Cardiology
A healthy heart is important to the life you want to live.
Your journey to a stronger heart starts with knowing your risks, conversations with your doctor and preventative screenings.
Why Choose Mercer Health for your Cardiology Services?
Conveniently located in Mercer County Community Hospital, our cardiology services focus on prevention, diagnostics and rehabilitation. We offer:
- Non-invasive cardiac and vascular/stroke prevention screenings
- Utilize state-of-the-art technology to evaluate heart and vascular function and diagnosis heart and vascular diseases and disorders
- Rehabilitation to help our patients return to their daily activities
Mercer Health is certified Acute Heart Attack Ready by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. No one plans to have a heart attack, but we will be ready if you do.
Cardiac Testing Services
Our team of nurses and technicians work alongside cardiologists to diagnosis heart disease and disorders and initiate further treatment using state-of-the-art technology. All cardiology tests must be ordered by a provider. The types of tests we offer include:
An electrocardiogram (EKG) uses temporary electrodes on your chest and limbs to monitor, track and document your heart’s electrical activity (which controls your heartbeats) for diagnostic purposes. A computer translates the information into a wave pattern your healthcare provider can interpret. This is a quick, noninvasive test that doesn’t hurt. You can get an EKG while lying down and resting or while you’re exercising as part of a stress test.
An EKG test is an easy way to get information to diagnose a problem with your heart. It doesn’t take long and doesn’t cause pain, but can tell your healthcare provider if you’ve had a heart attack, heart failure or heart damage. It can also tell them if your heart rhythm isn’t normal or how well your pacemaker is working.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to access the function of the heart. An echocardiogram can examine the heart muscle, heart valves and blood flow through the heart. There is no preparation for an echocardiogram.
The patient is requested to remove the clothing on the upper portion of the body and wear a gown. Electrodes are placed on the chest and an EKG will be taken continuously. A transducer will be placed on and moved to various places on the chest.
A cardiologist will read the echocardiogram results. One hour should be allowed for this test.
Holter monitoring is a 24 to 48-hour test continuously recording the heart rhythm over a period of time. The patient may continue daily activities during the time the holter is being worn. This test may detect abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. The EKG is recorded on a small recorder. Five electrodes will be placed on the patient’s chest. These electrodes are attached to wires that are connected to the recorder.
A diary is kept of activities during the time the recorder is worn. It is important to record all symptoms and activities. At the end of the 24 to 48 hours the recorder will be removed, the tape scanned and a reading will be obtained from a physician. Loose-fitting blouses or shirts with the buttons in the front should be worn the day of the monitor application. Do not take a bath or shower, swim or do anything that may get the electrodes, wires or recorder wet. Avoid electric blankets, magnets, metal detectors, and high-voltage areas that may cause interference on the tracings. Thirty minutes should be allowed for the preparation for this test. A physician will read the test results.
Vascular Screenings
Vascular Screenings, often referred to as Stroke Prevention Screenings, test vascular function to help detect early warning signs of vascular issues like stroke, peripheral artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. It can also help those who are at risk of heart attack. A vascular screening is a painless and easy way to help identify problems with vascular function before they become serious.
We offer a Vascular Package that includes the following screenings:
- Carotid Artery – Ultrasound test checks for plaque buildup; helps identify the risk of stroke.
- Abdominal Aorta – Ultrasound test checks for the presence of an aneurysm that could lead to a ruptured aorta.
- Peripheral Artery – Measures the circulation to your legs to help detect peripheral vascular disease which is also an indicator of heart disease.
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program benefits patients who have experienced a recent heart related illness, surgery or intervention.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease treatment depends on the cause and type of heart damage. Our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to enhance the quality of life for patients with heart disease.
Each patient in our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program receives individualized treatment plans that combine monitored exercise with education, support, counseling and positive behavior change. Plans are developed in collaboration with your physician, our expert cardiology team and your (the patient’s) input.
During rehab, our team monitors vital signs, symptoms and exercise responses to ensure patient activity is appropriate. Our program also provides patients:
- Specific guidelines for physical activity
- Educational information
- Improved quality of life
- Return to work facilitation
- Exercise plans to increase tolerance
- Reduction in repeat events and hospitalizations
- Heart Attack
- Unstable Angina
- Coronary Artery Angioplasty or Stenting
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- Heart Valve Repair or Replacement
- Heart Transplant
- Heart Failure
- COPD/Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial Lunge Disease
- Pulmonary Hypertension
The American Heart Association promotes key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. The health factors and health behaviors include:
- Focus on Overall Healthy Eating Patterns
- Increase Physical Activity
- Quit Tobacco
- Get Healthy Sleep
- Manage Weight
- Control Cholesterol
- Manage Blood Sugar
- Manage Blood Pressure
Get in touch with us today
Our staff is here to help and answer your questions! You can also contact your doctor to find out if Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehabilitation is right for you.
To schedule an appointment with Cardiopulmonary Rehab, call 419-678-5180.
To schedule an appointment for Cardiology Testing or Vascular Screenings, call 419-678-5112.
Cardiology Services
Fast Action Saves Lives
Acute Heart Attack Ready
Mercer Health has The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Heart Attack Ready Certification.
The Joint Commission’s Acute Heart Attack Ready Certification recognizes hospitals that meet standards denoting the highest level of commitment to consistent and optimal heart attack care. The mission of the Acute Heart Attack Ready program at Mercer Health is to provide exceptional, timely, and evidence-based treatment for those suffering from life-threatening heart attacks.
Compliance must be demonstrated and ensured to meet the certification standards, including the delivery and facilitation of evidence-based care spanning from initial symptom onset to potential transfer to a larger hospital.
Common Heart Attack Warning Signs