Cardiology

When heart disease is detected early, our cardiologists can help you manage or even eliminate it. To diagnose and better understand your heart health, we use a range of heart screening and imaging tests, including:

• Angiogram — X-ray imaging exam involving a catheter (thin, flexible tube)
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI) — Measurement of blood pressure in the ankle is compared to the blood pressure in the arm
• Cardiac stress test — Exam that records the heart's response to exercise
• Carotid ultrasound — An ultrasound scan that visualizes blood vessels
• Computerized tomography (CT) — X-ray imaging exam to detect calcium in the plaque or wall of coronary arteries
• Echocardiogram — An ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create a clear picture of the heart (sometimes called a "Doppler test" or a "heart ultrasound")
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) — Test that records the electrical activity of the heart on a graph
• Electrophysiology studies — Mapping of the electrical functions of the heart and causes of irregular heartbeats
• Holter monitor study — Measurement of the electrical activity of the heart over a longer period of time (usually over 24 hours)
• Nuclear stress test — Images are taken as a safe amount of radioactive matter ("tracer") travels the bloodstream
• Programmed electrical stimulation (PES) — A catheter in the right side of the heart evaluates the electrical properties of the heart

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) — Procedure that records images of the heart from inside the esophagus

The American College of Cardiology designated our emergency room (ER) as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Resuscitation. This recognition demonstrates our hospital's dedication to the quick evaluation and effective treatment of individuals experiencing heart attacks.

When it comes to heart attacks, the more time that passes without treatment, the greater the damage to the heart. Unfortunately, when someone is having a heart attack, they may be unwilling to accept it or may attribute the symptoms to another cause. Someone experiencing a heart attack may even try to convince you that everything is fine.

This delay and denial can be very dangerous. When heart attack symptoms occur, do not take a "wait-and-see" approach.

If you suspect you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack, immediately call 911.

A heart attack can cause sudden, severe pain, or it can produce gradual pain and discomfort that increases over several hours or even days.

Symptoms of heart attack for men and women can include:

• Clamminess or sweating
• Dizziness or nervousness
• Feeling of "doom" or dread
• Nausea or indigestion
• Neck, back or jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue

Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours before the acute attack, but they can begin two to three weeks before.

A heart attack can cause sudden, severe pain, or it can produce gradual pain and discomfort that increases over several hours or even days.

Symptoms of heart attack for men and women can include:

• Clamminess or sweating
• Dizziness or nervousness
• Feeling of dread
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Neck, back or jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness or fatigue

Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours before the acute attack, but they can begin two to three weeks before.

Our electrophysiologists, or heart rhythm specialists, offer a range of diagnostic studies and minimally invasive procedures to test for and treat heartbeat irregularities, or arrhythmias. At our cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab), we are specially equipped with heart rhythm disorder mapping technology to perform:

• Catheter ablation
• Electrophysiology study
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
• Programmed electric stimulation (PES)

AFib is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It may not be life-threatening if appropriately treated, which is why it's important to seek treatment for any irregular heartbeat. Especially since AFib has been known to lead to serious health complications such as blood clots, stroke and heart failure.

Arrhythmia symptoms

Arrhythmias may not present any symptoms, but please consult a physician if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty exercising
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Irregular or rapid pulse or heartbeat
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Palpitations, or a pounding feeling in the chest
• Racing feeling in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

Heart arrhythmia treatments

To treat arrhythmias, we offer minimally invasive treatments and cardiac procedures, including cardiac ablation, as well as pacemaker and defibrillator implantations.

When heart and vascular surgery is necessary, our experienced, board-certified surgeons perform complex procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve repair. We use minimally invasive approaches whenever possible to treat your heart condition or disease.

As part of our surgical care, we offer facilities with comfortable rooms and cardiac rehabilitation programs. This ensures you have access to all the resources you need during your recovery journey.

Our inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to help you recover from surgery and manage your cardiac condition. Your personalized treatment plan may include education, nutrition counseling, monitored exercise and physical therapy.

Many individuals begin cardiac rehabilitation with our inpatient "phase one" program and continue to the outpatient "phase two" program after they are discharged from the hospital. However, some participants only attend our outpatient "Heart Wellness" program, which takes place weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Additional sessions are available upon request.