Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease, or heart and blood vessel disease, can refer to a number of heart conditions. At St. Joseph's Hospital's Heart Institute, we offer the most comprehensive menu of diagnosis and treatment options available for all types of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Disease: Advanced Care in Tampa, FL

Our heart team provides the full spectrum of heart services, no matter what type of care you need. From simple procedures to complex heart surgeries, our team has the expertise and experience you need. We will be with you every step of the way, from the initial evaluation through treatment and cardiac rehabilitation, if necessary. At St. Joseph's, you have access to the most advanced cardiac technology and nationally renowned heart specialists.

We practice multidisciplinary care, meaning we work with physicians from many different specialties to coordinate your care. We encourage you to be an active member of your heart team. Learn more about heart services we provide.

Types of Cardiovascular Disease

Often, cardiovascular disease is related to a condition called atherosclerosis, when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. The plaque buildup makes it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and efficiently. When atherosclerosis occurs, a blood clot may form. This can lead to a:

  • Heart attack, when the clot blocks the blood flow to part of the heart. If the blood flow is cut off completely, the heart muscle begins to die.
  • Stroke, when a clot blocks a blood vessel leading to the brain. If the blood supply is cut off, the brain cells begin to die.

Other types of cardiovascular disease are:

  • Congestive heart failure, when your heart is not pumping efficiently
  • Arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disorders, when your heartbeats are too fast, too slow or uncoordinated. Learn more about arrhythmias at St. Joseph's and about our Advanced Center for Atrial Fibrillation
  • Heart valve problems, when the valves, or flaps, that control blood flow to the heart don't open and close as they should. Learn more about heart valve disease.

Contact Us

For more information or for a physician referral call (813) 644-4322. 
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