Cardiology

We offer a range of testing services to diagnose what's going on with your cardiovascular system.

Electrocardiograms (ECGs)

An ECG diagnoses potential conditions, evaluating your heart's rhythm and electrical activity by recording its electrical impulses.

These impulses are registered by electrodes placed on the chest, arms and legs, with each controlling an ink needle that writes on grid paper. The higher the intensity of the electric wave, the higher up the needle will move on the paper. As the paper moves, an ink curve is formed when any abnormalities make themselves known. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes.

ECG stress tests

An ECG stress test is an electrocardiogram that is recorded during exercise, typically on a treadmill. The speed and slope of the treadmill will slowly increase as you walk, continuing until you have reached a certain heart rate, are short of breath, have chest pain or are too tired to continue. This type of ECG typically lasts less than 30 minutes and only requires you to have not eaten for at least two hours beforehand.

A cardiac catheterization procedure consists of inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin, arm or neck. It is then guided to the aorta before finally reaching the heart. Once in place, the catheter allows for numerous tests to be performed to detect issues with the heart and its blood supply.

These types of procedures are generally performed on an emergency basis after an individual experiences symptoms that could indicate heart problems, such as chest pain. Cardiac catheterizations allow doctors to:

• Check for congenital heart abnormalities
• Evaluate an enlarged heart
• Evaluate how well the heart valves and chambers function
• Identify narrowed or clogged arteries
• Measure blood pressure within the heart

A heart arrhythmia describes a misfire in the sequence of electrical impulses that controls how the heart pumps blood. When a misfire occurs, the heart may beat irregularly, too quickly or too slowly. There are many heart arrhythmia causes, including arterial blockages, diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, stress and thyroid problems.

Our team of cardiac specialists utilize numerous techniques for treating arrhythmias, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy, cardiac resynchronization defibrillator therapy and electrophysiology studies.

This procedure is performed if you have experienced atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib occurs when the heart's two upper chambers beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower two chambers. This causes a rapid heartbeat that can bring on weakness, shortness of breath and palpitations.

LAAC procedures can reduce the risk of blood clots that cause strokes. It is performed by implanting a device in the heart that permanently closes off the left atrial appendage, keeping blood clots from entering the bloodstream and traveling to the brain.

TAVR is a minimally invasive catheter procedure that is commonly used to treat severe aortic stenosis, a calcium buildup that narrows the heart valve and restricts blood flow. This condition may cause shortness of breath, low energy, and can ultimately be life-threatening. While initially conceived as an alternative for those with too many risks for invasive heart surgery, we are pleased to expand access to TAVR for everyone.

In a TAVR procedure, a replacement valve is inserted through a small incision in your leg, and guided via catheter to the site of the damaged valve. Once in position, the new valve opens and closes more efficiently, significantly improving blood flow. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you are hospitalized for just one night. Often, you can feel immediate improvements, resulting in better breathing and significantly reduced risks of heart failure. Conversely, traditional open-heart surgery carries numerous risks and involves a lengthy hospitalization and recovery.

For more information about our cardiology services, call (907) 264-1722.

This 24/7 nursing unit is designed to provide around-the-clock heart monitoring and quick responses, should issues arise. Visiting hours are flexible and are needs-based. Whenever possible, hide-away beds are made available for family members and loved ones.

If you have been hospitalized due to heart disease, had an angioplasty or had heart valve surgery, your healthcare provider has likely recommended any or all of the following:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Taking your medications

However, getting started with a new lifestyle regimen can be difficult. Our cardiac rehabilitation program is beneficial because we offer an extensive, motivational program of evaluation, exercise, education and support that teaches you how to make lifestyle changes to manage heart disease. Our program includes inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, both of which include heart health coaching. In these sessions, the team will teach you how to make the permanent lifestyle changes recommended by your physician.