Cardiology

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and can lead to serious disability. Determining the type and extent of cardiovascular disease is the first step toward a healthy heart, so we offer advanced heart screenings to build the foundation of a personalized treatment plan.

Our clinical cardiologists use a wide range of sophisticated cardiac procedures to diagnose heart disease, including:

• Electrophysiology studies — Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) measure the heart’s electrical activity and identify muscle damage that can cause heart disease. Portable devices, such as a Holter monitor or event recorder, measure your heart activity throughout the day over an extended period.
• Nuclear medicine scans — These tests include positron emission tomography (PET) and thallium or myocardial perfusion scans, which use small doses of radioactive material to reveal the structure and blood flow within the heart.
• Noninvasive imaging technologies — Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computerized tomography angiography (CTA), X-ray and echocardiograms provide images of the heart muscle, valves, veins and arteries.

A heart rhythm disorder, known as an arrhythmia, is characterized by an abnormal heartbeat that is either too fast, too slow or uneven. Many arrhythmias don’t pose a serious health danger, but our electrophysiologists have the training and expertise to provide advanced care, should you require treatment.

Our arrhythmia specialists utilize advanced technology to measure the heart’s electrical activity and identify damage to the heart, including an EKG, electrophysiology study or Holter monitor. Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, there are a range of treatment options, including:

• Lifestyle modification and medical management — Stress, caffeine, alcohol or other substances can contribute to arrhythmias. We offer education and resources to help you adopt healthier lifestyle habits to eliminate arrhythmias. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, we can develop a treatment plan based in medications.
• Cardioversion — Cardioversion typically uses a defibrillator to deliver swift electrical shocks to the heart, in order to slow down fast arrhythmias. Monitored by an EKG, if this does not show signs of long-term efficacy, your doctor may recommend an implantable device.
• Implantable devices — Placed just under the skin, implantable cardiac devices are small machines that send electrical signals to the heart to regulate its beat when out of sync. A pacemaker is used to regulate a slow heartbeat, while an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is used to regulate a fast heartbeat (defibrillation).

The care we provide following a heart procedure can be equally important as the procedure itself. Our multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program features support from physical therapists, health educators, nutritionists and exercise professionals. Your care team works together to provide personalized services that touch on all facets of health and healing.

For further information about our cardiology program or to make an appointment, call us at (239) 369-2101.