Dr. Christopher Mathis, MD is a pediatrician in Kansas City, MO specializing in general pediatrics and pediatric cardiology. He graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Christopher Mathis, MD is affiliated with Children's Mercy Kansas City.
2401 Gillham Road Children's Mercy Adele Hall
Kansas City, MO 64108
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.
Dr. Christopher Mathis, MD graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He completed residency at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. He is certified by the Pediatrics and has a state license in Missouri.
Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
Board Certification: Pediatrics
Licensed In: Missouri
Dr. Christopher Mathis, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Christopher Mathis, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 74 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Christopher Mathis, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Kansas City, MO.
Dr. Christopher Mathis' areas of specialization are pediatric cardiology and general pediatrics. He has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by his patients. These areas are among his clinical interests: obesity and congenital heart disease. Dr. Mathis is affiliated with Children's Mercy Kansas City.