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Cardiology

Cardiology is the medical treatment of the heart and parts of the circulatory system as they relate to the heart. Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the cardiovascular system.

HCAH_Specialty_Cardiology

Heart and vascular care in Palatka

With a comprehensive cardiology program, we are making it easier for patients to receive high-quality heart care.

Our cardiologists at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital are committed to providing expert heart care in a patient-centered environment. We use various treatments and services — including intravascular ultrasounds — to help patients maintain healthy hearts. Our program offers each patient an individualized treatment plan to ensure they receive the proper care to stay healthy.

Is your heart healthy?

Understanding your heart health is critical to getting the care you need. We offer a health risk assessment to help get you started.

Understanding your heart health is critical to getting the care you need. We offer a health risk assessment to help get you started.

Heart conditions we treat

Our cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons treat a wide range of heart conditions, including:

  • Aortic aneurysm
  • Congenital (present at birth) birth abnormalities
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heartburn and reflux
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Heart failure
  • Heart infection
  • High blood pressure
  • Unstable angina
  • Valvular heart disease

Our cardiac treatments and services

No matter what your cardiac condition is, our heart specialists offer several types of treatment options to meet your specific needs.

Angioplasty

Angioplasty creates space in a blocked artery by inserting and inflating a tiny balloon. The balloon, which does not remain in the body, pushes plaque buildup against the wall of the artery so blood can flow more freely.

Cardioverter-defibrillator implantation

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) help treat patients at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Implanted through a small incision near the shoulder, ICDs use electrical impulses to help control life-threatening and irregular heartbeats.

Fractional flow reserve

Fractional flow reserve is a technique that can accurately measure blood pressure and flow through a specific part of the coronary artery. It can be useful in assessing whether to perform angioplasty or stenting on intermediate blockages.

Intravascular ultrasound

During an intravascular ultrasound, a catheter is inserted in the coronary artery to emit sound waves that produce an image of the blockage. This provides the necessary information to diagnose conditions and determine the next steps in treatment.

Pacemaker insertion

Pacemakers are for patients with abnormally slow heart rhythms, congestive heart failure and/or high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Pacemakers help the heart pump more effectively by coordinating the pumping action through electrical signals.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) intervention

PAD intervention involves the evaluation of diseases of the blood vessels outside the heart. Balloon angioplasty and stenting may be used to treat PAD.

Peripheral atherectomy

During peripheral atherectomy, a small, circular blade is used to shave off the plaque in the blood vessels outside the heart. The plaque is reduced to particles smaller than red blood cells, resulting in a smoother inner surface of the vessel that allows for increased blood flow.

Stenting

Stenting involves inserting a stainless steel, wire-mesh tub in the arteries. The stent is small and permanently placed and is used to keep arteries open following balloon angioplasty. Both bare-metal and medication-releasing stents are available.

The Healthy Living Blog

Fresh knowledge and insights in and around healthcare industry.

American Heart Month: How to take care of your heart 

February 06, 2023
Tayla Holman
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it is preventable with lifestyle changes, a healthy diet and physical activity.

American Heart Month: How to take care of your heart 

February 06, 2023
Tayla Holman
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it is preventable with lifestyle changes, a healthy diet and physical activity.

7 habits that could be sabotaging your heart health 

February 01, 2023
Could you be putting your heart health at risk without knowing it? We asked HCA Florida Healthcare cardiologist Dr. Allan Stewart to weigh in on seven bad habits for heart health and tips on how to break them.

6 surprising signs your heart health is at risk 

February 01, 2023
Learn more about risk factors for heart disease, including the link between dental health and heart disease.