At St. Bernards, our invasive and interventional cardiologists are experts at treating heart conditions that can be treated with procedures like angioplasty and stenting. Using both nonsurgical and minimally-invasive procedures, a cardiologist trained in these techniques can correct many different heart problems.
Benefits can include:
- Less pain
- Less anesthesia
- Faster recovery time
- Less blood loss
- Less scarring
- Less time in the hospital
Peripheral Artery Disease
Heart disease occurs when calcium, also called plaque, builds up in the vessels of the heart. Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women and occurs in almost half of the population.
But plaque occurs in other parts of the body as well, like the arms and legs, and when that happens it is just as dangerous. The condition is called peripheral artery disease (PAD), or peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Patients sometimes call it hardening of the arteries. Just think of it like heart disease that has made its way to other parts of the body.
PAD is almost as common as heart disease, but much less known or diagnosed. At St. Bernards, our cardiologists make sure that a heart patient is also monitored for PAD. We specialize in diagnostic testing including:
- Arterial doppler scans
- CT angiograms of the legs
- Peripheral arteriogram
You are at a higher risk for PAD if you have these factors:
- Diagnosed with heart disease
- Diabetes
- Smoke
- 65 years and older
Like heart disease, PAD is treatable. Treatment options include:
- Angioplasty
- Laser or diamondback atherectomy
- Stenting of leg arteries
- Surgery
Symptoms of PAD
- Pain in the calf, thigh, or buttocks while walking
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Your legs give out when walking
- In advanced cases you may experience:
- Pain in the foot and leg when resting
- Foot sores and ulcers that lead to amputation
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PAD, consult your physician immediately.
It takes a special team to find heart disease.
Especially when it's hidden in the legs.
It's called Peripheral Artery Disease, or P.A.D., and it's caused by the same build up of plaque that causes heart disease. It can cause reoccuring pain in the legs but oftentimes has no symptoms. That means like heart disease, P.A.D., can be a silent killer. It cripples and it kills. Unless you find it. And that's what we do. We look for it. We find it. We fix it.
- The Cardiovascular Team at St. Bernards Health System
Congestive Heart Failure Clinic
St. Bernards Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Clinic provides specialized care, education, and monitoring to help patients manage their CHF and avoid slipping into acute episodes that are frightening, dangerous, and require trips to the emergency room.
Treatment Program
Our staff will work closely with you to help you manage your CHF, and we’ll keep your physician in the loop on your condition and progress every step of the way.
With the right care, CHF can be managed, and heart failure doesn’t have to stop you from participating in life to your fullest potential.
How It Works
Participation in the St. Bernards CHF program requires a physician’s referral. After the referral is made, contact the CHF clinic staff to schedule your first appointment.
- A CHF team member will perform an evaluation to determine your health needs.
- We will customize an education plan just for you.
- For the first four weeks, we’ll schedule weekly appointments. After four weeks, your schedule will be adjusted based on your needs.
- Our goal is to help you be as self-sufficient as possible, but we will always be here to help.
- You will receive the care and support you need for as long as you need it.
Contact the CHF team at 870.207.7300.