Cardiovascular - Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

Cardiomegaly is a descriptive term that is used to refer to the physical finding of an enlarged heart and is not a disease itself.

Dissections are used in the prevention of disease and to help determine the cause of death in an autopsy.

Vascular surgery is a surgical subspecialty in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries, veins and lymphatic circulation, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction.

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure that cardiologists use to evaluate heart function and diagnose cardiovascular conditions. A long narrow tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery or vein in your groin, neck, or arm.

A MitraClip is a procedure that is used to fix the mitral valve of the heart. The procedure involves the use of a catheter fed to the heart through a vein in the leg. Doctors can then attach a small clip to the mitral valve to help it close properly, restoring normal blood flow to the heart.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly.

an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall. The most common culprits are atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow.

CHDs are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works. They can affect how blood flows through the heart and out to the rest of the body.

An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), is an enlargement of the aorta, the main blood vessel that delivers blood to the body, and can be life-threatening if it bursts. They are most common in older men and smokers. Pain in the back, belly, or side may be signs of impending rupture.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that occurs when the two upper chambers of your heart experience chaotic electrical signals.

Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function. It can come on suddenly or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal if appropriate steps aren't taken immediately.

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. These diseases have many causes, signs and symptoms as well as treatments.

Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty deposits clog the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain and head. The blockage increases your risk of stroke.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic progressive condition that affects the pumping power of your heart.

A heart attack happens when the flow of blood in the coronary arteries suddenly becomes blocked and a section of heart can't get enough oxygen.

Heart valve disease is when one or more of the valves don't work properly and can cause the blood flow through your heart to your body to be disrupted.

High blood pressure/hypertension is when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high.

Lymphedema, also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a chronic condition in which excess fluid builds up in the tissues, primarily in the arms or legs. This causes pain, discomfort, and swelling (known as edema).

Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects the connective tissue, most commonly that of the heart, eyes, bones, and blood vessels. This can result in the development of an enlarged aorta, vision issues, and elongated limbs, fingers, and toes.

Occlusions occur when the blood vessels are partially or completely blocked. This blockage is most often caused by a blood clot or the buildup of plaque in the artery. This can cut off the blood flow to the brain, heart, or extremities, causing conditions such as vision loss (occlusion in the eye), chest pain, stroke, heart attack, and limb pain and numbness.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. This inflammation can be caused a heart attack or an infection. However, in many cases the cause is unknown.

Pericardial effusion is a condition in which fluid builds up in the space between the heart and the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. This can put pressure on the heart, preventing it from pumping as it normally would.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when there is narrowing of the peripheral arteries, which are the arteries in the arms, legs, abdomen, and head. The condition is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arties and it most commonly occurs in the legs.

Renal artery stenosis is a condition defined by narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. It is typically seen in older adults who suffer from atherosclerosis and the condition can become worse over time, leading to high blood pressure and kidney damage.

Raynaud's disease causes some areas of your body to feel numb and smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin become narrow, limiting blood flow.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted, preventing the brain from getting oxygen and nutrients.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that result from the compression of the nerves and blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib. This compression can cause numbness in the fingers and pain in the neck and shoulders.

Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels that causes changes in the blood vessel walls causing the walls to thicken and narrow, cutting off blood supply to tissues and organs.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when there is narrowing of the peripheral arteries, which are the arteries in the arms, legs, abdomen, and head. The condition is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arties and it most commonly occurs in the legs.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that occurs when the two upper chambers of your heart experience chaotic electrical signals.

Mitral regurgitation is a condition in which the mitral valve of the heart fails to close properly. This results in blood flowing backward heart, rather than continuing its journey through the heart and the rest of the body.

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.