We Heart You

There are several reasons why I cover the "heart" as much as I do. To begin, in pop culture, the heart is synonymous with our fundamental nature - how we define ourselves as well as who and what we love.

As a muscle, the heart is at the core of keeping the human body functioning. And at Physicians Regional Healthcare System, it gets the attention it deserves.

To begin, here are some definitions.

"Heart disease" refers to several types of heart conditions. In the United States, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack. (See sidebar). Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in American adults.

"Cardiology" is a branch of medicine that deals with the cardiovascular system's study, diagnosis, and care. Since there are so many aspects of your heart's function, your cardiologist has to consider many variables when identifying what may be wrong with your heart. Some of these variables include your heart, arteries, or blood vessels. There are also three main types of cardiology: invasive, non-invasive, and interventional. Your cardiologist may use one or a combination of techniques to identify and treat your heart condition.

It could also be said that fundamentally, we are nothing without our hearts - individually and collectively.

Physicians Regional Healthcare System has made significant investments in your heart health beginning with our highly skilled team of cardiologists and cardiac-disease specialists: Vinh Luu, M.D., Larry Leslie, M.D., Sarah deLeon Mansson, D.O., Dr. Matei Popa-Radu, D.O, and Richard Prewitt, M.D.

Next, our expanded Heart Center includes advanced surgical equipment and technologies, allowing a range of interventional cardiology procedures, including minimally invasive structural heart procedures. We are thrilled to offer the extraordinary capabilities of this 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art cardiac center to the Southwest Florida Community.

Today, I am pleased to share that Dr. George Yiachos, M.D., has joined our distinguished cardiology team.

Dr. Yiachos treats coronary artery disease, angina, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, conduction disorders, endocarditis, heart failure, high blood pressure, pericarditis and tachycardia.

"Cardiology is a rapidly advancing field of medicine tasked with subduing and conquering the most common cause of death in the world," explains Dr. Yiachos. "I find the challenge of staying on top of the advances in cardiology, helping my patients navigate their options, and having meaningful outcomes for my patients and their families, exhilarating."

Dr. Yiachos completed his medical degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and his residency at Winthrop University Hospital. He specializes in cardiovascular disease and functional medicine - a biology-based approach to identifying a disease's root cause. In addition, he is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease.

"It's not enough for me to just find a medication that works for people's medical problems," he says. "I want to get patients to their potentially life-altering intervention, but that is not enough. To really help people, you must get to the root of the problem, which is often not solved by medication or an intervention."

Not only is he known for his excellent listening skills, but Dr. Yiachos is dogged in his approach to solving medical problems. As one who is literally driven by matters of the heart, Dr. Yiachos seems tailor-made for this medical specialty. He cares equally for the patient in front of him as he does the human being who must sometimes leave his office to face an uncertain future.

But more than that, he lives by The Gold Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

Dr. Yiachos' admiration for Collier County extends far beyond the sun and sand. "Southwest Florida has the reputation of being home to some of the most patriotic people in the United States," he explains. "In my estimation, the community comprises some of the most well-researched, intelligent, and capable sun-lovers I have ever met. I had the privilege of growing up in a time when the 200th anniversary of this nation was filled with pride and love for all fellow Americans. I want to see what is exemplified in Southwest Florida all over the United States again."

Despite the various disputes and challenges our country currently faces, Dr. Yiachos and I certainly agree that there should always be a place at the table for patriotism. And as they say, the heart wants what the heart wants.

Dr. George Yiachos, M.D., is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment with Dr. Yiachos, please call 239-348-4221 or visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com to schedule an appointment online.

 SIDEBAR:

HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS

 As often as this list of symptoms gets published, rest assured that someone is seeing it for the first time—or at the right time—and will be better equipped to address a heart event and/or emergency.

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY

Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

With or without chest discomfort.

OTHER SIGNS

May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Source: American Heart Association