Congenital heart disease

Since heart disease can manifest in so many different varieties, our diagnostic testing efforts must be equally diverse. Every treatment plan begins with a concrete diagnosis, so we offer a range of testing options, depending on the type or severity of your condition. These include:

• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and stress testing
• Echocardiogram
• Electrophysiology testing
• Genetic testing and counseling
• Holter monitoring
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Pedigree and cascade screening of family members
• Risk assessment for sudden cardiac arrest

When to get tested for heart disease

It's important to see a doctor right away if you think you may have a heart disease or related condition. Some of the most common symptoms of heart disease include:

• Angina (pain or pains in the chest or heart area)
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Irregular heartbeats
• Pain, numbness or weakness in the arm(s), shoulder(s) or neck
• Shortness of breath

Unfortunately, many of these symptoms may also be signs of a heart attack or another serious condition. If you think you or a loved one are experiencing signs of a heart attack, please call 911 immediately.

If left untreated, heart disease can result in additional medical problems, such as heart attack or stroke. We provide a wide range of cardiovascular treatments and surgeries to combat these types of developments, including:

• Angioplasty and stenting
• Cardiac ablation for heart arrhythmia
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Device placement to treat heart attack
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
• Heart transplant
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement
• Procedures to implant cardiac assistance devices
• Structural heart procedures
• Surgical bypass
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

Congenital heart disease care

Methodist Healthcare is home to one of the most comprehensive congenital heart disease programs in South Texas. Our Methodist Congenital Heart Institute provides congenital heart disease care for all ages. Our team includes board-certified specialists such as pediatric cardiologists, congenital heart surgeons, cardiac intensivists and respiratory therapists. It also includes specialists from related fields to ensure that care is individualized to the needs of you and your family.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects one in 500 Americans, and occurs when your heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This thickness can either be localized to one portion of the heart, or affect the entire heart. Regardless of the type of HCM you may be experiencing, an overly thickened heart muscle can make it harder for your heart to pump blood, which can lead to heart failure and other complications. Most alarmingly, HCM shows little-to-no symptoms, and cardiac arrest may be the first sign that you have a problem.

At our Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center, we provide focused HCM care in a well-coordinated environment rooted in advanced technology and treatment techniques. Above all, we work to relieve symptoms, extend your life and improve HCM awareness. While in our care, you will receive individualized care from professionals who specialize in cardiac care, electrophysiology, exercise and nutrition, genetics, imaging and surgery.

For more information about our center, please call (210) 575-5915.