Invited Speaker at the 7th International World Congress of Diabetes and Endocrinology Lisbon, Portugal. July 17, 2023

Heart Disease Specialist

Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine

Internal Medicine Specialist & Endocrinologist located in Burlington, NC

Every 37 seconds, someone in the United States dies from heart disease. Though you can’t prevent all types of heart disease, early diagnosis and treatment may improve heart health and prevent more serious health complications. Board-certified physician Sam Morayati, MD, of Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine in Burlington, North Carolina, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. His full-service practice includes advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to help you get the answers and treatment you need. Call or book online today.

Heart Disease Q&A

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is a general medical term that includes any condition that affects the health and function of your heart. Common types of heart disease include:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Arrhythmia
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Endocarditis
  • Heart defects or abnormalities

Lifestyle choices play a major role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.

What are heart disease symptoms?

Heart disease symptoms vary in type and severity based on the underlying cause. Common symptoms that may indicate a heart condition include:

  • Chest pain
  • Chest pain when exercising
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in your lower extremities
  • Irregular heartbeat

Angina is a type of chest pain that develops when your heart is unable to get enough oxygen-rich blood. This type of chest pain may be a sign of CAD and may increase your risk of having a heart attack. 

What are heart disease diagnostic tests?

Dr. Morayati specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. His practice is a fully accredited stress cardiac nuclear medicine/nuclear cardiology testing facility. The diagnostic tests he offers include:

Exercise stress testing

During an exercise stress test, Dr. Morayati assesses the health and function of your heart during exercise. He may recommend exercise stress testing if he’s concerned you might have CAD. 

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is an ultrasound test that allows Dr. Morayati to see your heart while it beats. He may recommend this diagnostic test if he suspects a heart defect or wants to evaluate the health and function of the chambers in your heart. 

Nuclear stress test

During a nuclear stress test, Dr. Morayati assesses the movement of blood through your heart before and after exercise. This test may help locate blockages in your arteries. 

Electrocardiogram (EKG) 

An EKG assesses the electrical activity in your heart and may be used to diagnose an irregular heartbeat. Dr. Morayati also uses an EKG to monitor your response to your cardiac rehabilitation program. 

Dr. Morayati may perform these tests to determine the underlying cause of your angina, diagnose heart disease, or monitor the progress of your cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack. 

How is heart disease treated?

Dr. Morayati takes a comprehensive and personal approach to care and develops individualized treatment plans for heart disease based on the underlying cause, your overall health, and your medical history.

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Nutrition therapy
  • Exercise program
  • Disease-specific medication
  • Referral to specialists when needed

Dr. Morayati schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment and, if needed, repeat your nuclear cardiology testing.

For compassionate and comprehensive care from an expert in heart disease, call Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine or book online today.