The South Texas Health System Heart is a leading cardiovascular care provider in the region, offering a comprehensive range of services to diagnose, treat, and manage heart and vascular conditions. With a team of experienced cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and other medical professionals, the health system is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and improving outcomes for those affected by heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 647,000 deaths per year. In South Texas, the prevalence of heart disease is particularly high, with hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes being major risk factors. The South Texas Health System Heart is committed to addressing these health disparities and providing accessible, affordable care to the community.
Key Points
- The South Texas Health System Heart offers a comprehensive range of cardiovascular services, including diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery.
- The health system has a team of experienced cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons who are dedicated to providing high-quality patient care.
- Heart disease is a major health concern in South Texas, with hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes being significant risk factors.
- The South Texas Health System Heart is committed to addressing health disparities and providing accessible, affordable care to the community.
- The health system uses advanced technology and evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Cardiovascular Services
The South Texas Health System Heart offers a wide range of cardiovascular services, including:
- Diagnostic testing: echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter monitoring, and cardiac catheterization.
- Interventional cardiology: angioplasty, stenting, and peripheral vascular interventions.
- Cardiothoracic surgery: coronary artery bypass grafting, heart transplantation, and thoracic surgery.
- Electrophysiology: pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, and arrhythmia management.
- Cardiac rehabilitation: exercise programs, education, and counseling to help patients manage their condition and improve their overall health.
Advanced Technology and Evidence-Based Practices
The South Texas Health System Heart is committed to using advanced technology and evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Some of the advanced technologies used by the health system include:
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): a minimally invasive procedure to treat aortic stenosis.
- Watchman device: a minimally invasive procedure to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): a treatment to help patients with heart failure manage their condition and improve their symptoms.
| Cardiovascular Service | Number of Procedures Performed |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic testing | 12,000 per year |
| Interventional cardiology | 5,000 per year |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | 2,000 per year |
Community Outreach and Education
The South Texas Health System Heart is committed to community outreach and education, providing resources and support to help individuals and families manage their heart health. Some of the community outreach and education programs offered by the health system include:
- Heart health screenings: free or low-cost screenings to help individuals assess their risk for heart disease.
- Health fairs and events: educational events and health fairs to provide information and resources on heart health.
- Support groups: support groups for patients and families affected by heart disease.
- Education classes: classes and workshops to help individuals manage their heart health and reduce their risk of complications.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The South Texas Health System Heart partners with other healthcare organizations, community groups, and businesses to provide comprehensive care and support to the community. Some of the partnerships and collaborations include:
- American Heart Association: partnership to provide education and resources on heart health.
- American College of Cardiology: partnership to provide education and resources on cardiovascular care.
- Local businesses and organizations: partnerships to provide wellness programs and resources to employees and their families.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
+The symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and fatigue. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?
+There are several ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. You can also talk to your doctor about your risk factors and develop a plan to manage them.
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
+A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to a heart attack or other underlying condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately and begin CPR if you are trained to do so.
