Cardiology
We are Committed to Your Heart Health
At Southwestern Medical Center, our experienced cardiologists and cardiac team are committed to your heart health. We maintain high levels of training for members of our hospital team, offer consistent care for every patient and continually seek to improve processes and procedures, ensuring the most up-to-date, evidence-based care.
When you are in need of heart care, SWMC has outstanding cardiologists, as well as diagnostic and interventional cardiology services. Our cardiac catheterization laboratory is comprised of the latest technology to provide safe, quality cardiac care and a compassionate team devoted to serving your needs.
SWMC has received Chest Pain Center accreditation from the American College of Cardiology! What does this mean to you? We've integrated evidence-based science, quality initiatives, clinical best practices, and the latest medical guidelines into our cardiovascular care. And that means better outcomes for our patients. Click here to learn more.
Make Your Heart Health a Priority
Blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and other factors all play an important role in keeping your heart healthy. If you have questions about your heart health, star with a heart health assessment. Learn more about the risks you may have for heart-related conditions.
Next Steps
SERVICES AVAILABLE
ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Electrodiagnostic testing is the process of using electrical technology to track biological function and identify any abnormalities. Cardio electrodiagnostic exams include stress tests, electrocardiograms (EKG), echocardiograms and electromyograms. Electrodiagnostic testing is non-invasive, and patients should experience little to no discomfort.
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Echocardiogram involves using sound waves to create real time imaging of the heart muscle. Depending on the echocardiography ordered by the physician, dyes and saline may be inserted intravenously to provide contrast during the imaging. Echocardiograms are non-invasive and painless. Patients should expect the procedure to be no different than a routine ultrasound.
MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING
Also called a nuclear stress test, the myocardial perfusion imaging screening involves capturing recordings of the heart’s blood flow during strenuous activity. The beginning of the test involves attaching patients to an IV line. Patients will then participate in monitored exercise until peak activity level has been reached. Once the heart rate is in the desired range, the radioactive medicine will be inserted through the IV into the patient’s bloodstream. Then our specialized camera will take photos of the heart, made visible by the nuclear medicine. The process usually takes no more than an hour and is non-invasive. Other than some exercise discomfort or fatigue, patients should expect a pain-free experience.
HOLTER MONITOR
The Holter Monitor tracks electronic signals of the heart during a one-to-two-day period. Patients will be properly fitted to the monitor and instructed on information to record during the testing period. The cardiologist will be able to access the history of recordings to identify any abnormalities that require further testing.
CARDIOPULMONARY SERVICES
Southwestern Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Services focus on facilitating recovery and greater quality of life for individuals suffering from heart and lung illness. We are able to assist patients requiring pulmonary function tests, breathing treatments and continuous positive airway pressure.