WOMEN'S CARDIOLOGY
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are classically described as either “ischemic” or “hemorrhagic”. The term “ischemic” describes a category of diseases in which blood supply is obstructed. A narrowing of the blood vessels (arteries) prevents oxygen-rich blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. If the obstruction is severe, cellular death occurs within the affected region due to a lack of oxygen. Death is prevented if blood flow is re-established before irreversible damage (infarct) appears. If a re-establishment of blood flow does not occur, then the dead tissue will be replaced by scar tissue, a process known as “fibrosis”.
The term “hemorrhagic” refers to an uncontrolled rupturing of the walls of a blood vessel, usually due to disease but sometimes due to traumatic injury. Bleeding can occur, either into the substance of an organ or away from it. In a hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding occurs within the brain, destroying brain tissue. In contrast, there is no bleeding in an ischemic stroke, but tissue destruction occurs because of a lack of oxygen supply.
Types of Cardiovascular Diseases
Many cardiovascular diseases are often called “cardiac diseases” in general or heart diseases in other languages. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity (illness) and mortality (death). Heart attacks and strokes are examples of common acute cardiovascular disease. They can lead to death or disability. Degenerative cardiovascular diseases – coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease – are the leading causes of chronic cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular diseases mainly affect blood vessels and are often associated with underlying conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or dyslipidemia (abnormal fat levels in the blood). The particular disease affecting the cardiovascular system may also be due to various factors such as diet, environmental influences, genetics and lifestyle.
Progression Rate of Cardiovascular Diseases
The progression rate of cardiovascular diseases makes them a leading cause of death worldwide. 17.3 million people die of CVDs, accounting for 30% of all deaths globally. In the United States, 1 out of 3 deaths is caused by cardiovascular disease. While many types of cardiovascular disease are known for sudden onset and rapid progression—such as myocardial infarction—others have slow progression with symptoms so mild they go unnoticed until advanced stages.
In some diseases, such as heart failure, no signs are known. The main risk factors include age, family history of CVD, sex, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol level) and diabetes mellitus. Secondary forms of cardiovascular disease are due to other medical conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels. Examples include sleep apnea and valvular disease. The most common causes of cardiovascular disease with a high risk of death are submassive pulmonary embolism (15% of cases), ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction.
Treatment for Cardiovascular Diseases
Treatment is mainly done to prevent further worsening of the condition or improve quality of life. The first step in treatment is to diagnose the illness to locate the most suitable treatment for each case. The main aim of cardiovascular treatment is to prevent or delay the onset of heart attacks and strokes.
Medical therapy can also benefit other parts of the body, such as treating peripheral arterial disease. In some cases, medical treatment can be beneficial even if it results merely in a better quality of life, particularly in people with severe heart failure. In other cases, medical therapy may be detrimental to the patient’s quality of life.
The cardiologist at Concierge Consultants & Cardiology Fort Lauderdale is well-versed in the latest medical procedures and treatments. Concierge services help patients make appointments, assist with billing and scheduling, facilitate transportation to and from their doctor’s office, as well as provide other valuable services to help patients make their lives easier while they focus on getting better.
Dr. Di Pietro is always very helpful and will go out of her way to make sure I get the care needed. She is always accessible by phone should I have any questions, and she will follow up with me personally to make sure I am recovering well. Their office is very comfortable and has a home like feel. Much better than the normal doctor's office atmosphere. By far, the best doctor I have ever had!
Dr. Di Pietro has not only been a great physician for me, but also to my parents. My father had not seen a physician in over 30 years, and Dr. T made him feel at ease and calmly and comfortably walked him through everything he needed done. She has gone above and beyond many times for my family both in the office and in the hospital. Thank you!
Dr. Tiffany is a wonderful doctor full of positive energy and extremely warm hearted. Truly a blessing, I recommend her without any reservation.
This was my first visit to Dr. Di Pietro. I was greeted immediately and warmly. I found the Dr and her staff to be very helpful and friendly. I would have no hesitations in recommending Dr. Di Pietro.
I highly recommend this doctor. Her nurse/ receptionist was very polite and accomodating. Very welcoming and comfortable office. Dr. Tiffany made the visit very comfortable she has a beautiful personality that makes her bedside manner excellent. She doesn't leave until you have had all questions or concerns answered- you don't feel as though you're "just another patient" she makes you feel that she cares about people, something that sadly not all doctors share. I would recommend her to all my friends and family.
First time seeing Doctor Di Pietro, very informative and addressed my concerns. Followed up with me days after my visit to see how I was doing. Facility is clean and Dr. Di Pietro shows interest and care for her patients.
Dr. T rocks! She's a great Dr. and normal person. She's real, she's fun, and I love going to her office.
Love it here! First time I ever left a doctors office happy and optimistic! She listened to everything and went through each part and explained it and decided on a plan of care. She truly cares what happens to her patients and wants to help them. I left with a clear plan, steps to take on the road to getting better. I see her again in two months and i am looking forward to it! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
I feel very fortunate to have found Dr. Di Pietro since I moved here 2 months ago. She provides helpful information in an honest, and straightforward manner. She genuinely cares about you and your health. I feel doctor's like this don't happen often.
I have arrived at both my visits early and was taken within 5-10 minutes ! Dr. Di Pietro explained the results of my tests so that I had a clear understanding of them. I felt she listened to what I had to say, it was a collaborative decision on my treatment.
She found a problem that may have saved my life. She is outstanding!
Excellent doctor. Crisp, fresh and practical approach to health care---medical needs. The office staff--Karina is fantastic and insures an effective and efficient exchange with the insurance company/financial side of the visit.
CONCIERGE
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Patient-focused care, 24/7 in a comfortable environment
CARDIOLOGY
SERVICES
Full-service cardiovascular medicine by an award-winning cardiologist
WEIGHT
LOSS
Our program to provide you with the tools to life a long, heart-healthy life.
WOMEN’S
HEART HEALTH
Sometimes only a woman can understand a woman’s heart.