Cardiology

Our diagnostic cardiology services include:

• Cardiac 64-slice computerized tomography (CT): creates images of organs, including a beating heart, with X-rays
• Cardiac stress test: measures heart performance through increased physical activity, such as being on a treadmill
• Coronary ultrasound: views the blood vessels by using sound waves
• Echocardiography (echo): produces images of the structures of the heart using sound waves
• Electrocardiography: uses electrodes to chart electrical activity in the heart
• Electrophysiology: uses various techniques and tools to measure the electrical activity in the heart
• Nuclear cardiology: uses small amounts of radioactive materials to evaluate the heart

Our Echocardiography Lab offers advanced heart imaging and diagnostics and is equipped with the latest cardiac ultrasound systems. Here, we offer innovative technology that automates stress echo exams and provides you with fast and accurate results.

Specialized procedures performed in the Echocardiography Lab include:

• Diagnostic 3D echocardiography: a procedure that uses 3D ultrasound images to view cardiac structure and function
• Transesophageal echocardiography: a diagnostic exam that uses an endoscope (camera on a thin tube) to send the ultrasound device down the esophagus to view the heart

Cardiac catheterization is a medical subspecialty dedicated to using minimally invasive techniques and imaging guidance. Specifically, a heart catheterization, or "heart cath exam," is a special diagnostic X-ray exam. It allows a physician to see if any of the coronary arteries have blockages.

The Cardiovascular Laboratory (CVL) at our hospital is equipped with advanced cardiac catheterization technology that allows physicians to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

The CVL's catheter-based procedures can reduce your recovery time compared to other surgical approaches. Other benefits of these minimally invasive procedures on the heart and blood vessels include shorter hospital stays and less visible surgical scarring.

The CVL is staffed by a team of experienced cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. It is available 24 hours a day for our team to perform procedures such as:

• Coronary angiograms: diagnostic tests that use X-rays to view blockages in the arteries
• Left and right heart catheterizations: procedures in which a catheter is inserted into the arteries to diagnose a heart condition
• Left ventriculograms: diagnostic tests that use contrast dye to view the heart and determine functionality
• Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs): procedures in which a stent is placed to treat narrowed arteries

The cardiothoracic surgery division at our hospital offers an extensive range of treatments, including:

Our team helps you regain heart health using the following specialized treatments:

• Atherectomy: a procedure in which a catheter (thin, flexible tube) is attached to a small blade to remove plaque from a blood vessel
• Coronary stenting: a procedure in which a small, metal, mesh tube is used to expand a coronary artery (blood vessel)
• Cutting balloon angioplasty: a procedure in which a balloon attached to small blades that move once the balloon inflates is used to help open vessels
• Defibrillators and pacemaker implants: a procedures in which devices that regulate abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are implanted in the chest
• Endoscopic vein harvesting: a procedure in which healthy blood vessels are removed from one part of the body and used to renew blood flow in the heart
• Maze procedures: a procedure in which the surgeon creates a maze-like pattern of scar tissue on the heart to redirect electrical signals as a treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): a procedure in which blockages in the arteries are bypassed while the heart still pumps blood to the body
• Percutaneous coronary angioplasty: a nonsurgical procedure in which narrowing arteries are treated and opened
• Transmyocardial revascularization: a procedure in which heart disease (typically for patients who are otherwise considered inoperable) is treated with lasers making small passages in the heart; usually performed along with coronary bypass surgery

Every minute matters during a heart attack. Whether you experience early signs of a heart attack or any of the symptoms below, taking action right away can be lifesaving.

Signs of a heart attack include:

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

When you do need emergency care for a heart attack, we can help. Our emergency room (ER) offers quick diagnostics and effective treatments.

It is also helpful for you to talk to your doctor about preventive measures you can take against heart disease and what your risk of heart-related illness is.

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

If you have an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that leads to syncope (passing out), you can benefit from our Arrhythmia and Syncope Center. This specialized center at our hospital provides a wide range of procedures and treatments, including:

• Ablation: a procedure used to treat an irregular heartbeat by scarring tissue to redirect or disrupt the heart's electrical signals
• Atrioventricular (AV) node ablation: a procedure in which heat energy is directed to heart pathways to connect the upper and lower chambers of the heart
• Cardiac implants: procedures in which devices are implanted to regulate the heartbeat (such as pacemakers do) or monitor the heart (such as loop recorders do)
• Cardioversions: a procedure that uses electrical signals to restore a regular heart rhythm
• Comprehensive electrophysiology studies: tests used to assess your heart's electrical system
• Flecainide: a class of medications that are used to regulate the heartbeat