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Dr. Sharon R. Weil-Chalker, MD is a pediatrician in Wilmington, DE specializing in general pediatrics and pediatric cardiology. She graduated from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in 1985 and has 39 years of experience. Dr. Sharon R. Weil-Chalker, MD is affiliated with Crozer Health, Jefferson Health, Nemours Children's Health, Springfield Hospital, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Taylor Hospital, Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Jefferson Frankford Hospital.
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
1235 Old York Road
Abington, PA 19001
1245 Highland Avenue Suite 204
Abington, PA 19001
127 West Chester Pike
Havertown, PA 19083
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.
Lung Issues
Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body's tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.
Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.
Dr. Sharon R. Weil-Chalker, MD graduated from Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in 1985. She completed residency at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics/Pediatric Cardiology and has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Medical School: Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine (1985)
Residency: St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics/Pediatric Cardiology
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
Dr. Sharon R. Weil-Chalker, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Sharon R. Weil-Chalker, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA Medicare, Blue Cross Federal, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), GEHA, AmeriHealth, MultiPlan PPO, AARP, MultiPlan, CIGNA Commercial, Three Rivers Provider Network, Keystone Health Plan East, Aetna, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Fidelis Care, TRICARE, First Health, WellPoint, Aetna HMO, Keystone 65 HMO, Carefirst MD Community Health Plan Mcaid, Interlink Transplant, PA Health and Wellness CHC, Lifetrac Transplant, Personal Choice 65, Olympus Managed Healthcare PPO DE/PA, INTEGRA Administrative Group (ClaimsBridge), Star Healthcare Network, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware *PA Loc Contiguous to DE*, Plan Vista/NPPN PPO, Keystone First/CHC/VIP, Global Medical Managment DE/PA, Medicare FFS, Independence Blue Cross - Various plans, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware *PA Loc NONContiguous to DE*, Insurance Administrators of America, Personal Choice, UPMC MCAID/CHIP PA DE, UPMC, Delaware Medicare, Qualcare HMO/POS/PPO, Preferred Healthcare PPO, Ambetter from PA Health and Wellness, Keystone First VIP and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware.
According to our sources, Dr. Sharon R. Weil-Chalker, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Sharon Weil-Chalker works as a pediatric cardiology and general pediatrics. She is affiliated with Crozer Health. According to Crozer Health, new patients are welcome to contact Dr. Weil-Chalker's office in Havertown, PA.
