Cardiology

The following imaging exams and tests are offered at our hospital:

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This exam uses MRI technology, which involves magnetic fields instead of radiation, to create a detailed image of the heart.
• Coronary computerized tomography angiography (CCTA): This is a specialized type of scan that examines the coronary arteries for blockages, such as a buildup of plaque.
• Echocardiogram: This is an advanced type of ultrasound that examines the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test examines the heart's electrical activity by tracking electrical impulses on a graph.
• Exercise stress testing: This exam puts the heart under stress, such as exercise, while monitoring vital signs and the heart's functionality via EKG.
• Nuclear cardiac stress testing: This exam involves a cardiac stress test that is enhanced using nuclear medicine to view changes in the heart that occur prior to and after the stress test.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram: This specialized type of echocardiogram uses a scope through the mouth to closely examine the heart without imaging interference from the ribs or lungs.

Screening services require a physician referral, which we can help you with if you call our Consult-A-Nurse team at (855) 245-8329.

Our cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) is a dedicated location in our hospital. Here, our physicians can use catheters (thin, flexible tubes) and advanced imaging to visualize the heart and arteries, identifying blockages and abnormalities. The lab is equipped with diagnostic imaging equipment so your cardiologist can make a swift diagnosis and provide immediate treatment, if needed.

A range of heart and vascular procedures are performed in our cath lab, including:

• Angiograms
• Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations
• Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs)
• Peripheral vascular angioplasties
• Stent placements

Our board-certified cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists work hard to treat all heart conditions and diseases. Some heart and vascular issues we commonly treat include:

• Aortic aneurysm
• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• Chest pain
• Heart arrhythmia
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Peripheral vascular disease

A heart arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Heart arrhythmias may cause the heartbeat to be too fast, too slow or erratic. Sometimes, heart arrhythmias are benign and cause no outward symptoms. However, in some cases, they pose a threat to your cardiac health and require treatment.

All types of arrhythmias are diagnosed and treated at our hospital, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). Your treatment will be determined based on the type of arrhythmia you are experiencing.

Some treatments for arrhythmias offered at our hospital include:

• Cardioversion for AFib
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion
• Pacemaker insertion

A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in the nearest emergency room (ER). Upon arrival to our ER, patients exhibiting heart attack symptoms are taken to our cardiac cath lab to be examined for blockages in the coronary arteries.

If a blockage is found, cardiologists may perform a PCI. This procedure uses a catheter to place a stent in the blocked blood vessel to open up the artery and restore proper blood flow.

Common heart attack symptoms

Recognizing signs of a heart attack could save a life. When you identify the signs of a potential heart attack, call 911 immediately. Remember, heart attack signs may manifest differently in men and women. Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Cold sweat
• Discomfort in the upper portion of the body, such as the back, neck, stomach, arms or jaw
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Heart attack symptoms that are more commonly experienced by women include:

• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Jaw or back pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Uncomfortable pressure in the chest

Several of the heart conditions we treat are chronic (long-lasting) conditions. Because of this, we offer physical therapy and rehabilitation options for cardiac patients to help increase their quality of life through a healthy diet and regular exercise.