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What is a Heart Murmur?

Cardiovascular Institute cardiologist Dr. Michael Morrow explains the most common causes of heart murmur and how cardiologists make a diagnosis using ultrasound technology for echocardiograms. While many heart murmurs are benign, some are a symptom of valve disease such as aortic stenosis. The Cardiovascular Institute has a nationally accredited echocardiography lab in our main office in Panama…

How are cardiologists involved in treating stroke?

Our latest Ask a Cardiologist video featuring Dr. Samir N. Patel covers why a stroke, or a brain attack, is definitely something you should see your cardiologist about.  A common underlying cause of stroke is vascular disease. An ischemic stroke occurs when a piece of thrombus or plaque that has been dislodged travels into the arteries…

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CVI to Participate in Two New Clinical Studies

The Research Department at the Cardiovascular Institute will participate in two new national studies which will provide valuable information to validate or improve current treatment protocols. The CHAMP-HF observational study will examine treatment of heart failure and will help physicians and researchers better understand how different medications affect patients with this condition. This study will…

New Technique Opens Hardened Coronary Arteries

Plaque build-up in the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is the cause of heart attack. This plaque is usually soft and pliable and a cardiologist uses a procedure called balloon angioplasty to push open the plaque build-up in narrowed arteries to restore blood flow. However, in up to 40 percent of patients who need this procedure, this…

Now Offering Treatment of Varicose Veins

The Cardiovascular Institute is pleased to announce a new treatment program available in our main office for select patients with varicose veins. Dr. Amir Haghighat and Dr. Samir Patel are now using endovenous laser therapy, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional vein stripping, to treat these problem veins in our office allowing patients to return…

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Is Your Heart Ready for the Holidays?

Study finds increase in Heart Failure hospitalizations immediately following major holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. These events are filled with family, friends and lots of delicious food and drink. However according to a study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure, these events are also associated with an increase in heart related hospitalizations – primarily…