Cardiology
What is Cardiology?
Cardiology is the study of the heart. This fist-sized organ is perhaps the most important muscle in the entire body! Made of four chambers, its job is to act as the hub of the circulatory system as it pumps blood and oxygen to the body through a network of arteries, blood vessels, and capillaries.
The heart also contains four valves that act like gates to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. It relies on an electrical system which is essentially the body’s natural pacemaker which provides signals to tell the heart when to contract and relax.
Blood pressure is the measurement of pressure within the arteries, and it plays an important role in delivering oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. It is broken down as follows:
Systole
This occurs when your heart contracts and pushes blood out of the chambers
Diastole
This is known as the period of time in between contractions, or when the heart relaxes and fills the chambers with blood.
Potential Cardiovascular Issues
Our experienced cardiology specialists at Avenel Iselin Medical Group are trained to diagnose and treat the various issues related to the heart and vascular system with precision and care. Given the complex structure of the heart and all of its important duties, there are a number of areas where issues can occur, and this can result in diminished functionality and health problems. Some of our most common cardiovascular areas of focus include:
Congenital heart disease
This occurs when someone is born with a heart that has not developed properly in the womb. It can involve the chambers, valves, or any number of issues.
Coronary heart disease
This is caused when the coronary arteries become narrow or blocked and as a result, have trouble supplying enough blood to the heart.
Angina
Angina occurs when your blood supply is restricted due to a narrowing of the arteries and can result in pain in your chest, arm, neck, stomach, or jaw. These symptoms are a way of informing the body that it’s not getting enough oxygen and is being put under stress.
Heart attack
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when part of your heart muscle becomes blocked and the blood supply is unable to reach it. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, light-headedness, coughing, wheezing, or vomiting.
Women’s heart health
Heart attack symptoms can be different for women than men, but are equally important. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, or other signs.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm occurs when the electrical signals within your heart are interrupted. This can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. Atrial fibrillation or “AFib” is the most common form of arrhythmia. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, swollen ankles, or dizziness.
AIMG Cardiovascular Services
As part of RWJBarnabas Health, AIMG is able to provide stellar cardiology care, utilizing the most advanced heart-monitoring tools and equipment to identify and treat diseases of the heart and vascular system. Our medical facility provides screening and treatment options including:
Comprehensive Cardiac Care
- Blood Pressure Control
- Atrial Fibrillation Monitoring (PTINR)
- Post-Cardiac Event Care
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Monitoring
- Hyperlipidemia Control
- Heart Imaging
Cardiac Ancillary Services
- Electrocardiograms (EKG)
- Non-Nuclear & Nuclear Stress Testing
- Holter Monitor
- Echocardiography
- Arterial & Venous Doppler Ultrasounds
- Aortic Aneurysm Ultrasounds
- Carotid Doppler Ultrasounds
- Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
Interventional Cardiology
- Heart Catheterizations
- Peripheral Vascular Procedures
- Tilt Table Testing
Avenel Iselin Medical Group understands that living with heart disease can be challenging, but you aren’t alone. Ongoing developments in modern medicine and technology allow patients to live increasingly longer and more active lives…one heartbeat at a time.
AIMG is here to provide you with the best in cardiovascular medical support. If you have any questions about our Cardiology services or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our medical group at (732) 404-1580 or submit a request through our Patient Portal.