Cardiology

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimator

This ASCVD Risk Estimator enables patients to estimate 10-year and lifetime risks for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The results and recommendations provided by this application are intended to inform but do not replace clinical judgment. Therapeutic options should be individualized and determined after discussion between the patient and their care provider. DHR Health Heart Institute Cardiologist are available to assist you with the care you need.

ASCVD Risk Estimator

Cardiac Ablation

A cardiac ablation is a procedure to correct heart rhythm problems. The procedure can be done through open heart surgery, or through a minimally invasive method using a catheter. During the procedure, the tissue in the heart that is triggering the abnormal heart rhythm is destroyed using radiofrequency energy.

Chest Pain Center

The Chest Pain Center at DHR Health strives to quickly diagnose cardiac patients, begin treatment within minutes of arrival and significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. We follow evidence-based protocols established by the American Heart Association and achieve success with early intervention and rapid initiation of therapy.

Computed Tomography (CT scan)

Computed tomography (CT scan) is a diagnostic medical test that produces images of the inside of the body. It can be used to detect if a person has a type of heart disease like atherosclerosis, the hardening of the artery walls.

Congenital Heart Disease

A congenital heart disease, or congenital heart defect, is an abnormality of the heart structure that you were born with. Some congenital heart defects cause no signs or symptoms, and others may cause symptoms later in life. Depending on the severity of the defect, your doctor may recommend close monitoring with an implantable heart device, or surgery to repair or replace the affected area of the heart.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)

When a coronary artery in the heart has become narrowed or blocked, surgery may be needed to restore blood and oxygen flow. Coronary artery bypass surgery uses a blood vessel from another part of the body to go around, or bypass, the blocked or narrowed artery. The blood vessel, which is typically taken from the chest, leg or arm, is attached from the aorta to the coronary artery below the point where it is blocked.

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a sonogram of the heart. It uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. A doctor may request this test to check the heart's structure and how well it functions.

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation

Enhanced external counter pulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive treatment to stimulate the opening of small branches of blood vessels to create a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries. The EECP treatment gently compresses blood vessels in the lower limbs to increase blood flow to the heart. The branches of blood vessels, called channels or collaterals, that open may become natural bypass vessels to provide blood flow to the heart, relieving the symptoms of angina.

Heart Failure Surgery

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened and cannot supply the body with enough blood. Heart failure can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, or coughing. Heart failure can be caused by high blood pressure, narrowed arteries in the heart, diabetes or obesity. Not all conditions that lead to heart failure can be corrected or prevented, but lifestyle changes such as losing weight, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy diet may improve quality of life. When lifestyle changes and medications have failed to control symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery, such as coronary bypass surgery, heart valve repair or replacement, or a medical device such as pacemaker.

Heart Valve Surgery

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the four heart valves (mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve) does not function properly. Heart valve surgery is done to repair or replace the affected valve(s).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging test that is used to detect or monitor heart disease, as well as assess the heart structure and function.

Pacemaker/ Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation and Monitoring

A pacemaker is implanted in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), placed in the same location, monitors heart rhythms and uses defibrillation to treat dangerous rhythms.

Stress Testing

During a stress test, a person will walk on a treadmill slowly and then at a brisk speed while a heart monitor tracks the heart's work. The test can show whether there is enough blood traveling through the arteries and to the heart, or if any heart irregularities are present.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, which carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. When an artery in the wall of the aorta weakens, the wall balloons as blood pumps through it, causing an aortic aneurism. An aneurism that occurs in the portion of the aorta that runs through the chest is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm, which can be life-threatening depending on the size and location. Your physician may recommend surgery to remove the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a graft.

Thoracic Surgery

The thorax encompasses the vital structures in the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and major blood vessels. Thoracic surgery is done to treat and repair disease and injury within the chest. Surgical techniques include traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve and relieve symptoms of aortic valve stenosis. TAVR is an option for people who can’t undergo traditional open-heart surgery or have a high risk of surgical complications.

Vascular Ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is used to examine the circulation of blood vessels in the body. By evaluating the blood flow in the body, doctors can detect the presence, location and severity of disease.