Conditions and Treatments

Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold energy to interrupt the path of abnormal electrical impulses within the heart, which causes arrhythmias.

Angioplasty is a common minimally invasive procedure performed at Inova that uses a balloon to open a blocked or narrowed artery and improve blood flow.

Aortic regurgitation occurs when the aortic valve of the heart does not close properly, causing it to leak. This allows a certain percentage of blood to move backwards into the heart.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart's aortic valve's leaflets stiffen and cannot open or close completely. As a result, the valve narrows (stenosis) and limits blood flow, or if the valve does not close, blood leaks into the heart, causing the heart to enlarge.

Atherosclerosis, sometimes referred to as hardening of the arteries, is a gradual process in which cholesterol and scar tissue accumulate to form a fatty deposit or plaque that clogs the blood vessels.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia (heart rhythm problem), affecting millions of Americans. It is characterized by fast and irregular heart rhythms caused by electrical abnormalities located in the pulmonary veins of the left atrium. Left untreated, AFib can lead to congestive heart failure and stroke.

Balloon valvuloplasty (also known as percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty) is a treatment that widens a stiff or narrowed heart valve.

Blood clotting is a normal process that occurs in the body to prevent bleeding. The body makes blood clots and then breaks them down. Sometimes the body may be unable to break down a clot, which may result in the clot blocking your veins or arteries -- a serious health condition known as Thrombosis.

A bypass procedure is a rerouting of the circulation around an area that is blocked, usually by arterial plaque, which may also be referred to as atherosclerotic plaque.

Cardiac arrest is an emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning. With no effective heartbeat, the brain and other vital organs are deprived of blood, leading to death within minutes.