The Evolving Face of Heart Disease
Over the past 50 years, the landscape of heart disease has changed dramatically, and largely for the better. According to a new report from the American Heart Association, overall death rates from heart disease have dropped by 66%, and deaths from heart attacks specifically have declined by nearly 90%. These numbers reflect decades of progress in preventive care, early intervention, and innovations in treatment to help people live longer. While fewer people are dying from heart attacks, the types of heart disease affecting patients, and leading to death, are shifting. From Heart Attacks to Heart Failure, Arrhythmias, and Hypertensive Heart Disease Today, [...]
Why Athletes Are at Risk for Blood Clots
Athletes are often viewed as the picture of health. But even those in peak physical condition can face serious vascular challenges. One condition that can affect young, otherwise healthy athletes is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a disorder that can restrict blood flow and lead to clot formation between the collarbone and upper ribs (or thoracic outlet). At Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS), our vascular specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating TOS, especially in athletes and active individuals. Why Athletes Are at Risk for Blood Clots You don’t need to have traditional risk factors like smoking, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle [...]
When Would I Need to See a Thoracic Surgeon?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious condition in your chest, your primary care doctor or specialist may refer you to a thoracic surgeon for expert evaluation and treatment. What is a thoracic surgeon? A thoracic surgeon is a doctor who performs surgery on the organs inside the chest including the lungs, esophagus, and airway. What does a thoracic surgeon do? Thoracic surgeons are trained to operate on the chest area, also known as the thorax. They help: Take biopsies (a small tissue sample) to check for cancer Remove tumors or masses Treat damage or abnormalities between the abdomen and [...]
Silent Risks Every Man Should Know
In June we celebrate fathers and the special male figures in our lives. Since June is Men’s Health Month, one of the best ways to show your love and appreciation is to check in with them about their well-being, both physical and mental. According to research from the CDC, men are less likely than women to schedule an annual physical or seek medical help if needed. As a result, men may not pay attention to or take action on what could be serious health issues, especially those that may have more subtle or silent symptoms, like aortic aneurysms and peripheral [...]
Jeremy’s Story of TIA and the Power of TCAR
Symptoms like facial drooping, arm weakness, blurred vision, or slurred speech are all common indicators of a stroke, but they can also signal a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)—sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” While a TIA may not cause permanent damage, it’s a critical red flag that a full stroke could follow. Recognizing and acting on these warning signs can save your life. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is caused by a blockage in the carotid artery (located in the neck) that supplies blood to the brain. People who experience a TIA are often highly likely to suffer a stroke later on. [...]
When should you see a vascular surgeon?
The vascular system is the vast and intricate network of vessels, veins and arteries that supplies the body’s organs with blood. It is estimated that there are more than 60,000 miles of arteries and veins running through our vascular system. A vascular surgeon helps to surgically treat serious conditions and diseases associated with your blood vessels, veins and arteries. At CTVS, our team of vascular surgeons have been caring for patients in Central Texas for more than 65 years. Some of the common vascular conditions that we regularly treat include carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, thoracic [...]
Is your leg pain a sign of PAD?
If you frequently experience pain in the back of your legs when walking, it could be a sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) is a common circulatory condition affecting more than 10 million Americans. PAD causes a narrowing of the peripheral arteries due to fatty plaque buildup (or atherosclerosis) which restricts blood flow to the extremities. This can lead to chronic aches and pains, especially in the legs. PAD can have serious consequences if left untreated, such as non-healing or infected foot and leg ulcers resulting in dead tissue and carrying the risk for limb loss [...]
Heart Disease Myths & Misconceptions
Heart disease affects millions of Americans and remains the leading cause of death for both men and women year after year. It refers to the serious conditions affecting the heart, its operation and structure, and the many blood vessels, veins and arteries surrounding it. At CTVS, we work tirelessly to surgically treat the many serious side effects of heart disease, and we aim to ensure everyone knows the facts about this sometimes fatal, but also often preventable condition. Common Myths Surrounding Heart Disease Myth # 1: My family has a history of heart disease, so I am destined to suffer [...]
Cryoanalgesia: Innovative Freezing Technology for Sternotomy Pain
An estimated 700,000 sternotomies are performed annually in the United States. It is a serious surgery that opens up the chest cavity through the breastbone, or sternum, to gain access to the lungs and heart. A sternotomy procedure is done in advance of other procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic valve repair and replacement, VAD (ventricular assist device) implantation, and heart transplants. One of the most challenging side effects of a sternotomy is the pain from the incision afterwards. Patients are typically prescribed strong pain medications, like an opioid, following surgery to cope, which can present the dangerous risk [...]
An Athlete’s Triumph Overcoming Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
For Michael Miskovich, an active 25-year-old, fitness is more than a hobby, it is his way of life. From mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing to rigorous weightlifting, he pushes his body to the limit. But in December 2024, a slight shoulder tightness quickly took a serious turn, revealing a blood clot and a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome diagnosis. A Rapid Onset of Symptoms Michael had a history of shoulder injuries, including multiple broken collarbones and a torn tendon in his left shoulder that sidelined him for nearly eight months. But he had never experienced anything quite like what happened last [...]