart Failure
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
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High Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
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Heat Rash
- Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Pictures of heat rash are included.
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Blood Clots
- Blood clots can occur in the venous and arterial vascular system. Blood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins, bladder, urinary tract and uterus. Risk factors for blood clots include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on the location of the clot. Some blood clots are a medical emergency. Blood clots are treated depending upon the cause of the clot. Blood clots can be prevented by lowering the risk factors for developing blood clots.
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Dizziness
- Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Stroke
- A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or cerebrovascular incident. Symptoms of stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance, and/or sudden severe headache with no known cause. A TIA, or transient ischemic attack is a short-lived temporary impairment of the brain caused by loss of blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.
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Dementia
- Dementia is a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. There are different criteria classification schemes for dementias such as cortical, subcortical, progressive, primary, and secondary dementias. Other conditions and medication reactions can also cause dementia. Dementia is diagnosed based on a certain set of criteria. Treatment for dementia is generally focused on the symptoms of the disease.
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Angina
- Angina is chest pain that is due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery disease or spasm of the coronary arteries. EKG, exercise treadmill, stress echocardiography, stress thallium, and cardiac catheterization are important tests used in the diagnosis of angina.
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Cholesterol
- Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol. High cholesterol treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), and medications such as statins, bile acid resins, and fibric acid derivatives.
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Heart Attack
- Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical instability of the heart.
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Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)
- Polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count) causes are either primary (aquired or genetic mutations) or secondary (diseases, conditions, high altitude). Treatment of polycythemia depends on the cause.
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Chest Pain
- Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy, pneumothorax, shingles, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, angina, heart attack, costochondritis, pericarditis, aorta or aortic dissection, and reflux esophagitis. Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain depends upon the cause and clinical presentation of the patient's chest pain.
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Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature heartbeats originating from the ventricles of the heart. PVCs are premature because they occur before the regular heartbeat. There are many causes of premature ventricular contractions to include: heart attack, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, hypokalemia, hypoxia, medications, excess caffeine, drug abuse, and myocarditis.
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Obesity
- Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20 percent over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.
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Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders)
- Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus brachycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-White-Parkinson syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependant upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.
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Heart Murmur
- A heart murmur is the sound generated when blood flow within the heart is not smooth. Causes of heart murmurs can be functional, congenital, or caused heart valve conditions. Symptoms of a heart murmur may be none, or may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and arm, leg, and ankle swelling. Treatment of a heart murmur depends on the cause.
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Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary hypertension is an abnormal elevation of the pressure in the pulmonary circulation caused by the constriction of the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Shortness of breath and dizziness are symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Treatment involves diuretics, blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, and using supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels.
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Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. While there are many causes of peripheral vascular disease, doctors commonly use the term peripheral vascular disease to refer to peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease symptoms include: intermittent claudication, rest pain, numbness in the extremities, and more. Treatment for peripheral artery disease include: lifestyle measures, medication, angioplasty, and surgery.
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Metabolic Syndrome
- The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol abnormalities, and an increased risk for clotting. Patients are most often overweight or obese. Lifestyle modification such as the Mediterranean diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome.
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Orthostatic Hypotension
- Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Causes of orthostatic hypotension include dehydration, anemia, medication, blood loss, low blood pressure, heat related illnesses and more. Treatment of orthostatic hypotension depends on the underlying cause.
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Fatigue
- Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental and physical). The causes of fatigue are generally related to a variety of conditions or diseases for example, anemia, mono, medications, sleep problems, cancer, anxiety, heart disease, drug abuse, and more. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease that is causing the fatigue.
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Rheumatic Fever
- Rheumatic fever is a disease that sometimes occurs after a group A streptococcal infection of the throat. Symptoms and signs include carditis, polyarthritis, Aschoff bodies, rash, Sydenham's chorea, and fever. Treatment for rheumatic fever involves eliminating the bacteria with penicillin, erythromycin, or azithromycin. Further treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms brought on by the body's immunologic response to the bacteria.
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Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
- Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Sudden cardiac arrest is an unexpected, sudden death caused by sudden cardiac arrest (loss of heart function). Causes and risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest include (not inclusive): abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, smoking, high cholesterol, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation after a heart attack, congenital heart defects, history of fainting, and heart failure, obesity, diabetes, and drug abuse. Treatment of sudden cardiac arrest is an emergency, and action must be taken immediately.
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Aortic Dissection
- Aortic dissection is a small tear in the large blood vessel that leads from the heart and supplies blood to the body. There are two types of aortic dissection, type 1 and type 2. Signs and symptoms of aortic dissection include a tearing or ripping pain, nausea, sweating, weakness, shortness of breath, sweating, or fainting. Treatment depends on the type of aortic dissection, and the severity of the tear in the aorta.
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Alpha Thalassemia
- Alpha thalassemia is a disorder in which the alpha globin protein is underproduced. There are two pairs of genes that carry the code for the alpha chains of hemoglobin. When one gene is impaired, that person is in a carrier state and suffers no medical problems. When four genes are impaired, the production of fetal and adult hemoglobin is prevented, resulting in hydrops fetalis and leading to death before birth.
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Smoker's Lung: Pathology Photo Essay
- Smoker's lung photo essay is a collection of pictures and microscopic slides of lung disease caused by cigarette smoking. Smoker's lung refers to the diseases and structural abnormalities in the lung caused by cigarette smoking.
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