Cardiovascular Program

The Cardiovascular Program at Westside Regional Medical Center brings together the collaborative efforts and experience of highly skilled physician specialists, nurses, technologists and other cardiovascular health professionals.

The comprehensive program offers a full range of diagnostic modalities, medical and surgical interventional procedures, rehabilitation, preventative care and additional medical and support services for patients with heart disorders. Facilities include dedicated operating rooms and cardiac catherization labs that are equipped with the latest medical technology and available on a 24-hour elective and emergency basis.

To view Westside Regional Medical Center's Journal of Modern Cardiovascular Medicine:
Volume 1, click here
Volume 2, click here

Supported By A Team Of Leading Specialists
Westside Regional Medical Center's Cardiovascular Program is comprised of a team of experienced surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pulmonologists and internists. Together, these medical and surgical specialists combine their experience and knowledge in order to provide patients with the latest scientific advances in their respective fields.

Diagnostic Services
When a patient has symptoms of a cardiovascular disorder, the experts at Westside Regional Medical Center get to the heart of the matter with diagnostic tests such as cardiac catherization, electrocardiography (EKG), cardiac stress testing, radioisotope heart imaging (nuclear cardiology), echocardiography, vascular and arterial imaging, Holter monitoring and filmless heart imaging. Tests are performed at Westside using the latest, most effective methods and are tailored to the needs of individual patients.

Medical And Surgical Interventional Treatments 
A number of medical and surgical interventional procedures are performed by the staff of the Cardiovascular Program to help restore flow to the heart and correct abnormalities. The range of services includes coronary (balloon) angioplasty, intracoronary stent implantation, clot-dissolving drugs, pacemaker implantation and maintenance, coronary artery bypass, minimally invasive coronary bypass, heart valve repair and replacement and peripheral vascular surgery, among others.

Electrophysiology
Cardiac electrophysiology is the study of the heart’s electrical system. The term “electrophysiology study” or “EP study” applies to any procedure that requires the insertion of an electrode catheter into the heart. The heart's electrical system transmits signals throughout the heart that keep it pumping at a healthy pace and also controls the rythmic contractions that keep the blood pumping and cirulating throughout your body. EP testing is a procedure for diagnosing potentially serious arrythmias.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Through supervised exercise and ongoing education rehabilitation specialists in the Cardiovascular Program help patients and their families make their recovery goals. Services and facilities include diet education and support, lifestyle management, health education and personalized attention from nurses, physical therapist and other professional trained in cardiovascular medicine.

Support Units
Among the facilities dedicated exclusively to the Cardiovascular Program are a six-bed Cardiovascular ICU, 26 intensive beds and, for less critical patients, a step-down telemetry (continuous heart monitoring) post-treatment nursing area.

Risk Reduction and Prevention
Heart Disease is the nation's number one killer, claiming nearly one million lives annually. Knowing your personal risks and regulating your behavior accordingly are as crucial to cardiac health as the most advanced diagnosis and treatment methods.