Doctors at South Arkansas Regional Hospital utilize advanced techniques such as cardiac catheterization to both diagnose and treat heart disease. We understand that you may have questions and concerns about these procedures, and our dedicated critical care team is here to provide you with the information and support you need.
We offer a range of diagnostic services to assess your heart health.
Coronary Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): This procedure uses sound waves to visualize the inside of your blood vessels, providing detailed information about their condition.
Coronary Angiograms: Using X-ray imaging, we can examine the blood vessels in your heart and detect any abnormalities or blockages.
Diagnostic Angiography: This outpatient procedure allows us to examine the inside of your arteries and veins to identify any blockages or narrowings. It also helps us measure blood pressure, blood flow, oxygen levels, evaluate the heart’s pumping ability, check the health of your valves, and even collect biopsies and blood samples.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): By using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound), we can create detailed images of your heart and arteries, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
For non-surgical treatments of heart disease, we offer:
Cardioversion: This procedure is used to restore your heart’s regular rhythm, addressing irregular heartbeats.
Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO): Instead of open-heart bypass surgery, this procedure restores blood flow to narrowed or blocked arteries caused by total occlusion. Coronary Interventions: We provide treatments such as balloon angioplasty, drug-eluting stents, bare-metal stents, and thrombolysis (clot-dissolving therapy) to improve blood flow and address blockages in your coronary arteries. Intra-Aortic
Balloon Pump: This device assists your heart in pumping blood effectively during certain heart conditions.
Pacemaker Implants: Pacemakers are implanted to regulate and stabilize your heart’s rhythm.
In our specialized cardiac catheterization lab, we have several unique features to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients. These include high-resolution technology for clear and detailed images, 3D renderings of the heart, reduced radiation exposure, improved visualization of stents in coronary arteries, and instant 3D imaging when integrated with our 64 multi-slice CT scanner.
It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of a heart attack.
The American College of Cardiology reports that not all heart attacks are sudden and intense. Many start with mild discomfort or pain. Recognizing these signs can save lives.
If you or someone you love experiences any of the following signs or symptoms of a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately and go directly to the emergency room:
Chest discomfort: Uncomfortable pressure, heaviness, squeezing, tightness that lasts more than two minutes or comes and goes.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: One or both arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach, or abdomen.
Other signs (with or without chest discomfort): Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, extreme weakness/fatigue.
It’s essential to note that women may experience atypical warning signs of heart attacks, including stomach or abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue, palpitations, cold sweat, and paleness.
If you experience chest pain, it is crucial to call 911 rather than driving to the emergency room yourself. Calling 911 ensures early treatment and allows emergency medical services (EMS) to diagnose a heart attack using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and initiate early treatment. Arriving by ambulance also ensures that you will be seen promptly by a physician, avoiding potential delays in the emergency department.
The goal at South Arkansas Regional Hospital is to provide you with the best possible care and support throughout your heart health journey. Remember, your heart health matters to us, and we are here for you every step of the way.