Cardiology

Our heart care services include:

• Cardiac catheterization laboratory
• Dedicated cardiovascular nursing units
• Dedicated valve clinic
• Electrophysiology services for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart arrhythmias
• Emergency cardiovascular care
• Hybrid operating rooms

Diagnostic heart imaging and screenings

Diagnostic imaging is at the center of almost all heart disease diagnoses. We use advanced heart imaging technologies to visualize and track the performance of the heart muscle to identify any abnormalities.

If further exploration is needed, we have an on-site cardiac catheterization laboratory where we perform minimally invasive procedures to assess heart function.

Cardiovascular, endovascular and thoracic surgery

Our heart and vascular surgical care includes treatment for patients with valve disease, heart arrhythmias, vascular disease, blocked arteries and aortic aneurysms.

Patients have access to surgeons who perform advanced cardiac procedures and surgeries, if needed. In addition to traditional surgical methods, we also use minimally invasive surgical techniques when possible.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation

We have a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation program to help patients with cardiovascular disease on their road to recovery. Our program helps patients regain strength and mobility. It also provides education on lifestyle changes and nutritional choices that can help reduce your risk for future heart disease.

HerHeart program

Women and men may experience different warning signs and risk factors for heart disease. We participate in the HerHeart program. It encourages women to become more aware of the risk of heart disease and actively involved in their own heart health.

Controlling risk factors for heart disease

Talk to your doctor about what is right for you, but, in general, there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of heart disease, such as:

• Avoid eating foods high in trans fatty-acids (also known as "trans fats"), saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol and sugar
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Reduce stress
• Stay active in cardiac rehabilitation if you have already had a stroke, heart attack or heart surgery

Heart attack treatments and care

Our hospital has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention). We are leaders in restoring proper blood flow to the heart during a serious ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) heart attack.

Heart attacks have “beginnings” and these occur in more than 50 percent of patients. Symptoms can begin about two weeks prior to a major event. These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe. Ask your doctor about early heart attack care (EHAC).

Our Heart and Vascular Institute includes four dedicated units for cardiovascular patients, including:

• Cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) — Following heart surgery, patients are moved to the CVICU, where they will receive critical care and advanced monitoring.
• Cardiovascular step-down unit (CVSD) — This unit provides electrocardiogram (EKG) and heart rhythm monitoring for patients who are no longer in need of intensive care.
• Cardiovascular progressive care unit (CPCU) — Patients in this unit are closely monitored by nurses and medical personnel following a cardiovascular procedure. Patients in the CPCU will begin the rehabilitation process.
• Cardiac and vascular intervention unit (CVU) — Patients in this unit have their heart's electrical activity monitored for an extended period of time. Most patients in this unit have undergone an interventional procedure, such as a catheterization or angioplasty.

Cardiac decision unit

If you are experiencing cardiac issues but do not require hospitalization, our cardiovascular decision unit is there to help monitor and assess you. The unit provides 23-hour observation, which helps physicians determine the next step needed in your treatment.

Our unit can accommodate 12 patients and provides comfort and privacy as you are evaluated. You and your physicians also have immediate access to additional hospital services if needed.

We provide areas for your family members to wait, and they are welcome to visit you when you are not being tested.