Cardiology

To ensure you receive the proper heart care treatment, our technologists perform a wide range of heart tests and imaging exams. Whether you need a computed tomography (CT) scan, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray or nuclear stress testing, we use state-of-the-art technology to help diagnose your condition.

If your doctor suspects you have a coronary artery blockage, cardiac catheterization (cath) may be a proper course for determining treatment. Useful in studying both congenital and valvular abnormalities, a cardiac cath procedure involves a surgeon inserting a catheter into an artery in your groin or arm, which is then guided to your heart. Once there, it is placed into each of the main coronary arteries, and dye is injected to see how well your heart pumps.

While some cardiovascular complications require surgical intervention, others can be rectified with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, a healthy diet, as well as medications including nitrates, calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers.

When cardiac testing has indicated that further treatment is necessary, our specialists use advanced technology and techniques to provide you with complete heart and vascular care. We work collaboratively with a specialized team of cardiologists, vascular and cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular anesthesiologists, nurses and technicians to provide treatment for cardiovascular disease and vascular disorders.

If you have a heart arrhythmia, you could require a cardiac device to monitor and regulate your irregular heart rhythm. We use advanced pacemakers and implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) for heart screening and to adjust your heart's rhythm for proper function. If your primary care doctor detects a heart murmur or you're experiencing symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder, our team offers access to specialists in electrophysiology (EP) for testing and diagnosis.

Our experienced surgeons perform a wide range of heart and vascular procedures. We offer surgical options if you are experiencing heart valve issues and blocked or narrowed arteries. In addition to interventional cardiology, we regularly perform minimally invasive procedures that shorten recovery times and reduce bodily trauma. Our team focuses on determining the best course of treatment for your optimal health, opting for the least invasive option when possible.

Depending on your heart's condition, open surgery may not always be necessary. We are proud to offer you access to minimally invasive treatment options, such as:

• Anticoagulation therapy — the prescription of blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin, to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in veins, arteries and lungs
• Balloon angioplasty — procedure also known as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) that is used to open narrowed coronary arteries
• Coronary angioplasty — minimally invasive procedure performed to open blocked arteries using a tiny balloon that is quickly inflated and deflated to create pressure to clear the blockage
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) — minimally invasive procedure that restores blood flow to the heart and can quickly improve symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath by allowing your heart to receive proper amounts of oxygen-rich blood

Heart attacks are caused by blood clots or narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart. Quick action is required to remove blockages or reopen the blood vessel so blood flow is restored to the heart. In the event of a heart attack, we provide you with quick access to treatment at our family of hospitals.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders
• Shortness of breath

For women, heart attack symptoms can show up much differently. While chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom for both men and women, women often experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting or back and jaw pain as well.

Cardiac rehab is designed to help you recover from a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or heart surgery. Our qualified nurses, physiologists and registered dietitians work with you to create a comprehensive plan based on your individual needs.

At your final rehab phase, we offer access to The Maintenance Program, our team of qualified personnel that answers questions and assists with exercise instruction. The goal of this phase is to help you permanently maintain good habits and a healthy lifestyle.

Inpatient cardiac rehabilitation

Inpatient cardiac rehab begins while you are still in the hospital, where our team meets with you to assess your recovery needs. Before discharge, we work with you to improve strength, mobility and endurance. We also develop an individualized recovery program and focus on early risk factor modification.

Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation

Outpatient cardiac rehab begins after discharge. During this phase of your rehab journey, you will typically attend one-hour sessions, three times per week for up to 12 weeks. Sessions include monitored exercise and education in a supportive environment.

All exercises are medically supervised with continuous monitoring of the heart rate and rhythm. Exercises include, but are not limited to, stationary bicycle ergometry, treadmill ambulation and strengthening and flexibility activities.