Cardiology

Our team provides evaluation and chronic management for individuals with congestive heart failure. Using diagnostic heart imaging and a collaborative approach to care, our heart failure doctors create personalized treatment plans, which may include heart failure surgery or cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac imaging is central to diagnosing and managing heart disease. We use advanced heart imaging technologies, such as nuclear imaging, echocardiograms and computerized tomography (CT) scans, to visualize and track the performance of the heart muscle to identify any abnormalities.

If further exploration is needed, we have an on-site catheterization laboratory (cath lab) for minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures.

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

Our cardiovascular team offers advanced interventional cardiology procedures to diagnose and treat heart disease using minimally invasive techniques. To support long-term heart function, some of the procedures and treatments we offer include:

• Balloon angioplasty
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Cardiac surgery
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
• Stent placement for coronary artery obstructions
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Valve surgery
• Vascular surgery

Our EP specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques to treat abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation (Afib). We offer advanced, minimally invasive treatment options, such as cardiac ablation, pacemaker placement and ongoing device monitoring.

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

You 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.

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

Our hospital has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 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 individuals. 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).

For individuals with cardiovascular conditions, our Heart and Vascular Institute includes four dedicated units, including:

• Cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) — Following heart surgery, individuals 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 those who are no longer in need of intensive care.
• Cardiovascular progressive care unit (CPCU) — Individuals in this unit are closely monitored by nurses and medical personnel following a cardiovascular procedure. Those in the CPCU will begin the rehabilitation process.
• Cardiac and vascular intervention unit (CVU) — Individuals in this unit have their heart's electrical activity monitored for an extended period of time. Most individuals here have undergone an interventional procedure, such as a catheterization or angioplasty.

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 individuals 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.

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