Frequently Asked Questions - General Inquiries
Answers to Common Queries About Our Cardiovascular Care Practice
To schedule an appointment, please call +1-281-727-0096 or email us at info@houstoncardiovascularcare.com. You can also visit our website at https://houstoncardiovascularcare.com/ and fill out the appointment request form.
Our clinic is located at Texas Medical Center, 6624 Fannin St. Suite 2450 , Houston, TX 77030 . You can find detailed directions on our website or contact us directly for assistance.
If you need to schedule testing, please call us at +1-281-727-0096, and our staff will assist you in setting up an appointment. Depending on your specific needs, we may require a consultation with one of our cardiologists before scheduling the test.
Testing is typically conducted at our clinic, but depending on the specific test and your location, arrangements can be made at affiliated hospitals or imaging centers. Our staff will provide you with all necessary information and instructions prior to your appointment.
At Houston Cardiovascular Care, we are committed to providing exceptional cardiovascular care using the latest advancements in technology and treatment methods. Our team of experienced cardiologists specializes in a wide range of cardiovascular conditions and procedures, ensuring personalized care and optimal outcomes for our patients.
You can learn more about the heart and vascular system by visiting reputable medical websites, reading books authored by experts in the field, or attending educational seminars and workshops. Additionally, our website at https://houstoncardiovascularcare.com/ provides valuable information about various heart conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Treatment Information
Insights into Our Specialized Cardiovascular Treatments and Procedures
Angioplasty is a procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries in the heart, typically due to atherosclerosis. It involves inflating a small balloon in the affected artery to improve blood flow. This helps in coronary interventions by restoring blood flow to the heart muscle, relieving symptoms such as chest pain (angina), and reducing the risk of heart attack.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It helps in assessing the structure and function of the heart, detecting abnormalities such as valve disease, heart enlargement, or fluid around the heart. Your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram to evaluate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat.
Pacemakers typically require regular check-ups to ensure they are functioning properly and delivering appropriate electrical signals to the heart. The frequency of checks depends on individual factors and the type of pacemaker. During a check-up, a healthcare provider will use a specialized device to assess the pacemaker's settings, battery life, and overall performance.
24-Hour Holter Monitoring is a continuous recording of the heart's electrical activity over a 24-hour period. It helps in detecting abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may occur intermittently and are not captured during a standard ECG. Your doctor may recommend Holter Monitoring if you experience symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting spells.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm or structure. Stress testing involves monitoring the heart's response to physical exertion, typically on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps in evaluating heart function, detecting coronary artery disease, and assessing exercise tolerance.
The MitraClip procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for mitral valve regurgitation, where the valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the heart. MitraClip involves clipping the leaflets of the mitral valve together to reduce the backflow of blood, thereby improving symptoms and quality of life in patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery.
The Watchman procedure, also known as Watchman implantation or Watchman left atrial appendage closure, is a minimally invasive treatment for individuals with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are at risk of stroke. During the procedure, a small device called the Watchman device is implanted into the left atrial appendage of the heart. This device helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the left atrial appendage, reducing the risk of stroke in patients with AFib who cannot tolerate long-term anticoagulant therapy. The Watchman procedure offers an alternative to lifelong blood-thinning medication for stroke prevention in certain patients with AFib.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve with a new valve delivered through a catheter. TAVR is typically recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk or ineligible for traditional open-heart surgery.
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms by placing a stent-graft inside the weakened area of the aorta to reinforce it and prevent rupture. EVAR offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications.
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure is a procedure used to seal a small hole between the upper chambers of the heart that fails to close naturally after birth. This hole can allow blood clots to pass from the right side to the left side of the heart and travel to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Closing the PFO reduces this risk in certain patients who have experienced a stroke of unknown cause.