Cardiology

We performed our first minimally invasive interventional heart catheterization in 1989, more than 30 years ago. Annually, we perform more than 30,000 noninvasive procedures and over 3,000 diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Making sure you receive a correct diagnosis is the first step in providing complete cardiovascular care. To accomplish this, we offer:

• Echocardiogram — Specialized ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) — Exam that produces a graph of the heart's electrical activity
• Electrophysiology (EP) studies — Assessment of the heart's electrical system
• Catheterization — Diagnostic and treatment technique using a catheter (thin, flexible tube)
• Holter monitoring — Device to monitor the heart over a period of time
• Stress testing — Diagnostic exam that monitors the heart during physical exertion, such as exercise
• Tilt table testing — Exam used to evaluate pulse and blood pressure while changing positions
• Transesophageal echo — Type of echo that uses a probe

Transtelephonic arrhythmia monitoring — Method for monitoring and recording symptoms for your doctor

Our heart specialists have access to a range of diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options to provide the care you need for irregular heartbeats. We use EP, the branch of medicine that studies the heart's electrical system, to identify arrhythmias.

Risk factors for developing AFib

Factors that can contribute to developing AFib include:

• Advancing age
• Existing congenital heart disorders, coronary artery disease or diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Previous heart attack
• Smoking
• Stress

Symptoms of arrhythmias and AFib

Seek treatment if you are experiencing any of these arrhythmia symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations or fluttering
• Sensation of a missed or extra heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

Types of heart arrhythmias

There are several types of heart arrhythmias. Each type is classified by the effect it has on the heart or by location. Common types of heart arrhythmias include:

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib) — When the upper chambers, or atria, contract too quickly and irregularly
• Bradycardia — When the heart is beating too slowly
• Supraventricular arrhythmias — Irregular heart rate that begins in the atria
• Tachycardia — When the heart is beating too fast
• Ventricular arrhythmias — Irregular heart rate that begins in one of the lower chambers (ventricles)

Arrhythmia treatments

Some arrhythmias are minor enough that they do not require any treatment at all, whereas others may require surgery. For many, treatment options include medication management and lifestyle changes.

Arrhythmia surgeries we offer include:

• High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion
• Left atrial appendage occlusion
• Pacemaker insertion
• Radiofrequency ablation

We provide diagnostic, medical, interventional and surgical services for individuals with vascular disease, such as peripheral artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

Vascular services we provide include:

• Interventional radiology
• Medicine
• Noninvasive laboratory
• Surgical services
• Ultrasound imaging

Our program focuses on providing education to help reduce the risks associated with vascular disease through lifestyle changes.

Our vascular specialists

The vascular team at our hospital is made up of:

• Dedicated technologists
• Family practitioners
• General surgeons
• Internists
• Interventional radiologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Nurses
• Vascular surgeons

Our cardiac rehabilitation program is supervised by a board-certified cardiologist and may help you manage heart disease or recover from a heart event or surgery.

Cardiac rehabilitation may teach you to recognize symptoms, understand when to seek treatment and work toward a long-term healthy lifestyle. The program also provides guidance on medications and disease management. Other benefits may include reducing the risk of future health problems through risk-factor modification and supporting your ability to live independently.

To learn more about our cardiac rehabilitation program, please call our department at (941) 798-6126.

Phases of cardiac rehabilitation

There are three primary phases of cardiac rehabilitation. These include:

• Phase one (in hospital) — Supervised care including educational counseling, range of motion activities and intermittent physical exercise
• Phase two (outpatient exercise therapy) — Supervised care including exercise, telemetry monitoring, blood pressure monitoring and risk-factor education and modification
• Phase three (continued outpatient exercise therapy) — Self-pay maintenance program to promote long-term health through supervised exercise

Potential benefits of cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation offers numerous potential benefits, including:

• Reducing the potential for additional cardiovascular problems through risk-factor modification
• Regaining and maintaining an independent, self-sufficient lifestyle through improvement in strength and endurance

We know that family and friends play a vital role in supporting you on the road to recovery. To make it easier for your loved ones to visit you, we offer discounted hotel rooms rates in the nearby area and complimentary hospital cafeteria meals.