Hello and welcome to our blog. Let us dive right into a condition that affects many but is widely misunderstood- peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Let us lend you some insights from Dr. Rick Pumill, a renowned cardiologist from Cross County Cardiology, to help decode this medical condition.

Peripheral Vascular Disease is essentially blockage of arteries, primarily affecting the legs and in some cases, the neck. The main manifestation of this disease is a condition known as claudication. Claudication often presents as a tightening sensation in your calves while walking. This forces the individual to pause and rest, until the discomfort lessens enough to start moving again.

The real challenge arises in accurately diagnosing PVD. This is because the symptoms can be confused with the aftermath of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Although the presentation is similar, the cause behind the discomfort is different, resulting in varied treatment methods.

Risk factors associated with peripheral vascular disease are akin to those contributing to heart disease. This includes tobacco usage, a history of the disease in the family, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, diabetes etc. These factors increase the likelihood of arterial blockage.

As we level up in our pursuit of achieving optimum heart health, our practice at Cross County Cardiology wants to shed light on some misleading information surrounding this journey. Countless pagans of the internet cite alternative therapies as the new miracle for all heart-related ailments. Let us debunk some of these myths, and emphasize the importance of individualized care.

One common misconception is that stress reduction techniques do not significantly impact our heart health. Let us say this loud and clear: this belief is entirely false. The body's secretion of specific hormones, such as cortisol, under stress can have serious damaging effects on the heart, similar to the impact of sleep deprivation. So, what's the bottom line? Stress management and maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle are crucial components of heart health.

Moreover, the belief that dietary supplements alone can prevent heart disease is another myth that needs debunking. While some dietary supplements can support heart health, relying exclusively on them can not guarantee a heart disease-free life. In fact, certain supplements are known contributors to heart diseases. Therefore, it becomes crucial to understand the pluses and minuses of whatever protocols we follow.

At Cross County Cardiology, we believe strongly in individualized care. A one-size-fits-all approach does not apply when it comes to caring for your heart. To ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients, we tailor our recommendations to the individual, taking into account their unique needs, health status, and lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more valuable advice, recommendations, and debunking myths, exclusively from your trusted team at Cross County Cardiology.
  
BTW - check out our very own Dr. Chris Pumill's IG video reel discussing this very important topic, click here. 

Hello community,

Welcome back to our blog. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a critical diagnostic tool that helps us understand our heart better - the EKG.

What is an EKG?

EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a crucial test in cardiology. It allows us to monitor the electrical activity of the heart and uncover issues that might be lurking under the surface.

How is an EKG Performed?

Performing an EKG is straightforward. Electrodes are attached to the arms, legs, and across the chest to monitor the heart's electrical patterns. This painless and non-invasive procedure can provide crucial information about your heart's health.

What Can An EKG Tell You About Your Heart?

The heart's electrical signals tell a story about its health and functionality. Any disruption in these electrical patterns could indicate a problem.

• Heart Attack: After a heart attack, the heart develops scar tissues, which cause a shift in the heart's electrical activity, thus evident in the EKG reading.

• Bundle Branch Block: Abnormal EKG shows a unique electrical pattern that differs significantly from a standard EKG.

• Electrolyte Abnormalities: Disturbances in the body's electrolyte balance can also affect the heart's electrical activity, visible on an EKG.

• Hereditary Abnormalities: Certain inherited conditions like Brugada Syndrome or Long QT Syndrome can be predicted with an EKG.

Bear in mind, interpreting an EKG requires expert knowledge. While computer readings might flag an anomaly, it doesn't always signal a problem with your heart. These systems are designed to be highly sensitive to prevent any miss, but they can also trigger undue anxiety.

Many of us may not be familiar with the term endocarditis but, as Dr. Rick Pumill, renowned Cardiologist, explains, it refers to a heart or heart valve infection - a condition that can be quite catastrophic if not diagnosed and treated promptly. While many medical sites cover the basics of this condition, this article will delve into the unseen depths, offering a unique perspective by involving comprehensive statistics and other vital information.

We wanted to share our research from a medical abstract.

An ApoB test helps your doctor analyze whether or not you are at risk for heart disease. It measures the amount of apolipoprotein B in your blood. Apolipoprotein B attaches to negative types of cholesterol that cause plaque buildup in your blood vessels, which can lead to damage and heart disease

Understanding heart medication safety during pregnancy can be a daunting task. At Cross County Cardiology, we aim to equip soon-to-be mothers with the expertise of professionals in the field who can provide them with accurate, reliable information.

The healthcare field has made a huge stride in the last few decades with the innovation of minimally-invasive surgeries. These surgeries have been bustling with excitement, reshaping the landscape of the surgical world, particularly in cardiology.

Dr. Chris Pumill, from Cross County Cardiology, a leading provider of medical services, precisely points out how the buzz about minimally-invasive surgeries shouldn't overshadow the primary goal of any surgical treatment - optimal patient result. He uncovers that while the scar's size and the less invasive treatment are indeed benefits of these procedures, they shouldn't necessarily take precedence over the nature and efficiency of the surgery itself.

Deciding between repairing and replacing a heart valve is a life-changing decision. Here, Dr. Pumill episodes an example where a slightly larger incision for repair can indeed prove more beneficial for the patient than a smaller one for replacement. This rationale stems from the simple fact that what might seem more invasive initially could potentially serve the patient better in the long run, slashing future complications and consequent hospital visits.

As patients and caregivers, understanding every facet of surgical treatments can appear overwhelming. What's minimally invasive? What sort of scar will remain? Will the treatment require follow-ups? Even though the medical realm strives to bring the least discomfort, it ultimately underscores ensuring the patient's well-being.

When considering heart surgery, an individual conversation with your cardiologist and/or surgeon, taking your health history and overall condition into account, proves invaluable. Such a tailored consultation helps beat the bias of the 'minimally-invasive' buzz and concentrates on your best possible outcome.

Undeniably, the advancements in minimally-invasive surgeries are an exciting revolution. Still, its worth stands best when evaluated against each patient's unique needs in a thorough, comprehensive discussion with their healthcare collaborator. After all, your heart doesn't beat uniformly for everyone; why should its treatment?

The Cross County Cardiology Education Team highlights a new study of more than 3,100 people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) that found 89% consumed more than the recommended daily maximum of 1,500 mg of sodium. The study, led by Dr. Elsie Kodjoe, MD, MPH, analyzed data from questionnaires submitted by patients with CVD who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2018.