The word cardiology refers to the study of the heart, its operations and diseases. The cardiology department of Bluefield Regional Medical Center is committed to a comprehensive approach to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac illness for maximizing positive results and long-term quality of health for the cardiac patient. Our staff of board-certified Cardiologycardiologists and trained medical professionals utilize state-of-the-art medical technology and highest quality patient care available.

The cardiology department offers a wide range of diagnostic testing aimed at locating and evaluating possible cardiological health problems and providing treatment options. Diagnostic procedures are used cooperatively to provide different types of information for a total picture of the patients cardiac condition, allowing the treating physician to determine the best course of medical and rehabilitative action.

Many times, a developing cardiovascular illness first expresses itself in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations (strong, irregular beating), dizziness or blackouts. You may have visited your doctor complaining of such symptoms, or he may have detected casual signs of coronary heart disease during a routine physical examination and directed you to a cardiologist for more extensive evaluation.

Procedures available:

  • Cardiac Catheterization - a sophisticated test which allows the doctor to determine the condition of heart muscle, coronary arteries, and the valves and chambers of the heart.

Diagnostic measures must be taken to determine the individual's condition. Several of these tests are listed below:

  • Stress Testing - used as a means of evaluating patients with non-typical chest pain. During a stress test, your cardiac work level is gradually increased through exercise on a treadmill while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.
  • Nuclear Stress Testing - stress testing utilizing a slightly radioactive substance that allows for high-quality specialized x-ray imaging. The radioactive isotope is injected prior to completion of the stress test.
  • Pharmocologic Stress Testing - Very similar to regular stress testing except the patient is not required to physically exercise. Pharmocologic agents are utilized for patients who physically cannot exercise.
  • Holter Monitoring - a test used to monitor the patients heart for a period of usually 24 hours.
  • Event Monitoring - very similar to holter monitoring although the patient will wear the monitor for a period of two to four weeks.
  • Electrocardiogram Testing (EKG) - testing utilized to evaluate complaints of chest pain and aid in the diagnosis of heart attacks.
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation - prescribed program for patients with known heart disease. Supervised Cardiac Rehab with ECG monitoring is used to:
    1. Help detect signs and symptoms related to patients heart disease and determine medication effectiveness for blood pressure, arrythmia, symptoms.
    2. To assure patient safety during the exercise by monitoring ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, and responses to exercise.
    3. To help patient identify and manage risk factors, adherence to regular exercise, diet, smoking cessation, and stress management.
    4. Enhance patients self confidence to achieve or resume active lifestyles.

BRMC offers:

    1. Inpatient Cardiac Rehab.
    2. Phase II Outpatient Cardiac Rehab.
    3. Maintenance (Continuation of supervised exercise but without ECG monitoring).

For more information, call -- 1-304-327-1770.

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