Keith Gregory Hickey, MD?

Keith Gregory Hickey, MD

Cardiologist | Cardiovascular Disease

3/5(12)

2965 Gause Blvd # 2 Slidell LA, 70461 Show map

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3/5

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About

Dr. Keith Hickey is a cardiologist practicing in Slidell , LA. Dr. Hickey specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. These conditions include heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Hickey also practices preventative medicine, helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life.

Education and Training

Duke University Medical Center Internship General Surgery 1997

Xavier University BS Pharmacy 1986

Xavier University Pharm D 1990

Duke University Internship Internal Medicine 1999

LSUMC Internal Medicine 2001

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Cardiovascular Medicine 2003

La State Univ Sch of Med In New Orleans, New Orleans La 1997

Louisiana State Univ School Of Medicine In New Orleans 1997

Board Certification

American Board of Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Disease (Internal Medicine)

American Board of Nuclear Medicine

Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM- Cardiovascular Disease

Provider Details

Male English

Keith Gregory Hickey, MD

Keith Gregory Hickey, MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Do cardiac stents need to be replaced?
Coronary stents cannot be replaced. The angiographic procedure where stents are deployed in the coronary arteries is called percutaneous intervention or PCI. This would include balloon angioplasty with or without stent placement. There are many nuances to interventions of coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques. The location of plaque (proximal stenosis are more clinically significant), percentage of obstruction of the artery ( >70% required for PCI) bifurcated lesions at side branches, consistency of the plaque (hard, calcified vs softer lipid-rich) length, angular plaque etc. stents we use today are really about 4th generation drug-eluting, to prevent early re-stenosis. PCI, in simplified terms, starts with an angioplasty wire threaded through the portion of the artery still patent. Then a balloon is placed over the wire at lesion location and inflated with a pressure-inflater to smash the plaque against the inner lining of the artery. The stent is then deployed in the same manner to maintain a patent, normal caliber artery. Patient is started on dual anti platelet therapy with low dose aspirin and either plavix, effient or bralinta. After 6 months, the intimal (inner lining of the artery) grows around the stent. The stent becomes part of the artery. So stents are never removed. They couldnt without tearing the artery. However, because the stents change flow patterns in the artery and cause turbulence, new plaque can develop in the stent or at the edges. We then place a new stent inside the previous READ MORE
Can I calm my heart palpitations with medications?
Yes. Palpitations are usually due to ectopic beats, either atrial or ventricular. They are usually early after a regular sinus beat, followed by a compensatory pause, as the sinus rhythm resumes before the next sinus node depolarization. Patients can often feel the ectopic beat ( especially premature ventricular contractions, which are more pronounced) or the pause, which feels like a skipped beat. The other possibilities for new palpitations are short runs of sinus tachycardia and/or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Tachycardia is abnormally fast heart rates above 100 beats per minute. These heart rate increase are normal in everyone, but not every patient feels the rate changes. The heart rate increases with activity and exercise to elevate cardiac output ( 5-6 liters per minute at rest) to allow the heart to pump extra blood to lower body muscles above resting levels. Most patients feel palpitations at rest, when its quiet. Many patients have underlying stress or anxiety. Ectopic beats, sinus tachycardia and SVT are benign. Only true, sustained and recurring SVT require cardiac consultation to determine the type and treatment options. However, we generally recommend at least a 24 hr holter or Event Monitors to diagnose the exact etiology, to be certain its not runs of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. These arrhythmias require more aggressive diagnostic testing and treatment to determine etiology and prevent thromboembolic events ( strokes) from blood clots formed in the left atrium. Rarely, a patient will have a congenital anomaly in the cardiac conduction system resulting in ventricular arrhythmias which are much more serious and occasionally life threatening. However, ventricular arrhythmias are usually confined to patients with underlying damage to the cardiac muscle from heart attacks or other cardiomyopathies (abnormal heart muscle function) from various causes. In a healthy patient with no underlying cardiac diseases, the diagnosis and treatment are routine. the vast majority of patients do fine with low dose beta-blockers, such as long acting metoprolol ( toprol xl), which treat ectopic beats, sinus tachycardia, SVT and symptoms of MVP. Occasionally a a low dose of a safe anti-arrhythmic can be given to otherwise healthy heart patients, like flecainide or propafenone. Generally the causes of ectopic beats ST, SVT can be helped by lifestyle changes ( less caffeine, energy drinks, otc Sudafed containing product, diet pills, and other stimulants ). Treatment of stress, anxiety and dysautonomia may also be necessary. READ MORE
Chest pain
Answer: this patient is describing atypical chest pain. Not a lot of patient information provide on risk factors for CAD, but age alone goes against true angina from underlying cardiovascular disease. The patient is describing dysphagia with liquids, probably related to esophageal stricture or spasm. True , classic angina is exertional and heaviness or pressure and associated with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating and radiation to jaw or arm(s). Goes away with rest or nitroglycerin. It can be induced with stress and anxiety, and can mimic indigestion. but their is no associated dysphasia. This patient needs gastroenterologist consultation and EGD. If their is a strong family history of CAD, a screening treadmill stress test ,and possibly and echocardiogram , are reasonable plans of action. READ MORE
Left side of my chest
DISCUSSION: The likelihood of chest pain representing underlying angina from underlying coronary artery disease, in a 28 yo, is very low. The pain was at rest, with atypical qualities. Classic angina would be described as left sided heaviness or squeezing quality, occurring with exertion, and associated with sweating, shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting. The pain is usually moderate to severe and can radiate to the neck, jaw or down the left arm/both arms. In this case, the differential diagnoses include esophageal reflux / spasm, costochondritis, pericarditis, pulmonary embolus/infarct (also very low), pleurisy, spontaneous, spontaneous pneumothorax, vasospastic angina (prinzmetals) or coronary dissection. The systems were described as a drink going down wrong to paraphrase. No other associated symptoms were described, such as dyspnea, diaphoresis, nausea or radiation. There was no correlation with exertion, occurring at rest, and no exacerbating or relieving factors. In 20s age range, the differential can be further narrowed down to esophageal spasm, pericarditis, costochondritis/musculoskeletal, pleurisy and coronary spasm/dissection. Pericarditis would be described as sharp and worse with inspiration. That could be ruled out with an ecg (diffuse, upsloping ST segment elevation and PR interval depression) and labs (increased ESR/CRP). Pleurisy would have similar quality, but no abnormalities in the ECG or labs. Spontaneous pneumothorax presents with sharp chest pain and shortness of breath with splinting/shallow, rapid breathing. A standard CXR reveals enlarged, blackened pleural space and compression of the lung on the offending hemi-thorax. Pulmonary emboli are associated with shortness of breath, tachypnea and tachycardia (rapid respiration and heart rate). This patient had no risk factors for deep venous thrombosis/PE, such as surgery/injury/cancer/ immobilization. Coronary vasospasm presents similar to classic angina, and CAD is ruled out with angiography (clean coronaries with no atherosclerotic plaque). ST changes can be noted on the ECG. Pharmacological agents, such as ergonovine , would illicit the spasm narrowing of the coronary artery. Coronary dissection presents similarly, with elevated troponin levels and possible ST depression noted on ECG. CT angiography is the diagnostic test of choice and would show the dissection flap in the offending artery. Both of these entities are less common in this age group and the symptoms described make this unlikely. Which leaves the two most common causes of chest pain in young healthy adults -costochondritis/musculoskeletal and esophageal reflux/spasm. Chondritis is exacerbated by palpating the chest wall and reflux with supine position after meals, particularly spicy foods. GERD is relieved with proton pump inhibitors and chondritis with steroids or NSAIDs. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Cardiovascular diseases ( structural, congenital, valvular , arrhythmias, pericardial, vascular, venous, cardiomyopathies, coronary disease, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary vascular dz, thromboembolic diseases)

Faculty Titles & Positions

Ex Chief of Medicine 2010; ICU Medical Director River Parish Hospital 2010 - 2011

Awards

Junior AOA recipient 1996, AOA scholarship 1997, scholarship for ranked 2nd academically; Deans Award 1997; Pharmacology Award 1997 1995 LSU Medical School

Professional Memberships

Louisiana Pharmacists Association
American College of Cardiology

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Kiwanis Club; Boys Hope; Knights of Columbus

Areas of research

Clinical ; Heart Failure; anticoagulant therapy ; Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Keith Gregory Hickey, MD's Practice location

Cardiovascular Medicine of Slidell

2965 Gause Blvd # 2 -
Slidell, LA 70461

Get Direction

New patients: 985-503-7853

985-707-5128

Fax: 985-263-1771

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Keith Gregory Hickey, MD's reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Hickey

3.0

Based on 12 reviews

Keith Gregory Hickey, MD has a rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 12 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Cardiologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiologist Dr. Keith Gregory Hickey, who serves patients throughout Louisiana.

A reputable cardiologist, Dr. Hickey opened his clinic, Cardiovascular Medicine of Slidell, in February 2023, after 16 years at Louisiana Heart Center. His goal remains the treatment of the whole patient, with a focus on cardiovascular prevention.

When I completed my Fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine in 2006, I wanted to be purely invasive, and do as many procedures as possible. I loved the hospital side of cardiology. But over the years I realized that this approach wasn’t benefiting my patients to the fullest. My ultimate goal was to prolong symptom free survival and prevent hospitalization. So I had a paradigm shift in the way I practiced cardiovascular medicine, emphasizing primary and secondary prevention. I still enjoyed doing procedures, but I began stressing diet, exercise, medication and patient education. Over time, things started falling into place. I communicated better and I got to know my patients personally. I let them talk while I listened. We both invested ourselves in their care. By doing this, we were able to define treatment plans tailored to the individual patient. Something amazing began to occur. A significant number of my patients started doing better. They wanted to live healthier lives and they looked forward to discussing labs and noninvasive testing. Many were proud of the positive changes that they had accomplished. I explained the diseases and treatment plans, for their understanding and inclusion. With that understanding, came investment and trust. A bond was formed. I stopped the volume clinic and started the patient oriented clinic. I really enjoyed my work again. My referral base grew as the patients began giving positive feedback to their primary care doctors. In my estimation, 2 to 3 patients out of 10 would need revascularization. Why not treat all 10, instead of focusing on the few higher risk folks. I know that this has made me an all around better doctor. After all, it’s not about me or my ego, but the individual patient and their families. I’m the facilitator and guide, but it’s their life. Honest discussions and feedback worked by staying aggressive with our care. We still do the invasive/ interventional/surgical approach when warranted. I’ll never go back to my old way of doing things. My job satisfaction has improved significantly.

Educated in the United States, Dr. Hickey graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Xavier University in 1986. He worked for 7 years in retail pharmacy and went back to school in 1990 for his Pharm D. He then went on to medical school, and earned his medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1997.

He started his training in Urologic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center in 1997, and he switched careers to Internal Medicine in 1999. He completed his residency at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in 2002. He went on to fellowship training in cardiovascular disease at Ochsner Clinic Foundation Hospital, finishing in 2006.

Licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana, Dr. Hickey is affiliated with the following hospitals and medical centers: North Oaks Medical Center, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Slidell Memorial Hospital, and St. Bernard Parish Hospital.

Prior to his current endeavors, he served as a staff cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Clinic (7/06 – 4/07), pharmacy manager at Gambina’s Pharmacy (1/03 – 6/03), clinical data services senior associate with Quintiles Corporation – Research Triangle Park (10/00 – 12/00), and as the chief pharmacist at Walgreens Company (1/87 – 8/93).

With an unwavering commitment to his speciality, Dr. Hickey is board-certified in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). He also holds board certifications in Echocardiography and Nuclear Medicine.

In summary, Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the disorders of the heart, as well as some parts of the circulatory system. The field includes medical diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Cardiologists are doctors who diagnose, assess, and treat patients with diseases and defects of the heart and blood vessels (the cardiovascular system).

Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Hickey has served as vice-president of community affairs, class of 1997 (8/93–5/94); director, Camp Tiger 1994 / fundraiser, Camp Tiger 1995, 1996; volunteer, LSUMC Homeless Clinic (8/95-5/97); volunteer, LSUMC Family Day (5/95); volunteer, American Diabetes Association, Lions Club Camp (7/95); volunteer, Freshman Orientation (8/94); class note taker 1994, 1995; tutor, LSUMC Department of Anatomy, Fall of 1994; and member of the Louisiana Pharmacists Association (1986-1993).

Since 1990, he has served as Big Brother of the Boys Hope Home for Disadvantaged Youths, and as a member of the Kiwanis Club.