Cardiology

Clear and accurate imaging is crucial to confirming a cardiac diagnosis. Our hospital is equipped with a dedicated echocardiography laboratory where diagnostic imaging of the heart occurs. We use the latest heart imaging, screening and monitoring technologies, including:

• Cardiac computerized tomography angiography(CCTA) — This specialized computerized tomography (CT) scan allows for imaging of the heart's structures and blood vessels. For more detailed imaging, a contrast agent is administered intravenously to highlight certain areas of the heart.
• Diagnostic catheterization — This procedure uses a catheter that is inserted through a blood vessel to the heart to identify any blockages, assess heart function and diagnose heart conditions.
• Echocardiogram — This imaging procedure uses ultrasound technology to examine the structure and function of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) — This imaging exam uses electrodes placed on the chest to measure and chart the electrical activity of the heart.
• Electrophysiology (EP) study — This diagnostic test is used to assess the heart's rhythm and identify if a heart arrhythmia is present.
• Implantable loop recorder — This device is placed in the chest for long-term monitoring (up to three years) of cardiac rhythms.
• Nuclear cardiology — These are noninvasive techniques used to evaluate blood flow and heart function. A radiotracer agent is administered into the bloodstream and used to assess blood flow and highlight certain areas for imaging.
• Stress testing — This test measures the heart's response to stress, such as exercise, in a controlled environment.
• Tilt table testing — This test places you at an angled position and adjusts the position rapidly to measure changes in blood pressure and heart rate.

Transesophageal echocardiogram — This specialized type of echocardiogram uses an ultrasound probe that is inserted through the throat to obtain unobstructed, clear images of the heart.

Pediatric heart diagnostics

Our pediatric program includes diagnostic services for children with heart disease. We provide specialized heart testing, including:

• EKGs
• Stress tests

Tilt table tests

The first cardiac catheterization at our hospital was performed in 1988. Today, our hospital is equipped with six leading-edge cardiac cath labs where we perform:

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device insertion

The cardiac specialists at our hospital offer dedicated care for heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). There are many different types of heart arrhythmias, which range from being harmless to serious medical conditions.

We offer several treatment options for arrhythmias, including electrical cardioversion, cardiac ablation and surgically implanted devices, to regulate the heart's rhythm.

If left untreated, AFib is known to lead to medical complications such as stroke and heart failure. However, through our cardiology program, we provide comprehensive care for AFib.

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC)

One treatment option for AFib is the LAAC implant, which is about the size of a quarter. It offers an alternative option to long-term blood thinner use. The implant permanently closes off the left atrial appendage in an effort to prevent harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream, which can lead to a stroke.

This is a one-time procedure in which the device will be guided to your heart through a catheter, meaning there is no need for traditional heart surgery.

To learn more about the LAAC procedure, please call our cardiac administrator at (813) 916-0715.

A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The more time that passes without medical intervention, the more damage occurs to the heart muscle.

The emergency room (ER) at our hospital is open 24/7, and our team is prepared to administer lifesaving treatment for chest pain. Given the Gold Seal of Approval for excellence by The Joint Commission for providing skilled heart attack treatments, our emergency physicians work quickly to diagnose your symptoms and restore blood flow to your heart.

If you believe you are experiencing a heart attack, immediately call 911.

Heart attack risk factors

There are a number of factors that can contribute to your risk for a heart attack, including:

The more risk factors that apply to you, the greater your chance of experiencing a heart attack. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and any proactive steps you can take to help prevent a heart attack.

Heart attack treatments

When you arrive at our ER, you will be evaluated before receiving diagnostic testing to confirm a heart attack diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we are able to restore blood flow to the heart. This is done by:

• Removing a blockage in an artery through a balloon angioplasty and stenting
• Administering thrombolytic (clot-busting) medications

We also provide high-level care for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) heart attacks, which are diagnosed when an artery supplying the heart is completely blocked. Not every heart attack is classified as a STEMI because they can still occur when an artery supplying the heart is only partially blocked or temporarily blocked.

Our treatment time for STEMI heart attacks is below the national average, meaning we provide lifesaving intervention faster, when every second counts.

Following a heart attack, we are here to offer the continued care you need to restore your heart health through cardiac rehabilitation.

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain or excessive bleeding in the brain. Our emergency physicians are highly trained in administering lifesaving treatments for strokes. In fact, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Healthcare has certified us as a Comprehensive Stroke Center for our fast, precise care for people coming to our ER with stroke symptoms.

Your heart and vascular systems are closely related. The heart is supported by the body's network of veins, arteries and blood vessels, and they work on behalf of your heart as well. Our heart and vascular specialists are committed to working hand-in-hand to provide you with total cardiovascular care.

We offer advanced treatments to restore blood flow to blocked blood vessels, which prevent proper blood supply throughout the body.

Our services have earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for excellence in heart failure treatment and coronary bypass surgery.

Our cardiovascular surgeons treat a wide range of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, aorta and blood vessels. They have completed years of rigorous training and have expertise in performing a variety of heart surgeries.

The multidisciplinary approach we implement at our hospital helps us provide an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate care for every person.

Cardiovascular surgical options

We perform both traditional and minimally invasive surgical procedures, including: