Services

Disease Management

Cholesterol/Lipid Management

High cholesterol means that you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat. It’s needed for many body functions, such as making new cells. It’s made by your body. It also comes from food you eat (meat and dairy products). Having high cholesterol can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque (say “plak”) in artery walls. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Your provider will help you manage your cholesterol levels to lessen your risk for heart attack or stroke.

Device Clinic

Cardiac devices include pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators). Cardiac devices have very advanced features. Your doctor can program your device to work in different ways depending on your needs. Doctors check, or monitor, cardiac devices on a regular basis to make sure that they are working right and aren’t causing any problems. Doctors also check the battery. Your doctor can also get information about your heart rate and heart rhythm. Cardiac devices can keep a record of when you had an abnormal heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm. So these devices can help your doctor know how your heart is doing and if you need any changes in your treatment.

Monitoring is done at office visits and remotely. Remote monitoring can be done from your home.

Anticoagulation Clinic

Anticoagulation medications or Warfarin work by decreasing your body’s ability to make blood clots. It also increases your risk for bleeding, which makes careful and regular monitoring of the level of blood clotting imperative to be sure your dosage is correct. A value called the INR (international normalized ratio) tests how quickly your blood clots which will allow your dosage to be adjusted to maintain an INR level appropriate for your heart condition. You must take your medicine exactly as prescribed and complete testing regularly in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations. Be sure to check with your doctor when starting any additional medications (whether over-the-counter or prescription).

Heart Failure

What is heart failure?

Heart failure can also be referred to as cardiomyopathy, weakened heart/pump, stiff heart and/or congestive heart failure. When you have heart failure, your heart doesn’t pump as efficient as it should. Therefore, your body may not be getting the amount of blood and oxygen it requires which results in fatigue and shortness of breath (some experience coughing). Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult.

Symptoms:
- Rapid weight gain with swelling in the hands, abdomen, ankles and/or feet
  - This means your body is storing extra fluid. Gaining 2 or more pounds in 1 day, or 5 or more pounds in 1 weeks means that you heart is not working as well as it should.
  - High sodium foods (salty foods) can increase the fluid in your body. Once your body begins to retain fluid, the heart cannot pump as well as it should and the heart can become further weakened and enlarged.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing with exertion, trouble breathing lying flat, or the need to sleep propped up
  - The heart and lungs are closely related. When the heart is not working as well as it should, the extra fluid may back up into the lungs.
- Feeling more weak or tired than usual
  - This occurs when you body doesn’t get enough blood. You may notice that you have less energy and feel tired even when you are not doing much.
- Decreased urination
Managing symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of changes in weight, symptoms, activity, fit of clothing, and blood pressure
- Call your cardiologist if you experience worsening of signs and symptoms at 480‐835‐6100.