Signs That You Might Need an Interventional Cardiologist

What an interventional cardiologist does and why you may need to see one.

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked.The carotid arteries provide part of the main blood supply to the brain. They are located on each side of the neck. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty material called plaque builds up inside the arteries. This buildup of plaque is called hardening of…

Collapsed Lung

A collapsed lung occurs when air enters the space between the lung and the chest wall in the pleural space. A total collapse is called a pneumothorax. A partial collapse is called atelectasis. A collapsed lung can occur as the result of an injury to the lung. In some cases, a collapsed lung is caused…

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, often caused by heavy smoking or exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace. COPD can also include chronic asthma, which is a hypersensitivity of the air passages in the lungs. Bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma all have…

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process by which food is broken down and used by the body for energy. Several things happen when food is digested and absorbed: A sugar called…

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. Heart failure is usually a chronic condition, but it may come on suddenly. The condition may affect only the right side or only the left side of the heart. Usually, both sides of the heart are…

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It used to measure: Any damage to the heart How fast the heart is beating and whether it is beating normally The effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker)…

AFib

Understanding Aortic Valve Disease

KYW’s Rasa Kaye discusses aortic valve disease with Dr. Kovach, including Deborah’s team approach to identifying, managing and treating the condition, and the latest advances in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

Lower Back or Buttock

A common cause of pain in the lower back or buttock region is a condition called sciatica. Sciatic pain often radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and leg. Many patients who stick to a regular program of gentle exercises and physical therapy have great results recovering from sciatic pain and preventing future…