Cardiology Services at Christ Hospital

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States of America, claiming one life approximately every 34 seconds. Not surprisingly, cardiac disease along with its related complications, is the number one reason why people in Hudson County are hospitalized.

At Christ Hospital, we are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of all cardiovascular disorders. From our Emergency Room care and our inpatient telemetry units, to our many outpatient services areas, our team of skilled professionals deliver superior care and treat every patient as an individual. To find a Christ Hospital cardiologist, click on the “Find a Physician” link on our website.

Here is a list of some of the services we provide through our Cardiology Department:

Cardiac Catheterization and Primary Angioplasty:
Christ Hospital opened its first cardiac catheterization laboratory in 1997, thanks to the generosity of Lowell Harwood, Vice Chairman of the Christ Hospital Foundation. A diagnostic catheterization, also known as coronary angiography or heart catheterization provides detailed information about the function of the heart and its arteries.

Based on its level of excellence, in July 2006, the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Christ Hospital was licensed to perform emergency or primary angioplasty for patients suffering from a heart attack. This minimally invasive procedure has been shown to be more effective than traditional medications at preventing death from heart attacks and save lives.

Echocardiography:
A 2 -D echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart using high frequency sound waves to create a digital image of the heart's chambers and valves. Using this exam, cardiologists can assess heart size and function, and evaluate the heart valves and blood flow patterns. When more detailed ultrasound imaging is required, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) can be performed. Much like an endoscopy, a sterile flexible probe is passed into the patient’s esophagus with local anesthesia and sedation. Exquisite images of the heart are obtainable.

Cardiac Stress Testing:
Treadmill stress testing evaluates the heart's response to increased activities. This test is used to diagnose coronary artery disease, and to monitor those patients with established disease. To improve the sensitivity and specificity of this test, it is sometimes combined with nuclear imaging (Nuclear Stress Testing). For those patients unable to walk on the treadmill, testing can be performed with medications in conjunction with nuclear imaging (Pharmacologic Nuclear Stress Testing).

Electrocardiography:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart's electrical activity to detect abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmias. An ECG can also show evidence of old heart attack or acute cardiac problems.

Holter Monitoring
A Holter monitor is worn for a 24-hour period and records the electrical activity of the heart. In conjunction with a patient diary, it allows the physician to correlate symptoms with the patient’s heart rhythm.

Pacemakers:
Pacemakers are sometimes implanted in the body to keep the heart beating properly. At Christ Hospital, we offer a monitoring service to ensure that pacemakers are functioning efficiently and effectively. Pacemakers are monitored both via a telephone connection from the home, and in person at the hospital using special programming computers.

Cardiac Rehabilitation:
Cardiac Rehab is an individually planned, medically supervised program of exercise training, education, stress management and nutritional counseling. It is designed to develop and maintain a more efficient cardiovascular system and a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle. This certified program is for individuals who have experienced angina, a heart attack, or who have undergone angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery within the last 12 months.

Peripheral Vascular Services:
Peripheral Arterial Disease is the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries that supply the legs with blood. This ailment may cause intermittent claudication or pain in the legs with walking. It can also progress to critical limb ischemia, gangrene, or amputation. Despite the high prevalence of this disease, it is unfortunately under-diagnosed and frequently goes untreated until the late stages when limb loss may ensue. Through its vascular lab, Christ Hospital is committed to the early detection of peripheral arterial disease as well as treatment with the newest, least invasive methods.