Cardiology

To assess your heart health and identify any cardiovascular conditions, we rely on our diagnostic cardiovascular imaging and screening tests, such as:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan — Noninvasive heart scan using X-rays to take pictures of the beating heart from any angle, showing problems in your heart's structure or blood-pumping ability, as well as calcium buildup or other blockages
• Coronary angiogram — Special X-ray test in which images are taken as contrast dye fluid is used in the coronary arteries to show how blood flows through the heart, highlighting any blockages
• Nuclear stress test or myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) — Noninvasive test showing how well the blood flows through the heart muscle and how effective the heart muscle is pumping, usually using single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET)
• Stress echocardiography — Noninvasive test during which ultrasound images of the heart are taken during exercise to evaluate the amount of blood and oxygen your heart muscle receives during physical activity
• Stress tests — Monitoring of the heart's activity during exercise using electrodes or chemicals

Heart arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, occur when your heart's electrical system does not function properly. Arrhythmias can cause a variety of conditions, including shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and even a stroke or heart attack. They can also be a sign of underlying heart disease.

Our cardiology team uses advanced diagnostic services, medications, techniques and procedures to treat heart arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). While there is no cure for AFib, it can be suppressed for five to 10 years if treated early enough.

We provide a full spectrum of arrhythmia treatments based on your condition. These treatments include:

• Ablation
• Catheter ablation
• Cryoablation
• Automated external defibrillator
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
• Electrical cardioversion
• Implantable loop recorder
• Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device insertion
• Medication therapy and management
• Beta blockers
• Blood thinners
• Calcium channel blockers
• Digoxin
• Pacemaker device insertion

The symptoms of arterial blockage, or heart disease, differ based on the location of the blockage within the body. Knowing these symptoms can help lead to early detection and treatment, which can prevent a heart attack, stroke or heart failure.

Symptoms of blood supply blockage can include:

• Chest pain (angina) or tightness in the chest
• Mini stroke
• Numbness, cold feeling or pain in the arms or legs
• Pain in the back, upper abdomen, throat, jaw or neck
• Sudden loss of vision

We specialize in interventional cardiology, which focuses on blood flow through arteries in the heart and throughout the body.

In interventional cardiology, nonsurgical procedures using catheters are performed to repair narrowed arteries and weakened or damaged blood vessels. These minimally invasive procedures offer potential benefits of shorter recovery periods and little to no scarring.

The interventional cardiologists at our hospital specialize in the treatment of many conditions relating to the cardiovascular system, including:

• Carotid and other arterial blockages
• Cerebrovascular accidents (strokes)
• Heart attacks
• Renal artery stenosis
• Vein abnormalities and disorders

Many of the procedural treatments of heart-related conditions involve the insertion of a stent to allow improved blood flow through arteries. A stent is a small tube made of a metal mesh material. It is usually inserted to open a narrowed artery or other passageway within the body for easier blood flow.

During these procedures, the cardiac specialist will first insert a catheter into the blocked artery. Next, they will perform a balloon angioplasty to expand the artery. Lastly, they will place the stent into the now-open artery. This way, it will remain open, pushing out plaque and allowing improved blood flow.

We are proud to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery as an alternative to open-heart surgery. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs a damaged aortic valve that is too narrow and restricts blood flow, which can lead to heart failure.

Similarly, transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a leading-edge alternative to traditional heart valve surgery. It is often recommended to treat mitral regurgitation for people who are considered to be too high risk for conventional valve repair or replacement surgery. As a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure, TMVR is also often used to treat people who have previously undergone mitral valve replacement surgery.

Following a cardiac or cardiopulmonary event or procedure, it may be beneficial to participate in our cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. In fact, after discharge, many of our patients return to join our rehabilitation program and facilitate a complete and fast recovery.

We have the only cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program in Citrus County. Our trained specialists provide the cardiac and/or respiratory rehabilitative therapies you need to get back to your active life. Specifically, with us you will need fewer and shorter future inpatient visits.