Cardiology

When detected early, our cardiologists can help patients manage or even eliminate heart disease. To diagnose and better understand your heart health, we use a range of heart screening and imaging tests, including:

• Angiogram: X-ray imaging exam involving a catheter (thin, flexible tube)
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI): blood pressure in the ankle is compared to the blood pressure in the arm
• Cardiac stress test: records the heart's response to exercise 
• Carotid ultrasound: an ultrasound scan that visualizes blood vessels 
• Computerized tomography (CT): X-ray imaging exam to detect calcium in the plaque or wall of coronary arteries
• Echocardiogram: sound waves create a clear picture of the heart (sometimes called a "Doppler test" or a "heart ultrasound")
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): records the electrical activity of the heart on a graph
• Electrophysiology studies: mapping the electrical functions of the heart and causes of irregular heartbeats
• Holter monitor study: measures the electrical activity of the heart over a longer period of time (usually over 24 hours)
• Nuclear stress test: images are taken as a safe amount of radioactive matter ("tracer") travels the bloodstream 
• Programmed electrical stimulation (PES): a catheter in the right side of the heart evaluates the electrical properties of the heart
• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE): records images of the heart from inside the esophagus

The American College of Cardiology designated our emergency room (ER) as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI/Resuscitation. This recognition signifies our hospital's dedication to the quick evaluation and effective treatment of patients experiencing heart attacks.

When it comes to heart attacks, the more time that passes without treatment, the greater the damage to the heart. Unfortunately, when someone is having a heart attack, they may be unwilling to accept it or may attribute the symptoms to another cause. Someone experiencing a heart attack may even try to convince you that everything is fine.

This delay and denial can be very dangerous. When heart attack symptoms occur, do not take a "wait-and-see" approach.

If you suspect you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack, immediately call 911.

A heart attack can cause sudden, severe pain, or it can produce gradual pain and discomfort that increases over several hours or even days.

Symptoms of heart attack for men and women can include:

• Clamminess or sweating
• Dizziness or nervousness
• Feeling of "doom" or dread
• Nausea or indigestion
• Neck, back or jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue

Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours before the acute attack, but they can begin two to three weeks before.

The more heart attack risk factors you have, the more likely you are to have a heart attack. So talk to your doctor about heart attack screening and prevention as you get older, especially if you have:

• A family history of heart disease
• A high-stress lifestyle or job
• A history of smoking or are a current smoker
• A sedentary or physically inactive lifestyle
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Obesity

Our electrophysiologists (heart rhythm specialists) offer a range of diagnostic studies and minimally invasive procedures to test for and treat heartbeat irregularities (arrhythmias). At our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), we are specially equipped with heart rhythm disorder mapping technology to perform:

• Catheter ablation
• Electrophysiology study
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
• Programmed electric stimulation (PES)

AFib is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It may not be life-threatening if appropriately treated, which is why it's important to seek treatment for any irregular heartbeat. Especially since AFib has been known to lead to serious health complications such as blood clots, stroke and heart failure.

Arrhythmia and AFib symptoms

Arrhythmias may not present any symptoms, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, please consult a physician:

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

Heart arrhythmia and AFib treatments

We offer minimally invasive treatments and cardiac procedures to treat arrhythmias, including AFib. Common procedures we use to reduce the effects of heart rhythm disorders are catheter ablations as well as pacemaker and defibrillator implantations.

When heart and vascular surgery is necessary, our experienced and board-certified cardiovascular surgeons perform surgical interventions, such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) or valve repair surgery. They will use minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to treat your heart condition or disease.

As part of our surgical care, we offer advanced facilities, comfortable patient rooms and cardiac rehabilitation programs. This ensures you have access to all the resources you need for a healthy recovery.

We offer inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs to help you recover from surgery and manage cardiac conditions. Our programs involve personalized treatment plans, which may include education, nutrition counseling, monitored exercise and physical therapy.

Many of our patients begin cardiac rehabilitation with our inpatient "phase one" program and continue to the outpatient "phase two" program after they are discharged from the hospital. However, some patients only attend the outpatient program, which, in this case, may simply be called "Heart Wellness."

Outpatient cardiac rehab takes place weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Additional sessions are available upon request.