Steven J. Daniels, M.D.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center

 

There are many symptoms for heart disease since heart disease comes in many forms; some of the typical examples include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, and light-headedness. Some less typical forms may first be discovered through your primary care physician, who may refer you to a cardiologist for further testing. Pain in many parts of the body - back, jaw, arm/shoulder and abdominal - can also be symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

 

Noninvasive tests include stress, echocardiogram, holter monitor and tilt table; sometimes more sophisticated diagnostic testing must be done in the catheterization and electrophysiology labs or your physician may order imaging tests such as coronary CT.

 

One of the great things about our network is that we have all of these services available with the leading groups of cardiologists who have the most experience and treat the most patients in the region. Data are readily available from the information technology integrated at the hospitals and referrals to cardiac surgery and procedural subspecialists are coordinated easily. By staying close to home, receiving the highest level diagnosis and treatment options, patients have important family support networks, easy travel and the reassurance of doctors and nurses who know them.

 

Ali R. Moosvi, M.D.
Ocean Medical Center

 

The amount of pain experienced during a heart attack is not directly proportional to the severity of the heart muscle damage.  A person could experience severe pain, yet have a mild heart attack, while others who have only minor pain and discomfort may be experiencing a severe heart attack.  The most important thing is to act quickly-- if your or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with other symptoms, call 911 and get to a hospital right away. 

 

Frank Sharp, M.D.
Ocean Medical Center

 

Patients are in great hands for Treatment in the Meridian CardioVascular Network. They are cared for by board certified vascular surgeons who have advanced training in vascular and endovascular procedures, which means that they can diagnose and treat vascular conditions and disease in a variety of specialized ways. Whether it is medication, a minimally invasive diagnostic test or procedure, or more advanced surgical procedure, patients will be well cared for at Ocean.

 

People don't realize that early diagnosis of vascular disease is crucial to minimize risk of future, more significant problems such as stroke, heart attack, and even loss of a limb. Understanding that risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity can lead to PVD or PAD (Peripheral Vascular Disease or Peripheral Artery Disease) is very important. These diseases can strike at any age, but particularly in adults age 50 and older. Paying attention to risk factors and knowing your family history of cardiovascular disease, is an important step in prevention.

 

Vascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability among older men and women in America. As vascular surgeons, the primary tool we use in diagnosing vascular disease is a thorough examination including medical history. When vascular disease is suspected, we typically rely on an ultrasound to confirm our diagnosis, but the patient may also require an angiogram that we can perform in our state-of-the-art vascular lab.

 

 

Meet our CardioVascular Network Physicians