Heart Care

EXPERT CARDIOVASCULAR CARE

At AHMC Seton Medical Center, we are proud to be cardiovascular pioneers. We are the birthplace of interventional cardiology, a minimally invasive approach to treating heart conditions. Our specialization is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and the vascular systems (arteries and veins).

We have a proud history of developing and incorporating groundbreaking heart technologies. Here are just some of the ways Seton has led the way in cardiovascular care.

We are the first center in the world to perform balloon angioplasty in multiple coronary arteries (to widen narrowed or blocked arteries).
We are the first in the Bay Area to use the rotablator technology (high-speed device for crushing calcified plaque deposits in coronary arteries).
We are the first heart center in the nation to use laser technology to treat disease in the peripheral and coronary arteries.
We are the first in the Bay Area to use cardiopulmonary support during complex coronary angioplasty procedures (to treat left main coronary artery disease).
We are the first hospital worldwide to use current laser technology to revive transmyocardial revascularization (for restoring blood circulation to parts of the heart that can't be treated with conventional surgery).
We are the first in the Bay Area to use radiation angioplasty, or brachytherapy (to slow cell growth in the artery).
Learn more about our expert diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions and cardiovascular disease at Seton.

OUR TEAM

We are one of the top facilities for cardiac care in the Bay Area. The strength of our reputation lies not only in the services we provide but also in the strength of our referral network. Our heart care team at Seton consists of diverse medical professionals, including fellowship-trained interventional cardiologists, with decades of experience. Our highly experienced team of cardiac specialists keeps our services both extensive and competitive.
Our skilled care team also include includes:

Interventional radiologists
Nurses with specialty cardiovascular training
Vascular assistants
Emergency room doctors
Pharmacists

HEART CONDITIONS WE TREAT

We're a community hospital that specializes in treating heart disease and providing cardiovascular care for people with all kinds of heart conditions. Whether you have a common heart condition or a rare cardiac disease, our team of highly skilled specialists offers expert diagnosis and treatment. Patients from throughout the Bay Area come to Seton for our excellent cardiovascular care:

We specialize in the treatment of STEMI (Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) heart attacks.
We're known for our diagnostic expertise and treatment of both common and rare heart conditions.
Our integrated team of heart physicians has specialized cardiovascular training and years of experience as a high-volume center that treats thousands of patients.

EXPERIENCED DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR HEART CONDITIONS

At Seton, our highly skilled cardiovascular team treats all types of heart conditions, from the routine to the most serious cases. We are recognized as one of the top centers in the area for treating patients with STEMI heart attacks, one of the most serious types of heart attack. Some of the cardiovascular conditions we treat include:

STEMI heart attacks: Blockage of blood flow to the heart
Atrial fibrillation: Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia
Heart failure: Reduced efficiency of the heart muscle
Ventricular tachycardia: Fast, irregular heartbeat
Aneurysm: Bulging or weakened blood vessels in the heart
Atherosclerosis: Narrowed arteries from fatty deposits
Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome: Extra electrical pathway to the heart
Pericardial disease: An inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart

Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease and other heart conditions at Seton.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common condition that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart are out of sync with the lower chambers. AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat also known as an arrhythmia. Some signs of atrial fibrillation include:

Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Weakness

AFib can come and go, and is usually not a medical emergency. However, if left untreated, AFib can lead to more serious conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.

The most common way to diagnose atrial fibrillation is with an electrocardiogram (EKG). Treatment options for AFib depend on the severity of the condition and can include:

Minimally invasive surgery
Electroshock therapy
Medication

Heart failure

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is not able to effectively and efficiently pump blood. Among the many different causes of heart failure, some of the most common include:

Coronary artery disease
High blood pressure
A family history of heart disease

Treatment options for heart failure differ from patient to patient. Your doctor will first diagnose the cause of your heart failure and then recommend a treatment program tailored to your needs. Some possible treatment options for heart failure include:

Nonsurgical options such as rehab and diet modification
Prescription medications such as channel blockers and enzyme inhibitors
Surgical procedure such as angioplasty or coronary bypass

Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives -- maybe your own. Don't wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the nearest heart attack receiving center emergency room.

Heart Healthy Diet

Preventing heart attacks and other heart and vascular conditions starts with a healthy lifestyle, including eating a heart-healthy diet.

On this page are some resources you can choose to help you start making healthy choices.

Please check with your physician before beginning any type of diet or exercise regimen. Contact us with any questions you may have.

2 Gram Sodium Diet
2 Gram Sodium Diet Spanish
Heart Healthy Nutrition Therapy
Heart Healthy Nutrition Therapy Spanish
Heart Healthy Nutrition Therapy Chinese
Low Sodium Flavoring
Sodium Content of Foods
Nutrition Diet