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Alyssa M. Vela, PHD is a psychologist in Chicago, IL specializing in cardiology (heart disease), psychology and general practice. She graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2018 and has 6 years of experience. Alyssa M. Vela, PHD is affiliated with Northwestern Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medical Group (NMG) and Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute of Northwestern.
675 N St Clair Street Galter Pavilion, Ste 19-100
Chicago, IL 60611
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Heart Problems
The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. This smooth muscle expands and contracts rhythmically an entire lifetime, pumping blood to the lungs and then to every other cell in the body. When heart problems occur, it becomes difficult for the body to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs via the blood. So while there are a variety of illnesses and disorders that affect the heart, most of them cause weakness, exhaustion and shortness of breath. The most common heart conditions include heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, and valve disorders.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Some conditions, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. But there are many other things one can do to lower their risk for heart disease. Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing or stopping smoking, exercising more and losing weight if needed, and eating a diet low in sodium can all protect the heart.
Angina is a squeezing type of chest pain that happens when the muscles around the heart don't get enough oxygen. It can be regular or infrequent. Usually, angina is caused by coronary heart disease. However, not all chest pain is angina. Chest pain can also be caused by a lung infection or panic attack, for example, so it is important to have any sudden pain checked.
Arrhythmia is the word for when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly with skipped beats. It can feel frightening, and depending on the type it can be dangerous, but in most cases arrhythmia is not serious and can be treated. It is very common, especially in older adults.
Heart valve problems can happen in any one of the the heart's four valves that keep blood flowing where it needs to go. Babies can be born with problems in their heart valves, or valves can be damaged by infections. The valves can stiffen and become less mobile, or they can stop closing properly and 'leak' when the heart beats. Valve problems can usually be repaired surgically.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues, also referred to as mental health disorders or mental health illnesses, are a wide variety of conditions that impact behavior, emotion, and cognition. There are many different forms of mental health issues, some of which are acute (short-term), while others are chronic. Common mental health issues include:
No single cause of mental health issues exists. Multiple factors may increase one's risk for developing mental health issues, including but not limited to:
Mental health issues are typically diagnosed by a provider like a psychiatrist or a psychologist. These issues are diagnosed through psychological evaluation and talk therapy.
Mental health therapy can be an effective tool in supporting people who are struggling with unwanted feelings, behaviors, or difficult circumstances in their lives. Many forms of therapy are available, including specialized therapies tailored to particular disorders. For many issues, therapists help patients manage their conditions through talk therapy. Other treatments can include medication or stays at a psychiatric facility. Mental health therapy can help people with mental health issues improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Alyssa M. Vela, PHD graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2018. She is certified by the The American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2018)
Board Certification: The American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Licensed In: Illinois
Alyssa M. Vela, PHD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Alyssa M. Vela, PHD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 3 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Alyssa M. Vela, PHD from all over the web to help you find the right in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Alyssa Vela is a specialist in general practice, psychology, and cardiology (heart disease). Dr. Vela's areas of expertise include the following: heart problems, surgical procedures, and mental health issues. She is professionally affiliated with Northwestern Medical Group (NMG) and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Yext reports that she is not accepting new patients.
