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HealthEast Heart Care
Phone: 651-232-3063
We believe the best results for patients come from experienced doctors and staff, proven procedures and new technology. We offer a whole range of treatments and services for heart disease and cardiac wellness. Our goal is to restore you to the highest quality of life possible, as soon as possible.
Within HealthEast Care System, St. Joseph's Hospital is the center for the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and open heart surgery.
The best professional team care
Before and after your diagnosis, you may need to consult several types of specialty doctors. These may include surgical specialists, interventional cardiologists and radiologists, electro-physiologists and cardiologists. At St. Joseph's, these specialists work together to provide you with comprehensive treatment.
By viewing heart disease as a group of symptoms rather than a specific disease, Heart Care doctors create treatment plans to help you manage your disease. Nurses, technicians, rehabilitation therapists, chaplains, dietitians and social workers work with you and your family on diet, exercise, rehabilitation, counseling and implementation of medical treatments.
Your needs continue beyond our technology and state-of-the-art treatment. Throughout St. Joseph's, you'll find people with a passion for providing the physical, spiritual and educational support you expect and deserve.
Heart Care services
We provide a full range of heart care services:
- Prevention
- Wellness
- Emergency care
- Diagnostic testing
- Non-surgical treatments
- Open heart surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Home Care
We also offer:
Cardiac Special Care Unit: An outpatient care unit for patients undergoing angiogram and angioplasty.
Cardiovascular Telemetry Unit: An acute-care unit with 24-hour heart monitoring and specialized nursing care.
Heart Catheterization Lab: A unit where heart catheterizations, coronary interventions and pacemaker insertions are performed.
Chest Pain Evaluation Clinic: An outpatient program designed to quickly determine if your chest pain is caused by the heart. You will be evaluated in the Emergency Care Center to determine if you are having a heart attack. You will then be transferred to a cardiac monitoring area where a series of tests will be given. The evaluation takes less than 24 hours and provides early diagnosis of heart injury.
Congestive Heart Failure Clinic: Using an infusion of drugs through an intravenous (IV), the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic treats symptoms associated with end-stage heart failure.
Electrophysiology Lab: Electrophysiology (EP) studies are used to test and modify the electrical functioning of the heart. These tests are conducted in our state-of-the-art EP lab and give doctors answers to questions about irregular heartbeats, fainting spells and much more. Thanks to technology, electrophysiologists can often correct an irregular heartbeat right in the lab.
Emergency Care Center : When you arrive in the emergency department at St. Joseph 's Hospital with a heart condition, a specially trained RN will see you right away.
If you are having chest pain, an EKG will be done within minutes to see if you are having a heart attack. If you are having a heart attack, your doctor will admit you to have primary angioplasty. This will open up the blocked artery in your heart that is causing the heart attack. If you have chest pain that is not caused by a heart attack, your doctor will admit you for observation to find out the cause of your chest pain.
If you come to the Emergency department with difficulty breathing, the nurses and doctors will work with you right away to make your breathing easier. They will then determine if the cause of the breathing problem is related to your heart or lungs.
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit: A unit where nursing staff have received advanced training to care for patients who are critically ill and have experienced a heart attack, heart failure or heart surgery.
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Related Links
HealthEast Heart Care
Level One for heart attacks
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Heart |
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Heart Care Testing
Diagnostic testing determines the health of your heart while assessing any damage or disease. We offer the latest in diagnostic testing for measuring the electrical activity of your heart, measuring muscle or pumping function and identifying abnormalities or blockages in your arteries.
Often, your best chance of preventing or slowing the progress of heart disease depends on the accuracy of the initial diagnosis. Because of the high volumes of specific heart disorders we see, Heart Care doctors and staff are experts at interpreting test results.
Diagnostic testing available at St. Joseph 's Hospital include:
Blood tests
After the heart muscle has been injured, heart enzymes and muscle proteins are released into the bloodstream. Confirmation of a heart attack and the extent of the damage can be determined when there are elevated levels of these enzymes and proteins your blood. A series of blood samples may be needed for diagnosis. It may take up to 24 hours to determine if there are any changes in these blood levels.
Calcium scoring CT scan
A calcium scoring CT scan shows calcium in the major arteries of the heart. This test does not use dye. Sometimes a medication to slow down the heart rate is necessary to better see the calcium in the arteries.
CT angiograms are non-invasive scans to see the blood flow in the arteries in the heart. A dye is injected in a vein so that the scanner can see the arteries in the heart. A doctor's order is necessary to have this type of a CT scan.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to see images of your heart muscle, its valves and the pumping function of your heart. A special instrument called a "transducer" is held on the chest by a technologist. The transducer picks up sound waves and uses them to create and project a picture of your heart on a screen. A recording is made for the cardiologist to review at a later time. The test takes approximately 30 minutes. Click here for information on preparing for an echocardiogram.
EKG/ECG or Electrocardiogram
For this test, electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs. The painless test shows 12 different views of your heart's electrical activity and heart rhythm. This test may show injury to the heart muscle and can help your doctor determine the location and extent of heart damage. It can also provide evidence of prior heart attacks.
Electrophysiology (EP) studies
An electrophysiology study (EP) is an accurate and reliable method of evaluating heart rhythms. This test may be prescribed if you have symptoms of palpitations, arrhythmia or abnormal heart beats.
During an EP study, a specially trained cardiologist called an electrophysiologist collects data on the flow of electricity in your heart. EP studies can help locate the specific areas of heart tissue that give rise to abnormal electrical impulses that cause arrhythmias. This detailed information allows the cardiac specialist to evaluate the abnormal heart beat to determine possible treatments.
Heart catheterizations
Heart (cardiac) catheterization involves passing a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, through an artery or a vein to the heart and into a coronary artery. This procedure produces x-ray images or "angiograms" of the coronary arteries. This common procedure gathers information about blockages in the arteries and is often recommended when you have an artery that is partially or completely blocked.
Cardiac catheterizations are also used to gather samples of heart muscle that may be damaged, aid in the diagnosis of heart valve disease or measure blood pressure within the heart.
Holter monitoring
A small electronic recorder is used to record your heart's rhythm while you continue your normal at-home or at-work activities. The monitoring will take place for approximately 24 or 48 hours, during which time you will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and symptoms. Your doctor will let you know the amount of time for your particular test. Click here for more information.
Nuclear studies
For nuclear studies, a tracer (a small amount of radioactive material) is given through a vein in your arm. A camera scans the tracer as it flows through your heart. Areas of the heart muscle that have good blood flow pick up the tracer material quickly, while areas that have less blood flow do not. The test takes approximately three to four hours and can also be used with stress testing (below).
Stress testing
A stress test measures your heart's function during physical activity. It shows the changes in the electrical system of the heart during physical stress. These changes often do not show up on a resting electrocardiogram alone. Your heart rate and EKG will be monitored continuously throughout the test, and your blood pressure will be checked at specific times.
Depending on your physical ability, the test may be done while you walk on a treadmill or ride a bicycle. Your doctor may also choose to give you a drug that simulates exercise by causing your heart to gradually beat faster and stronger. The test generally takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Click here for information on preparing for a stress test.
Types of stress tests
Exercise or treadmill - This test is done on a motorized treadmill. The belt will start moving slowly and the walking surface will be flat. At intervals, the slope and speed of the treadmill will gradually increase, peak and then decrease.
The test is over when you reach a predetermined heart rate or signs of significant EKG changes are noted.
Bicycle - If you have difficulty walking, a stationary bike may be used rather than a treadmill.
Drug induced stress tests - This test, done while you are lying down, is usually prescribed for those who are unable to do an exercise stress test. Adenosine or Dobutamine are medications given through an IV while you are resting. These medications mimic the effects of exercise and raise the heart rate, even though the body is at rest.
Cardiolite or Thallium stress test - When a nuclear scan is ordered along with the stress test, an intravenous (IV) is started prior to the test. A small amount of Cardiolite or Thallium (radioactive material) is injected through the IV, allowing pictures of your heart to be taken with a scanner. These images show how much blood is getting to all areas of the heart muscle, both at rest and during exercise. This will help the doctor determine if there are any blockages in the blood vessels that supply blood to your heart. This procedure takes three to four hours. The radioactive material does not usually cause a reaction, and is easily eliminated through the urine.
Tilt table studies
Fainting spells can occur when your body does not properly regulate it’s blood pressure. To help diagnose the cause and treat fainting spells we offer a non-invasive test called a title table study.
During the test, you will be secured to a special table called a “tilt table.” You will begin the test lying flat for approximately 20-30 minutes. The tilt bed will then change to an almost vertical position for another 20-30 minutes. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseas or even faint. It is important to let the staff know how you are feeling during the test. You will then be returned to a horizontal position and monitored for another 20-30 minutes. Your doctor may decide to give you some IV medication as part of your test. You may feel your heart pounding. Your test may last up to 2-3 hours.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Heart Care testing
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Non-Surgical Heart Treatments (Interventions)
Non-surgical interventional procedures available at St. Joseph 's Hospital include:
Primary angioplasty
St. Joseph 's offers "primary" angioplasty around the clock. Primary angioplasty means that if you experience a heart attack you will be treated with angioplasty instead of drugs (thrombolytics or "clot busters").
In recent years, medical experts have identified primary angioplasty as the "gold standard of care" compared to drug therapy. The benefits of primary angioplasty include lower death rate from a heart attack, lower rate of stroke and reduced length of stays in the hospital.
During angioplasty, a small tube is inserted into a blood vessel. A tiny balloon is pushed through the tube to the blocked area. When the tube reaches the blockage, the tip is inflated to open the blockage and restore blood flow through the vessel. The balloon is then removed.
Stent placement
Stents help keep arteries open. Stents are steel mesh tubes placed inside a narrowed artery after angioplasty has opened it up by pushing the plaque against the artery wall. Over time a smooth surface forms inside the stent, promoting the flow of blood.
Atherectomy
During an atherectomy, a doctor cleans the inside of arteries with a delicate, scraping action. This removes plaque and improves blood flow. Following an atherectomy, other procedures, such as angioplasty, may be performed.
Permanent pacemaker placement
A pacemaker is a small device that sends tiny electrical impulses to the heart muscle. The electrical impulses are precisely timed and cause the heart to beat very similarly to the naturally occurring heart rhythm.
The pacemaker system consist of the pacemaker itself (a small metal can with electronics and a battery) and one, two or three leads, also known as “wires.” These leads are insulated wires that carry the electrical pulse to the heart. The leads also provide information about the heart’s activity back to the pacemaker.
There are three types of pacemakers:
- Single chamber pacemakers use one lead in the upper right chamber (the atrium) or lower right chamber (the ventricle) of the heart.
- Dual chamber pacemakers use one lead in the upper right chamber and one lead in the lower right chamber of the heart.
- Biventricular pacemakers have two or three leads that are positioned in the heart. One lead is in the right ventricle and one is along the left ventricle via the coronary sinus vein. This type of pacemaker may or may not have a lead in the right atrium.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
An implantable defibrillator (ICD) is used to treat a heart that beats too fast or irregularly. The ICD is a small device about the size of a pager and is placed below the collar bone. It continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm. When the defibrillator detects a heart rhythm that is too fast, it sends electrical impulses to your heart. These impulses can return your heart to a normal rhythm. A defibrillator can reduce the chance of cardiac arrest.
Most defibrillators also have pacemakers contained in their systems. They are constantly monitoring the heart and will deliver tiny pacing pulses if the heart beats too slowly.
Types of ICDs:
Single lead ICD - a lead is positioned into the right lower chamber of the heart (the ventricle).
Dual chamber ICD - a lead is positioned into the right lower chamber (the ventricle) and also the right upper chamber (the atrium).
Biventricular ICD - Also known as a CRT device (cardiac resynchronization therapy) has two or three leads that are positioned in the heart. One lead in the right ventricle and one lead along the left ventricle via the coronary sinus vein. Patients may or may not have a third lead in the right atrium.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is used to treat the delay in heart ventricle contractions that occur in some people with advancing heart failure.
The CRT pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is similar to a standard pacemaker or ICD. It is similar in size and weight and has two or three leads. They are positioned in the heart to help restore proper timing of the heart’s contractions and deliver small electrical impulses to both ventricles. This may improve the pumping function so the heart can work more efficiently. Over time, patients may experience a decrease in their symptoms. Patients may also need medication in addition to a CRT implant.
About electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Things that use magnets and electricity have electromagnetic fields around them. Usually these fields will not have an impact on your implantable device (pacemaker, ICD or biventricular device). However, a strong electromagnetic field such as an MRI can interfere with your device. It can temporarily prevent your device from treating you or cause an inappropriate delivery of a shock. If you move away from the source of the EMI, your device will resume functioning normally.
You can operate most household appliances and tools that are kept in good repair. These include microwaves, televisions and computers, among other things. For a complete list, visit the web site for the company that made your specific device.
Catheter ablation
Electrophysiology ablation is a procedure to correct abnormal heart rhythms. It is a procedure that involves inserting catheters (narrow, flexible wires) into a blood vessel. These are inserted through a site in the groin or neck and wound into the heart. The path from entry point to heart muscle is navigated by images created by a fluoroscope, an x-ray-like machine that provides continuous, "live" images of the catheter and tissue.
Once the catheter reaches the heart, electrodes at the tip of the catheter gather data which isolates the location of the faulty electrical site. Once the damaged site in the heart is confirmed, energy is used to destroy or "ablate" a small amount of tissue. This stops the disturbance of electrical flow through the heart and restores a healthy heart rhythm.
For many types of arrhythmias, catheter ablation is highly successful, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery or long-term drug therapy.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Non-surgical heart treatment
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Heart Surgery
Surgical interventional procedures (heart surgery) available at St. Joseph 's Hospital include:
Coronary artery bypass
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is performed on the heart to restore healthy circulation. A portion of a vein from your leg ( vein graft) or an artery from your chest or arm is used to send blood around a narrowed segment of an artery in the heart. When necessary, several arteries in the heart can be bypassed with grafting during a single operation.
This surgery is usually extremely successful, even when the surgery entails several grafts.
Even patients who are elderly, have diabetes or have extensive heart disease experience good outcomes. About 90 percent of patients experience relief of chest pain (angina) after the procedure.
Valve repair and replacement
This surgical procedure is done to improve heart circulation by fixing the existing heart valve or replacing it with a mechanical (man-made) or porcine (pig) valve.
This surgery may be done in combination with bypass grafting.
After surgery
Following heart surgery, you will go to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Telemetry Unit and will receive Cardiac Rehabilitation. Nursing staff from each of these areas have been specially trained and work together to help our Heart Care patients recover.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Heart surgery
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Healing Arts Therapies
We recognize the importance of body, mind and spirit in the healing process. As a Heart Care patient, you can choose among various healing arts therapies to help you recover.
The therapies we offer act as a complement to the rest of your medical care. Research continues to show promising results when healing arts are used to promote relaxation and balance, especially during times of potential stress.
In the spirit of combining the best technology with your own inner healing resources, we offer several choices that may be used separately or together.
Guided imagery
The guided imagery process uses your memories, dreams, inner perceptions, visions and senses to connect the mind, body and spirit. Guided Imagery has shown to reduce pain and anxiety. It is often used to increase relaxation prior to surgery or a procedure and to facilitate sleep.
At St. Joseph's, guided imagery is provided through an audio series called "Health Journeys." Titles include:
- General Wellness
- Healthful Sleep
- Pain
- Successful Surgery
- Talking to Your Heart (Created by Geri Lane, CSJ, HealthEast Spiritual Care)
Music intervention
Music can be used to enhance the healing process. We have several selections for you to choose from to help you relax.
Healing touch
Healing touch is an energy-based healing therapy. It is used to help the body relax, allowing for natural healing to occur.
A healing touch practitioner applies his or her hands to the body or slightly away from the body to promote healing. This therapy has helped our patients by reducing pain, stress and nausea. It has also been used to promote relaxation and sleep. This "light touch" therapy has been very effective for both our patients and our staff.
Healing touch therapy can be incorporated at any time during your hospitalization to enhance your healing process.
Essential oils
Essential oils are plant extracts that are used to restore balance to the body, primarily through the sense of smell. The chemical aspect of the essential oil triggers the limbic system of the brain, which affects mood, emotions, memory and learning. At St. Joseph's, the essential oils used for treatment come from organically grown plants.
If you are interested in using essential oils in your healing process, your nurse will provide guidance in the appropriate use.
We currently use these essential oils:
- Lavender - A pure oil used to promote sleep, reduce muscle tension and anxiety and enhance a sense of well-being.
- Ginger - A pure oil used to relieve nausea.
- Mandarin - A citrus essential oil used to relieve nausea and promote relaxation.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Healing arts therapies
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Spiritual Care
Spirituality has always been an integral part of St. Joseph's Hospital. This heritage of spiritual, as well as physical, healing is a fundamental part of our mission.
Due to our mission, a full-time chaplain is part of the Heart Care team and works closely with the medical staff to complement your physical care. Research indicates that patients heal faster and are less stressed when their spirituality is supported during illness. Regular chaplain visits, prayer before surgery and procedures, the availability of communion and the Anointing of the Sick are ways our Spiritual Care staff support you.
When requested, volunteers will also call your place of worship. Spiritual Care at St. Joseph's is non-denominational and is available to you and your family, as desired.
Chaplains are available 24 hours a day and can be reached at 651/232-1000.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Spiritual Care
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Heart Rehabilitation
We offer a heart rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and return to your full, productive life.
Through our program, you will learn how to take control of heart disease risk factors through:
- Dietary changes
- Quitting smoking
- Weight loss
- Stress reduction
- Blood pressure management
Most patients can return to their usual activities within a few months after a heart attack or heart surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation staff monitors and coordinates your care during your recovery. Heart rehabilitation improves the recovery process, increases physical fitness, and reduces the risk or severity of another heart attack.
The heart rehabilitation team includes your doctor, occupational therapists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and chaplains. All phases require a physician's referral.
Throughout rehabilitation, our staff will encourage open discussion and provide feedback to make sure your treatment is a positive and successful experience for you and your family.
Rehabilitation phases
Phase I begins in the hospital and is an interdisciplinary program of gradually increasing exercise and education during your hospitalization.
Phase II occurs shortly after discharge. It is a monitored outpatient program designed to build strength and endurance and identify risk factors. An individualized exercise and education program is developed to assist you with life-long risk factor management.
Phase III encourages long-term, heart healthy routines. Through a supervised exercise program, it monitors, reinforces and promotes the ongoing exercise habits learned in Phase II. It also provides continuing support and encourages changes necessary to maintain a healthier heart.
For congestive heart failure patients
For congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, HealthEast hospitals (including St. Joseph's, St. John's and Woodwinds) offer a unique, individualized rehabilitation program. The Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program combines a medically supervised exercise program with education on symptoms, medication and diet to help CHF patients live healthier lives.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Heart rehabilitation
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Heart to Heart Meetings
Hearts heal more quickly when supporting by a network of caring individuals. We understand the strength of this support and offer Heart to Heart meetings through our heart rehabilitation program.
The purpose of these meetings is to educate, support and share fellowship between individuals with common experiences.
Health care professionals discuss a variety of heart care topics with the group, including:
- Diet
- Understanding medications
- Home exercise
- Stress management
- Lifestyle changes
See topics covered at upcoming Heart to Heart meetings.
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Related HealthEast Care System Links
HealthEast Heart Care
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
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Heart to Heart meetings
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Heart Scan
A Heart Scan is a fast, painless and extremely
accurate test that identifies calcium in your heart's arteries. Calcium
deposits could be an indicator of heart disease.
Heart disease, or atherosclerosis, is caused when
plaque (fatty material) builds up in the walls of the vessels that
supply blood to the heart. Over time, calcium in the body causes the
plaque to harden. This is commonly referred to as "hardening
of the arteries." In time, the plaque can cause narrowing or
blockages in the vessels, leading to a heart attack.
Convenient test can be
a predictor of heart attack
A Heart Scan is a convenient non-invasive test that detects calcium
deposits in the heart's arteries. It is a form of computed tomography
(better known as CT) that scans the heart and then slices the image
into sections. This allows your doctor to check for the presence of
"hard" or calcified plaque. Hard plaque has been shown to
be a predictor of heart disease and heart attack. Research has indicated
that a Heart Scan may also identify a risk of heart attack in adults
who are otherwise healthy and don't have the usual risk factors for
heart disease.
Common risk factors include:
- A family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Inactive lifestyle
- Overweight
- Stress
Your Heart Scan results
Using the most advanced CT technology available, the Heart Scan takes
hundreds of images of your heart in just over one minute. It then
checks for calcium deposits. If calcium is detected, it measures the
amount present and generates a report with your "calcium score."
The higher the score, the more calcium is present in your heart's
arteries.
The results of a Heart Scan will be reviewed by
a cardiologist and radiologist and you'll receive a detailed printout
of your test results. You can take the results back to your physician
and discuss ways improve your heart health.
To schedule a Heart Scan
To make an appointment for a Heart Scan, or for more information,
call 651/326-4000.
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Additional Information
FAQs
St.
Joseph's Radiology
HealthEast Heart Care
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Heart Scan
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HealthEast Heart Care
Phone: 651-232-3063
We believe the best results for patients come from experienced doctors and staff, proven procedures and new technology. We offer a whole range of treatments and services for heart disease and cardiac wellness. Our goal is to restore you to the highest quality of life possible, as soon as possible.
Within HealthEast Care System, St. Joseph's Hospital is the center for the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and open heart surgery.
The best professional team care
Before and after your diagnosis, you may need to consult several types of specialty doctors. These may include surgical specialists, interventional cardiologists and radiologists, electro-physiologists and cardiologists. At St. Joseph's, these specialists work together to provide you with comprehensive treatment.
By viewing heart disease as a group of symptoms rather than a specific disease, Heart Care doctors create treatment plans to help you manage your disease. Nurses, technicians, rehabilitation therapists, chaplains, dietitians and social workers work with you and your family on diet, exercise, rehabilitation, counseling and implementation of medical treatments.
Your needs continue beyond our technology and state-of-the-art treatment. Throughout St. Joseph's, you'll find people with a passion for providing the physical, spiritual and educational support you expect and deserve.
Heart Care services
We provide a full range of heart care services:
- Prevention
- Wellness
- Emergency care
- Diagnostic testing
- Non-surgical treatments
- Open heart surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Home Care
We also offer:
Cardiac Special Care Unit: An outpatient care unit for patients undergoing angiogram and angioplasty.
Cardiovascular Telemetry Unit: An acute-care unit with 24-hour heart monitoring and specialized nursing care.
Heart Catheterization Lab: A unit where heart catheterizations, coronary interventions and pacemaker insertions are performed.
Chest Pain Evaluation Clinic: An outpatient program designed to quickly determine if your chest pain is caused by the heart. You will be evaluated in the Emergency Care Center to determine if you are having a heart attack. You will then be transferred to a cardiac monitoring area where a series of tests will be given. The evaluation takes less than 24 hours and provides early diagnosis of heart injury.
Congestive Heart Failure Clinic: Using an infusion of drugs through an intravenous (IV), the Congestive Heart Failure Clinic treats symptoms associated with end-stage heart failure.
Electrophysiology Lab: Electrophysiology (EP) studies are used to test and modify the electrical functioning of the heart. These tests are conducted in our state-of-the-art EP lab and give doctors answers to questions about irregular heartbeats, fainting spells and much more. Thanks to technology, electrophysiologists can often correct an irregular heartbeat right in the lab.
Emergency Care Center : When you arrive in the emergency department at St. Joseph 's Hospital with a heart condition, a specially trained RN will see you right away.
If you are having chest pain, an EKG will be done within minutes to see if you are having a heart attack. If you are having a heart attack, your doctor will admit you to have primary angioplasty. This will open up the blocked artery in your heart that is causing the heart attack. If you have chest pain that is not caused by a heart attack, your doctor will admit you for observation to find out the cause of your chest pain.
If you come to the Emergency department with difficulty breathing, the nurses and doctors will work with you right away to make your breathing easier. They will then determine if the cause of the breathing problem is related to your heart or lungs.
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit: A unit where nursing staff have received advanced training to care for patients who are critically ill and have experienced a heart attack, heart failure or heart surgery.
|
Related Links
HealthEast Heart Care
Level One for heart attacks
HealthEast
Women's HeartAdvantage
|
|
