Cardiology

The first step we take to helping you have a healthier heart is to determine the type and extent of whatever cardiovascular disease you may have. To do that, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

Some of the diagnostic heart procedures we offer include:

• Electrophysiology studies: imaging tools such as electrocardiograms (EKGs) and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs) measure the heart's electrical activity and identify muscle damage that can cause heart disease
• Noninvasive imaging technologies: more common tools such as X-rays and ultrasounds provide images of the heart muscle, valves, veins and arteries
• Nuclear medicine scans: small amounts of radioactive material are used to reveal the structure and blood flow within the heart

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure in which a catheter (thin tube) is used to access one or more chambers of your heart. Broadly speaking, this nonsurgical procedure shows us your heart’s pumping ability and blood pressure as well as the health of your valves and arteries.

When you need this type of procedure, our cardiac cath lab provides a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family. Here, we can use minimally invasive methods to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions.

Our lab also assists physicians in meeting all your emergency, preventive and restorative heart health needs.

In the cardiac cath lab, the following are performed:

• Angioplasty and stenting: procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels to the heart
• Cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib): procedure that sends electrical energy to the heart to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm if you have AFib
• Declotting of arteriovenous (AV) fistula: procedure used for dialysis patients to improve or regain blood flow in an irregular vein-to-artery connection
• Defibrillator implantation (ICD): device implanted to pace the heart and correct life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
• Diagnostic and interventional peripheral procedures: to open blocked or partially blocked arteries that supply blood to the head, neck, abdomen and legs
• Directional and rotational atherectomy: procedure to remove plaque in blood vessels
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion: procedure to prevent blood clots created by a DVT from traveling to the lungs
• Intra-aortic balloon pump insertion: procedure that helps the heart pump blood
• Left and right heart catheterization: procedure to diagnose or treat certain heart conditions
• Pacemaker implantation: device implanted to manage cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• Temporary pacemaker insertion: procedure to help normalize heartbeat pace that has been temporarily out of rhythm

Our heart care team is well-equipped and prepared to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks, in our emergency room (ER). Additionally, a dedicated interventionist cardiologist is on call 24/7 at our hospital to ensure you get the fast, high quality care you need when you need it most.

When you have signs of a heart attack, it can be tempting to tell yourself that they are just minor issues or that they are not worth going to the doctor about — but these warning signs should not be dismissed. They are your body's way of telling you to get help right away, so knowing the signs of a heart attack and taking action can be lifesaving.

Signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Chest pressure or heaviness
• Fluttering in the chest
• Irregular or racing heartbeat
• Pain between the shoulder blades or in the left shoulder, arm or side of the jaw
• Tightness in the chest or throat

If you think you are having a heart attack, you should immediately call 911.

Different from a heart attack, heart failure is a chronic, long-term condition that prevents the heart from functioning effectively. It occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

You may sometimes hear heart failure called "congestive heart failure (CHF)," but CHF is technically just a type or stage of heart failure in which fluid builds up in the heart and surrounding areas.

The medical staff who specialize in heart failure at our hospital provide a comprehensive management program, including:

• Medical management medications are used to lower blood pressure, eliminate excess water, prevent clotting, slow heart rate or alter hormones that affect the heart. Our heart specialists develop programs that combine medication and lifestyle changes to effectively manage heart failure.
• Risk-factor management and lifestyle changes — such as losing weight and eating healthy, controlling blood pressure, abstaining from alcohol and smoking and getting enough rest — can help improve heart health and prevent further damage.
• Minimally invasive cardiac catheterization techniques — such as angioplasty and stenting — are typically outpatient procedures used to open blocked arteries.
• Surgery may be used to implant devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators.

Our dedicated vascular care team is equipped with advanced imaging technology to evaluate and diagnose heart and vascular diseases in our heart center. If your physician finds a vascular condition that requires treatment, they may recommend:

• Risk factor management: diabetes, blood pressure, weight and nutrition control
• Vascular medicine: prevention and treatments for conditions that affect arteries and veins
• Vascular surgery: minimally invasive surgical treatments, such as:
  • Aneurysm repair
  • Angioplasty
  • Embolization
  • Stenting
  • Thrombolysis
  • Varicose and spider vein treatment

Cardiac rehabilitation is imperative to improve your cardiovascular health if you have experienced a heart attack, heart failure or surgery. Through our hospital's physical therapy and rehabilitation program, we offer comprehensive rehabilitative care and partner with you on your journey to a healthier life.