Best South Carolina Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease. The defect occurs in epithelial (lining) cells. These cells normally create a mucus. The mucus is a vital tool for many organs. CF causes the cells to produce a very thick and rubbery mucus. This most commonly causes: Obstructions and infections of the lungs and airwaysMalabsorption in the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines)

Heart Failure
In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump the right amount of blood throughout the body. This causes blood to back up in the veins. Depending on which part of the heart is affected most, this can lead to a build up of excess fluid in the lungs, feet, and elsewhere. Heart failure can worsen with time, which may lead to the use of many treatments. Because of this, doctors are aggressive in treating heart failure to try to prevent it from worsening.

Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to heart muscle disease. The damaged heart does not effectively pump blood. The disease usually progresses to the point where patients develop life-threatening Heart Failure. In addition, people with cardiomyopathy are more likely to have irregular heartbeats or Arrhythmias.

Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is hardening of a blood vessel from a build up of plaque. Plaque is made of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and calcium. It builds on the inside lining of arteries. This causes the artery to narrow and harden. It affects large and medium-sized arteries.

Coronary Artery Disease CAD
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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary Artery Disease is caused by a narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. This narrowing is a result of Atherosclerosis -the buildup of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the arteries. When the arteries narrow, blood flow is reduced. The reduced blood flow causes the heart muscle to receive less oxygen then it needs to function properly. This is termed ischemia. When ischemia occurs patients typically develop angina or chest pain originating from the heart. If the blood flow is completely cut off, a Heart Attack (myocardial infarction) will occur, and the heart muscle will be permanently damaged.

Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are abnormal beats of the heart, such as: Heartbeats that are too slow ( Bradycardia ) Heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia)Extra beatsSkipped beatsBeats coming from abnormal areas of the heart

Congestive Heart Failure
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Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. The term “heart failure” should not be confused with “heart attack.” Heart failure occurs after the heart muscle has been damaged or weakened by another primary cause, such as High Blood Pressure , Coronary Artery Disease , or certain kinds of infections. Depending on the cause, heart failure can occur gradually, over many years, while the heart tries to compensate for its loss of function, or it may occur more quickly if a lot of the heart muscle is damaged at once.

Hypertension
High Blood Pressure is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood flow against the artery walls.

Myocarditis
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart's muscular wall, the myocardium. Although rare, it can be devastating. Myocarditis can occur with no symptoms and remain undiagnosed.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a form of Cardiomyopathy. This is a condition in which the heart muscle thickens. As the muscle thickens, it must work harder to pump blood, which strains the heart muscle. HCM usually causes only one side of the heart to thicken, making the heart pump unevenly.