Cardiology
Centra Health
Cardiology
Cardiology specifically refers to the branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart. At Stroobants Cardiovascular Center our patience receive both the convenience of an extensive network of facilities throughout central Virginia as well as the ultimate in quality cardiac care and personal attention specific to their needs.
Stroobants Cardiovascular Center is home to twenty-seven cardiologists, thirteen advanced practitioners and two cardiothoracic surgeons, all who specialize in the major disciplines of cardiology including electrophysiology, interventional, noninvasive cardiology and pediatric/adult congenital. Our physicians are board certified in cardiology and are acknowledged both nationally and locally as leaders in the field of cardiovascular care. The group is supported by a full-time staff of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants and certified technologists. By treating the person, not just the symptoms, our physicians forge an alliance that helps to ensure the health and the well-being of every patient.
Disease & Prevention
Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of men and women in the United States. Stroke, which ranks number 3, is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. The cost of heart attack and stroke is estimated at more than $475 billion a year. Your cardiovascular system comprises your heart muscle (“cardio”) and the rest of your body (“vascular”).
The disease can lead to:
Angina |
Chest pain caused when plaque buildup begins to affect the blood flow to the coronary arteries (arteries that carry blood specifically to the heart). |
Heart Attack |
Oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach the heart because of a blood clot caused from continual plaque buildup or when plaque becomes fragile and ruptures. |
Stroke | The result of a blockage in the carotid arteries (arteries in the neck leading to the brain). |
Aneurysm |
Thickened plaque in arteries of the heart or brain results in the pooling of blood, causing an artery wall to become fragile and bulge or rupture |
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) |
Atherosclerosis also can affect blood circulation to the arms, legs or abdominal area. PVD commonly causes numbness or weakness in the legs and feet, making walking difficult. |
It is important to know your risk factors for heart attack and stroke, and take proactive steps to help prevent these life-threatening conditions.
Smoking | Stop smoking |
Obesity, overweight | Control weight |
Physical inactivity | Exercise regularly |
High Cholesterol | Eat low-fat, low cholesterol diet |
Stress | Reduce stress |
Diabetes | Keep blood sugar under control |
High blood pressure | Take medicine as directed for high blood pressure |
Drug or alcohol abuse | |
Gender | |
Family history of heart disease | |
Increasing Age |
Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Healthy Living Center also offers programs, assessments, and classes to aid you in your endeavor to prevent cardiovascular disease
Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
A heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when the blood flow to a section of the heart is suddenly blocked and the heart cannot get oxygen. If the flow of blood is not restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die.
Heart attacks are usually the result of coronary heart disease, the result of buildup of plaque inside one or more of the heart's arteries. Heart attacks are caused 95 percent of the time by the rupturing of a piece of plaque and the subsequent formation of a blood clot (thrombus), which blocks the artery and starves the heart of oxygen.
Chest discomfort/chest pain, (squeezing or uncomfortable pressure) |
Shortness of breath |
Cold sweats |
Nausea or vomiting |
Lightheadedness |
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, teeth or stomach). |
Symptoms may come and go, be continual or brought on by exertion. |
Don’t wait!! Time is heart muscle. If you or someone you know is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1- immediately.
To determine your risk of experiencing a major coronary event take the HeartAware Assessment!
There are four primary types of cardiovascular disease.