Cardiovascular Center
Conditions We Treat
Acquired Heart Disease
Acquired heart disease are problems with the heart that develop after birth.
Go to Detail PageAlpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease (passed from parent to child) that can cause serious lung and liver diseases. This occurs when the liver doesn’t make enough alpha-1 protein, which protects the lungs from infection and inflammation. Symptoms, like shortness of breath, typically begin in the 20s or 30s.
Go to Detail PageAmyloid Cardiomyopathy
Amyloidosis pertains to a group of diseases caused by the abnormal folding and then accumulation of protein in various parts of the body. Sometimes, these proteins are deposited in the heart resulting in cardiac amyloidosis. Cardiac amyloidosis is thought to be a rare disease, however, recent advances in diagnostic testing developed at Boston Medical Center in collaboration with other experts across the world suggest that it is likely more common than is presently appreciated.
Go to Detail PageAortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is weakening and/or bulging in aorta, the major blood vessel that branches off from the heart and carries blood to the body. Caused by high blood pressure (hypertension), connective tissue disorders or genetics, the aneurysm can rupture (dissection), causing a life-threatening emergency.
Go to Detail PageAortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a rare and uncommon emergency situation where the aorta, the major blood vessel that branches off from the heart and carries blood to the body, tears. Sudden, severe pain in the back and chest, unconsciousness, and difficulty breathing and speaking are all symptoms, and immediate emergency treatment is required.
Go to Detail PageAortic Valve Disease
Aortic valve disease is when the valve between the aorta (main artery to the body) and the left ventricle (pumping chamber in the heart) doesn’t work properly. Sometimes, the valve doesn’t close all the way, causing blood to flow backward into the heart (regurgitation), or the valve is narrow and doesn’t allow enough blood to leave the heart and flow to the body (stenosis). The disease is either present at birth or develops over time.
Go to Detail PageAtrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia, occurs when the atria beats at up to 600 times per minute, causing the chambers to quiver instead of contract effectively. A normal atria beats 60-80 times per minute.
Go to Detail PageAtrial Flutter
Atrial flutter occurs when the heart beats too quickly (typically 300 beats per minute) and therefore cannot pump blood efficiently. Atrial flutter that comes and goes is known as paroxysmal atrial flutter. When atrial flutter lasts longer--often for days to weeks at a time--it is called persistent atrial flutter. Left untreated, atrial flutter can lead to an increased risk of stroke.
Go to Detail PageCardiac Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm in the United States. It originates in the atria, the heart's two upper chambers, and increases the risk of a stroke.
Go to Detail PageCardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle is abnormal, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can lead to heart failure, but can be treated with medication, implanted devices and heart transplant in severe cases.
Go to Detail PageComplications of Heart Attacks
A ventricular aneurysm can be a serious complication of a heart attack. It occurs when a weakened section of the wall of one of the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart, expands and bulges like a balloon at the spot where the heart attack occurred. Symptoms of a ventricular aneurysm generally include shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
Go to Detail PageCoronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when one or more of the arteries that bring blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque, a sticky substance that can build up over time due to diet, age, or genetics.
Go to Detail PageDeep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombosis) forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Symptoms can include leg pain and swelling, and DVT most often happens when the body is motionless for long periods, like after surgery or illness. DVT is serious because blood clots can break free and lodge in the lungs if not treated.
Go to Detail PageDural Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF)
Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins near the brain.
Go to Detail PageEndocarditis (Infected Heart)
Endocarditis occurs when the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) becomes infected by bacteria that damages the heart valves, which can cause strokes and affect other organs in the body.
Go to Detail PageHeart Disease - Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis happens when plaques made of fatty substances, cholesterol and waste products deposit inside the artery walls, decreasing blood flow. Sometimes called clogging or hardening of the arteries, this can affect arteries in the heart, brain, legs, kidneys and other organs.
Go to Detail PageHeart Valve Disease
The heart has four chambers and four valves. The valves open and close with each heartbeat to push blood forward. A valve can fail to function properly, either because it starts to leak blood backwards or because the valve starts to narrow, preventing forward flow of blood through the heart.
Go to Detail PageHigh Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that occurs naturally in the body. A person's diet and genetics can also affect the amount of cholesterol in the body and when there is too much, it is called hypercholesterolemia.
Go to Detail PageHyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is basically excess fat in the blood, which can cause different conditions like pancreatitis and can increase the risk of heart disease. There are different classifications of hyperlipidemia under two categories – primary, which is genetic (passed down in families), and secondary, which can be caused by various conditions like diabetes.
Go to Detail PageHypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where pressure in the arteries that carry blood is elevated. Sustained high blood pressure can cause damage to the body over time and be a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more. The condition is diagnosed when measured blood pressure is consistently higher than the norm; lifestyle changes, diet and in serious cases, medication are helpful in controlling it.
Go to Detail Page