AmeenaCardiacCare

  Heart attacks are a daunting and terrifying event, not just because of the physical toll they take, but because of the emotional strain they place on individuals and their loved ones. As a cardiologist, I’ve seen the faces of people going through this difficult journey, and it’s these experiences that have made me realize just how crucial it is to understand the science and the human side of heart attacks—specifically STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). What is STEMI? STEMI is one of the most severe types of heart attack. It occurs when one of the heart's main arteries is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing a significant interruption to the blood flow. Without the flow of oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle begins to suffer irreversible damage. The term "STEMI" comes from the characteristic changes observed on an ECG (electrocardiogram) – specifically, the elevation of the ST segment, which is a sign of the heart muscle injury. The Emotional Impact...

  Our heart, the organ that tirelessly beats day in and day out, is a masterpiece of natural rhythm. Each beat, synchronized to perfection, ensures that our blood circulates and nourishes every cell in our body. But what happens when this rhythm is disrupted? As a cardiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats—can change lives. It’s a term that often sounds daunting, but understanding it can be empowering. Arrhythmias don’t just affect older adults with long medical histories. They can strike anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. And while not all arrhythmias are dangerous, some can be life-threatening. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at what arrhythmias are, why they happen, and what we can do about them. What is an Arrhythmia? At its core, an arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. The heart is controlled by electrical impulses that travel through the heart muscle, ensuring that it beats in a regular rhythm. When this electrical s...

  Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term that often brings a sense of worry and confusion to many. It’s a condition where a baby is born with a heart defect. While it may sound intimidating, the journey of dealing with CHD is more than just medical—it’s deeply human, filled with hope, resilience, and the power of love. What is congenital heart disease? Congenital heart disease refers to any abnormality in the heart’s structure that is present from birth. These defects can affect the heart walls, valves, or blood vessels. Some of the most common CHDs include holes in the heart (like atrial or ventricular septal defects), valve problems, or even more complex conditions like tetralogy of Fallot. The complexity and severity of CHD can vary widely. Some children may live their lives with little to no symptoms, while others may require immediate, intensive medical intervention. For parents and families, it can feel like standing at the edge of a precipice, uncertain of what lies ...

  Heart failure — it’s a term that many have heard, but few truly understand. It might sound like a definitive end, as if the heart stops functioning altogether. However, in reality, heart failure is a condition where the heart doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as it should, causing a variety of symptoms that can affect everyday life. It’s not a sudden “heart stop,” but a gradual weakening of the heart muscle that needs attention, care, and understanding. What is Heart Failure? At its core, heart failure is a chronic condition that develops when the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The heart might still be beating, but it struggles to supply organs with the oxygen and nutrients they need to function optimally. The heart becomes either too weak to pump effectively (systolic heart failure) or stiff and less able to fill properly with blood (diastolic heart failure). This might sound overwhelming, but heart failure is a condition that can be ...

  As a cardiologist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many patients as they face one of the most significant decisions of their lives: undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). This is not just a medical procedure—it’s a journey of hope, courage, and recovery. It’s a journey of restoring a person’s life and, in many cases, bringing them back to their families, their work, and their passions. What is CABG? At its core, CABG is a surgical procedure designed to improve blood flow to the heart in patients who have coronary artery disease (CAD). The arteries that supply blood to the heart can become blocked or narrowed over time, often due to plaque buildup, leading to chest pain (angina) or even a heart attack. CABG involves using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, to bypass the blocked or narrowed arteries. This allows the heart to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. A Life-Changing Mome...

  When it comes to our heart health, many of us focus on exercise, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups with our healthcare providers. But have you ever stopped to think about how your stomach—specifically, your stomach acid—might play a role in your overall well-being? As a cardiologist, I often discuss medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with my patients, not only for their digestive health but also for their potential impact on the heart. What Are PPIs? Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medications designed to reduce the production of stomach acid. They’re commonly prescribed for conditions like: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Stomach ulcers Zollinger-Ellison syndrome Erosive esophagitis PPIs include widely used drugs such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole. By lowering stomach acid levels, PPIs help protect the stomach lining and esophagus from damage caused by acid reflux or ulcers. The Heart-Stomach Co...