Cardiology

Using some of the area’s most advanced noninvasive diagnostic tests, we perform a variety of medical exams to detect the presence of heart disease. Some of these heart screening and imaging exams include:

• Cardiac stress tests
• Echocardiography
• Electrophysiology (EP) studies
• Noninvasive vascular ultrasounds

Our heart specialists in our EP Lab offer a wide range of noninvasive and surgical treatments for people experiencing heartbeat irregularities. This diagnostic center boasts an array of state-of-the-art technology to provide advanced heart imaging, 3D mapping and heart stimulation. This enables us to quickly and effectively diagnose and treat many types of arrhythmias.

Heart arrhythmias, commonly known as irregular heartbeats, are caused by irregularities in the electrical impulses that dictate the heart's rhythm. Although many people do not experience symptoms related to a heart arrhythmia, some people may experience symptoms, such as fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting.

We are equipped with advanced technology that allows us to diagnose heart arrhythmias and provide treatments, including:

• Cardiac ablation
• Implantable cardiac defibrillators
• Permanent and temporary pacemaker insertion

Types of heart arrhythmias

Some heart arrhythmias will not affect overall health. However, others can slow the flow of blood to the body or increase the risk of other health problems, such as stroke. The most common types of arrhythmias, include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): heart flutters or "skips a beat"
• Bradycardia: slow heart rate
• Tachycardia: fast heart rate

When AFib and other arrhythmias occur, the electrical signals that coordinate the upper chamber of the heart become disorganized, causing an irregular heartbeat. The irregular heartbeat disrupts the flow of blood through the heart.

Symptoms of arrhythmias

Sometimes arrhythmias do not present any symptoms. However, if you notice or experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to reach out to one of our heart rhythm specialists:

• Difficulty exercising
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Feelings of a racing heartbeat
• Fatigue or weakness
• Irregular or rapid pulse or heartbeat
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Palpitations or a pounding feeling in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Treating AFib and arrhythmias

AFib may not be life-threatening if treated properly. It can be cured. Some other arrhythmias require surgery or other types of treatment.

Whatever kind of heartbeat irregularity you have, it’s important to pay attention to your personal heart health by monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise regimen and nutrition. Our heart specialists will help you understand your condition and learn what to do to manage or treat it.

Our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (sometimes called the Cath Lab) is equipped with advanced technology. This enables our cardiovascular specialists to perform diagnostic exams and minimally invasive heart procedures.

Some of the procedures that may be performed in our Cath Lab include:

• Angioplasty
• Heart catheterization
• Pacemaker insertion
• Stenting

As part of our emergency care for heart attacks and chest pain, we are committed to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria, including:

• Assessing, diagnosing and treating you quickly
• Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
• Effectively treating you if you are at low risk for acute coronary syndrome and have no assignable cause for your symptoms
• Ensuring the competence and training of our personnel
• Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care
• Integrating our emergency care services with the local emergency medical system
• Maintaining organizational structure and commitment
• Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack

If you believe someone is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Our cardiac surgeons stay current on the latest heart and vascular surgery techniques, so we can offer the most advanced treatments available to our patients, including coronary artery bypass surgery and valve replacement and repair procedures.

When your heart has structural issues or diseases, such as left atrial appendage (LAA) blood clots and patent foramen oval (PFO) holes, you need specialized heart care. That's why we offer a structural heart program that includes advanced services and surgeries for these type of conditions. Through this program, we can diagnose, treat and help you recover from your structural heart condition.