Neurology

Neurology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

What is it?

Neurology addresses disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. A neurologist may be consulted for a wide range of conditions, spanning from concussions to developmental disorders and chronic conditions.

What are the subspecialties?

Neurology is a branch of internal medicine. One subspecialty of neurology is pediatric neurology which examines the brain, spinal cord and nervous system in infants and children. There are many emerging subspecialties of neurology relevant to the care of children with neurological disorders, such as neuro-epidemiology, neuropathology, interventional neurology and neuroimaging.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Neurologists work with those suffering from neurological problems such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, mental retardation, autism spectrum disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and other neuromuscular disorders. Symptoms vary greatly among the different chronic conditions. General symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of sensation, seizures, generalized pain, decreased attention span, and difficulty reading and writing.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

Although each neurological disease treatment plan is unique and uses a combination of diagnostic tests and procedures, common procedures include craniotomy, spinal fusion, and minimally invasive spine surgery. During a craniotomy, a surgeon accesses the brain by removing a flap of skull, and places a deep brain stimulator to correct brain lesions and injuries. A spinal fusion combines multiple vertebrae using rods or screws in order to stabilize the spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery is used to make structural corrections to the spine without damaging surrounding muscles.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

Researchers and clinicians are working together to identify the causes of neurological disorders. Certain neurological disorders such as epilepsy are not preventable, but there are many healthy practices that professionals believe prevent the onset of additional conditions and make existing disorders more manageable. Lifestyle changes such as eating fruits and vegetables, monitoring blood pressure and weight, and refraining from smoking have been suggested as appropriate measures for neurological disorder prevention.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

A common misconception in pediatric neurology is that there is an association between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder. There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, vaccines are a safe, clinician-approved method of protecting oneself and others from the spread of preventable diseases.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

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Nephrology involves the treatment of the kidneys and urinary system. The nephrologist monitors abnormalities in the kidneys related to diabetes, renal diseases, and metabolic imbalances.

What is it?

Nephrology addresses the physiology and diseases of the kidneys. Diseases of the kidneys include diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and renal failure. Treatments in nephrology can include medications, renal replacement, and surgical intervention.

What are the subspecialties?

Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine. One subspecialty of nephrology is pediatric nephrology which examines the kidney and urinary system of children. These specialists work very closely with urologists and endocrinologists to develop treatment strategies.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Nephrologists develop treatments and management plans for chronic conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract. Common diseases include but are not limited to kidney failure, glomerulonephritis, renal artery stenosis, hypertension, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, glycosuria, proteinuria and genetically conferred kidney diseases. Symptoms associated with these complications may consist of edema (swelling due to fluid build-up), burning sensation when urinating (called dysuria), changing patterns of urination, high blood pressure, back pain, nausea and metabolic imbalances in urine solution.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

The most common procedures include nephrectomy, kidney dialysis, and kidney transplant. A nephrectomy is a procedure that surgically removes a non-functioning kidney either partially or completely. Kidney dialysis is a medical procedure that filters harmful wastes from the body’s blood which acts as a substitute for a poorly functioning kidney. A kidney transplant replaces a failing kidney with a donor’s healthy kidney.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

Certain nephrological disorders such as genetically conferred kidney diseases are not preventable, but there are many healthy practices that professionals believe prevent the onset of additional conditions and existing disorders more manageable. Lifestyle changes such as reducing the amount of salt consumed, refraining from smoking and exercising are appropriate for kidney health. Drinking water frequently throughout the day is also recommended to maintain healthy kidney function. Occasional urine tests and blood tests are also helpful to make sure the kidneys are functioning properly.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

One misconception related to kidney health is that the kidneys are healthy if they are passing urine. Damaged, improperly functioning kidneys are still capable of producing urine. The best way to be attentive to kidney health is to receive blood and urine testing if experiencing adverse symptoms.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

General surgery is a surgical specialty that broad in its scope, focusing on both the diagnosis and surgical treatment of many different medical conditions. By nature of the specialty, general surgeons are expected to be able to perform surgeries on multiple body systems.

What is it?

General surgery is a surgical specialty that is broad in its scope, focusing on both the diagnosis and surgical treatment of many different medical conditions. By nature of the specialty, general surgeons are expected to be able to perform surgeries on multiple body systems. A general surgeon may have specialized knowledge and experience related to the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management, including the management of complications.

What are the subspecialties?

General Surgery covers a wide array of specializations and subspecialties. Some of the subspecialties of general surgery include, but are not limited to, vascular surgery, biliary surgery, bariatric surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and abdominal transplant surgery.  When a patient is in need of an organ transplant, it will most likely be a general surgeon performing the procedure.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

There are many different conditions associated with the abdomen and digestive system.  Some of the most commonly seen cases are acute pancreatitis, appendicitis, bowel obstructions, Crohn’s Disease, and gallstones.  Gallstones can range in size and are solid particles that can potentially block the bile duct, causing stomach pains and discomfort.  If this condition is left untreated, the patient can become septic and potentially die.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

As medical technology advances, certain general surgeries are becoming less invasive and focusing more on laparoscopic procedures.  A few of the most common procedures performed by a general surgeon are laparoscopic hernia repair, endoscopies, liver resections, appendectomies, and Whipple procedures. During a Whipple procedure, the surgeon removes infected parts of the pancreas, duodenum, common bile duct, and sometimes parts of the stomach.  A Whipple procedure is commonly performed to treat cancers of these areas.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

Since many general surgery procedures are required due to complications with the digestive system, it is of great importance to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Avoiding substance abuse, tobacco use, and limiting alcohol intake can help in maintaining liver and kidney health.  Low-fat diets help prevent gallstones and biliary disease.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

A common misconception about general surgery is that this encompasses all procedures.  A general surgeon does not have the training and certifications to perform all surgeries.  Similar to other surgeons, if they are not comfortable with the case they are presented with, the general surgeon will refer the patient to another surgeon who might be more equipped or trained to handle the patient’s specific condition.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

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Gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with medical conditions pertaining to their gastrointestinal tracts. These issues can include both chronic and acute illnesses. Minimally invasive surgery can reduce damage to human tissue, and is often robotic-assisted surgery.

What is it?

Gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery focuses on the evaluation and surgical correction of complications in the gastrointestinal tract. Surgeons conduct appropriate procedures using endoscopic cameras and small incisions in the body.

What are the subspecialties?

Gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgeons work with many different specialties to ensure that an appropriate treatment plan is created for a patient. These specialists include gastroenterologists, general surgeons, endocrinologists and oncologists among others.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Commonly associated medical conditions include but are not limited to acid reflux, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, hernias, appendicitis, cancers of the GI tract, as well as gallbladder, thyroid and parathyroid diseases. Commonly occurring symptoms that require the assistance of a physician or surgeon in this specialty consist of obesity, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice and acid reflux.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

Examples of commonly associated surgical procedures are hernia repair and gastric surgery, as well as antireflux and esophageal surgery. A hernia repair is performed when hernias become large. During this procedure, the intestine is pushed back into the abdomen, and if the abdomen was torn during the hernia, the torn abdomen is then sewn together. Bariatric surgery is performed to reduce the size of the stomach, often to assist in weight loss. Antireflux esophageal surgery, also known as fundoplication, is performed to prevent stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. During this procedure, the  esophagus is tightened at the lower sphincter.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

While there are risk factors such as age, gender and family history that might predispose one to gastrointestinal diseases, there are many measures that are under one’s control. The most useful preventative measures include exercise, avoidance of smoking or an environment with smoking, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with less red meat, and management of one’s weight and blood pressure. Those with a normal risk of colon cancer are advised to participate in screening starting at age 50, but those with a family history of such disease are advised to begin screenings earlier.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

Bariatric surgery, or weight-loss surgery, is often perceived as a lazy way to lose weight. Individuals that are affected by severe obesity may decide after consulting with gastroenterologists and surgeons that bariatric surgery is an appropriate option in a weight management plan. The stigma of weight-loss surgery being a lazy alternative to dieting or exercising is wrong, and it is important to realize that every individual has different medical needs. It is also important for patients who receive bariatric surgery to understand that they are still able to gain weight, even after the surgery, if they are not careful to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty that deals with the treatment of the digestive system. Gastroenterology focuses on normal digestion, absorption of nutrients, and metabolic processes.

What is it?

Gastroenterology addresses diseases of the digestive organs, namely the esophagus, stomach, bowels, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. A gastroenterologist’s responsibilities include overseeing endoscopic techniques, developing strategies to manage chronic disease, and interpreting diagnostic screenings for diseases such as colorectal cancer.

What are the subspecialties?

Gastroenterology is a branch of internal medicine. One specialty of gastroenterology is hepatology, which is concerned with the diseases of the liver or biliary tract. Gastroenterologists may work with other specialists such as oncologists or endocrinologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for ailments and diseases.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Common diseases that would cause a patient to seek treatment include Barrett’s esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, alcoholic liver disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, ulcers and cancer. Additionally, symptoms include abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice and acid reflux.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

In addition to routine diagnostic tests, more frequent procedures include luminal stenting, capsule endoscopy, and endoscopic mucosal resection. Luminal stenting is a procedure in which gastrointestinal stents are surgically placed within the gastrointestinal tract of patients who have obstructions in their intestines. Capsule endoscopy is a procedure in which a patient swallows a small capsule that holds a camera, which travels through the body and scans for disorders. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an endoscopic technique that removes areas of early cancers in the gastrointestinal tract.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

While there are risk factors such as age, gender and family history that might predispose one to gastrointestinal diseases, there are many measures that are under one’s control. The most useful preventative measures include exercise, avoidance of smoking or an environment with smoking, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with less red meat, and management of one’s weight and blood pressure. Those with a normal risk of colon cancer are advised to participate in screenings starting at age 50, but those with a family history of such disease are advised to begin screenings earlier.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

There are misconceptions concerning bowel regularity. A daily bowel movement does not always constitute a healthy digestive system. A healthy man or woman can have variability in his or her bowel regularity, ranging from three times a day to three times a week.  Gastrointestinal health is better represented by consistent and routine digestive patterns. If a patient is concerned about his or her digestive health, the best approach is to speak to a doctor. Another myth concerning gastroenterology is that colon cleanses offer digestive health improvements. The colon cleanse is an unreliable health fad that fails to remove toxins from the bloodstream and may actually contribute to immune system deficiencies when an unnatural amount of stool is removed.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

The ear, nose and throat specialty is focused on the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of disorders/abnormalities in the ear, nose, throat, sinuses and larynx. Doctors specializing in ear, nose and throat procedures are known as otolaryngologists.

What is it?

Ear, Nose, and Throat is a common term for otolaryngology. Otolaryngology is a specialty that concerns itself with the diagnosis and management of the ear, nose, throat, sinuses and larynx. ENT specialists treat most disorders above the shoulders with the exception of eye and brain related ailments.

What are the subspecialties?

Ear, Nose, and Throat sub-specialties include otology-neurotology, which specifically addresses issues with hearing and balance, and pediatric otolaryngology. ENT specialists may work with other specialists such as allergists, rhinologists or cosmetic surgeons to develop comprehensive treatment plans for ailments and diseases.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Common diseases that would lead a patient to seek treatment include but are not limited to adenoiditis, tonsillitis, cleft palate, ear infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease, nasal obstruction, thyroid conditions and sleep apnea. Additionally, symptoms include upper respiratory infections, pain, pressure, impaired hearing, impaired balance, vomiting, nausea and fluid in the ears.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

In addition to routine diagnostic tests, more frequent procedures include ear, nose and throat endoscopy, endoscopic thyroid surgery and middle ear surgery. Ear, nose and throat endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that allows for the examination of the middle ear, nasal passages and opening of the sinuses to relieve obstructions. Endoscopic thyroid surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the thyroid to be accessed by a small incision in the neck to correct metabolic imbalances. Middle ear surgery is a reconstructive procedure that is designed to fix abnormal ear structures and improve one’s hearing ability.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

There are several lifestyle behaviors that can reduce one’s chances of disease in the ears, nose or throat. The most useful preventative measures include avoiding smoking or an environment with smoking, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising, listening to music at an appropriate level, wearing ear plugs and gently cleaning one’s ears.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

It is a common misconception that pain or pressure in the sinuses is caused by sinus infections. Although pain and pressure can certainly be felt during a sinus infection, there are many other conditions such as a common cold or allergies that are felt in the same manner. It is better to seek a specialist to effectively treat diseases of the ears, nose and throat rather than form assumptions towards general symptoms.

It is also a misconception that snoring during sleep is always a harmless occurrence. Snoring is often the result of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that prevents proper breathing and causes stress to the body. Sleep apnea is a condition that can be treated with the help of ENT specialists.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Oromaxillofacial Surgery is concerned with treatment of conditions of the mouth, neck, and teeth.

What is It?

Oromaxillofacial surgery is a specialty that includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissue of the oromaxillofacial region. The target areas for this specialty are the mouth, jaws, facial structures and neck.

What are the Commonly Associated Medical Diseases or Symptoms?

Common conditions and symptoms that require treatment of this specialty include jaw-related conditions, sleep apnea, oral cancer, and tooth conditions.

What are the Commonly Associated Medical Procedures?

Common procedures include dentoalveolar surgery, which extracts impacted teeth, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, oncologic surgery to remove oral tumors, reconstructive surgery to rebuild damaged facial features, and TMJ surgery to relieve jaw pain.

What are effective Preventative Measures?

To lower the need for dental and oromaxillofacial surgery, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and to adhere to scheduled dental appointments. Eliminating behaviors such as smoking and avoiding sugary foods are also beneficial practices.

What are the Common Misconceptions?

A common misconception is that oromaxillofacial surgery is the same as dentistry. This is not correct. While dentistry and oromaxillofacial surgery both focus on the mouth regions, dentistry is more concerned with the teeth and gums, while oromaxillofacial surgery can come to include the face, mouth, teeth, jaws, and neck.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

What is it?

Cardiology addresses the diseases and disorders of the heart. Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart diseases and disorders using special imaging techniques to assess a patient’s heart for changes in blood flow, changes in blood pressure, deformities, and other irregularities.

What are the subspecialties?

Cardiology is considered a branch of internal medicine, but many cardiologists work with patients to manage more detailed cardiovascular conditions. Subspecialties include interventional cardiology, which uses invasive methods to treat heart conditions, cardiac electrophysiology, which focuses on irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure and transplant cardiology, pertaining to advanced heart failure.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Common medical diseases and symptoms that would cause a patient to seek treatment include, but are not limited to, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, pericardial diseases, cardiomyopathies, endocarditis, dysrhythmias, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and disorders of circulation through the arteries and veins. A patient might seek a cardiologist if he or she experiences chest pain, chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, heightened heart rate, severe dizziness or intense feelings of restlessness.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

In addition to diagnostic tests, more frequent procedures consist of angioplasty, stent placement, and pacemaker placement. An angioplasty uses special tubing leading to the coronary arteries and an inflatable balloon to allow blood to flow normally.  Similarly, stent placement employs an artificial tube to hold a weakened artery in a fixed position that allows blood to flow normally. A pacemaker placement is a procedure in which a small device is placed in the chest to control for irregular heart rhythms.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

While there are risk factors such as age, gender and family history that might predispose one to cardiovascular diseases, there are also many measures that are under one’s control. The most useful preventative measures include exercise, avoidance of smoking, maintaining a diet with low cholesterol, and closely monitoring one’s weight and blood pressure.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

One misconception about cardiology is that stress alone will cause a heart attack. While stress contributes to hypertension, it is important to realize that heart health is a combination of many lifestyle behaviors. To maintain proper heart health, one should monitor his or her cholesterol and weight in addition to the blood pressure associated with stress.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.

Cardiac surgery refers to surgery of the heart and its blood vessels.

What is it?

Cardiac surgery refers to surgery of the heart and its blood vessels. Cardiac surgery is performed to transplant donor hearts and treat heart diseases, congenital heart defects, and resulting complications.

What are the subspecialties?

There are a few additional training programs a cardiothoracic surgeon can complete in order to specialize even further in Cardiac Surgery.  Some of these subspecialties include pediatric cardiac surgery, general thoracic surgery, and congenital heart surgery.

What are the commonly associated medical diseases or symptoms?

Some variations of heart disease are believed to be genetic, but others can be attributed to poor diet, lack of exercise, and numerous of other factors.  A couple of the most common diseases of the heart are coronary artery disease (disease of the coronary arteries), aortic valve disease (disease of the major artery of the heart), mitral valve disease (disease of the valve between the left ventricle and left atrium of the heart), arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), and pericarditis (infection of the lining around the heart).  Pericarditis is a condition often caused by a viral or bacterial infection and causes the lining around your heart to be inflamed.  Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed to control inflammation and infection.

What are the commonly associated medical procedures?

Common surgical procedures associated with the heart include  bypass surgery, heart transplant, and artificial heart valve surgery. A bypass surgery is utilized to restore functional blood flow through the heart by grafting arteries and veins from healthy sections of the body to repair damaged vessels in the heart. If a patient’s heart health cannot be salvaged through standard procedures, a heart transplant replaces the diseased heart with one from a healthy donor.  Additionally, artificial heart valve surgery,  commonly referred to as a valve replacement, replaces a diseased or damaged valve with a healthy valve to restore normal valve function.

Are there any preventative measures I can take?

To promote heart health, it is especially important to have regular physical activity and a healthy diet that helps to keep blood pressure and bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein) low.  Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are considered bad cholesterol since they lead to plaque build up in your arteries.  Additionally, lifestyle choices such as avoidance of alcohol and tobacco use, as well as managing stress and weight can help lower the risk of heart disease. Regular check-ups with a doctor and discussions of family medical history can set a proper track for maintaining a healthy heart.

What are the common misconceptions about this specialty?

One common misconception about cardiovascular disease is that young people should not have to think or worry about it.  The truth is that lifestyle choices that are made early in life can and will affect the risk of heart disease. One in three Americans has heart disease. Maintaining a healthy regimen of diet and exercise throughout one’s life can contribute to long-term heart health.

Disclaimer:

All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.

If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.