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Services

COMPREHENSIVE CARDIOvascular CARE

The Pioneer Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiovascular services to keep you and your heart healthy. Our board certified cardiologists help patients manage their heart disease symptoms through lifestyle changes, medication and interventional procedures.

Anticoagulation Clinic

Also known as “blood thinners,” anticoagulants are a type of medication used to prevent or break up clots in blood vessels or the heart. These important therapies must be closely regulated to be certain the dosing is correct. Our clinic helps patients safely manage their anticoagulation medications on an outpatient basis. Our goal is to help you receive the greatest benefit from your anticoagulation medication while reducing the potential risks associated with it.

Cardiovascular Health & Lipid Clinic

Our Cardiovascular Health & Lipid Clinic offers evaluation and treatment to prevent cardiovascular disease and to provide expert care when you are diagnosed with premature or aggressive cardiovascular disease. The program seeks to understand the causes of premature vascular disease and complex or persistent lipid problems, and to help reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events through lifestyle guidance and medical treatment. 

Cardiovascular Risk and Prevention

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer for men and women and highly recommend in those with a family history of heart disease. At Pioneer Heart, trained specialists will sit down with you to evaluate your risk for heart disease and provide recommendations based on an individualized assessment for a care plan to reduce your risk. Screening tests may include lipid testing, inflammatory testing, metabolic screening, genetics, EKG, stress testing, vascular testing and calcium score for risk stratification. Emphasis on lifestyle modifications including nutrition, exercise and weight loss as well as options for medical therapy are provided for optimal patient care outcomes.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test

The carotid intima-media thickness test (CIMT) is a measure used to diagnose the extent of carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease. The test measures the thickness of the inner two layers of the carotid artery—the intima and media—and alerts physicians to any thickening when patients are still asymptomatic. Early detection may indicate the need for a more aggressive approach to managing the risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. 

CCM Therapy

Patients with Heart Failure and reduced heart pump function who have moderate to severe symptoms and do not get adequate relief from medical treatment may be candidates for Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM®) Therapy. The Optimizer® Smart Mini CCM® device operates by delivering intermittent electric pulses to the heart muscle to enhance the contraction strength, resulting in relief of symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue and increasing quality of life for the patient.

Implanting the Optimizer® Smart Mini CCM® Therapy device is a one-time procedure that takes about an hour and can be done in an out-patient setting. Once the implant is done, the physician programs the device and activates it, after which the device is expected to deliver CCM® therapy to the patient for up to 20 years. Patients will charge the device weekly from home for one hour using an external charger.

Chest Pain Evaluation

The Pioneer Heart Institute provides Chest Pain evaluation and treatment of chest pain. There are many reasons for chest pain and heart disease is among the top. Whether you have symptoms that keep occurring, have been to your primary doctor/emergency room or have a significant family history of heart disease, cardiology specialists can guide your evaluation and care to relieve chest pain. 

Echocardiogram

If you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, an echocardiogram can help to diagnose potential problems by evaluating the structures of the heart and the direction of blood flow within it. These tests are non-invasive and performed by our team of highly skilled technologists.

Endovascular Surgery

The endovascular specialists at Pioneer Heart Institute perform a variety of procedures to treat coronary, vascular and valvular vascular diseases.

Heart Failure Program

Nearly 5 million people have HF in the United States and it is the most common hospitalization diagnosis for those over age 65. Pioneer Heart specializes in Heart Failure from prevention to advanced therapies providing recommendations for innovative medicines, cardiac rehabilitation, surgeries and devices along with leading research opportunities. This involves clinical evaluation along with diagnostic testing such as echocardiography, nuclear medicine, cardiopulmonary exercise and advanced hemodynamic testing. After a comprehensive evaluation and discussion, a patient driven care plan is designed with implementation of therapy for disease management and improved quality of life. Board certified specialists in Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant at Pioneer Heart offer care for those at risk or diagnosed with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, pacemakers, implantable-cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), patients with ventricular assist devices (VAD) and cardiac transplant.

Heart Valve Center

If you are experiencing heart valve disease, the Pioneer Heart Institute will partner with you and your primary care doctor to create a treatment plan that may include medical therapy, interventional cardiology procedures and minimally invasive surgery. Our clinical team of experienced valvular disease specialists take a collaborative approach to assessing and treating patients.

Holter Monitoring

The Holter Monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring heart activity for an extended period of time, typically 24 hours. The monitor records electrical signals from the heart that are sent via a series of electrodes attached to the chest. Changes in heart rhythms detected in Holter exams can lead to pacemaker implants, ICD implants, medication changes, and ablations.

Imaging

The Pioneer Heart Institute offer a wide range of cardiac imaging services with advanced technology to diagnose disease and define the most effective treatment. The Imaging Department provides x-ray services, echocardiograms, and peripheral vascular diagnostic tests.

MUGA Heart Scan

A multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan creates video images of the lower chambers of the heart to check whether they are pumping blood properly. It shows any abnormalities in the size of the chambers and in the movement of blood through the heart. Other names for this test include cardiac blood pooling imaging, nuclear heart scan, nuclear ventriculography, and radionuclide ventriculography. This procedure is accurate and non-invasive and continues to play a critical role in predicting outcomes in patients with heart disease.

Nuclear Stress Test

This procedure (also called Myocardial Perfusion Imaging) evaluates heart function and measures blood flow to the heart to assess for evidence of blockages and overall condition of your coronary arteries.

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a small device that’s placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias.

Stents

A stent is a small metal coil or mesh tube that is placed in a narrowed artery to hold it open, which helps improve blood flow to your heart. The stent also helps keep the artery from re-narrowing.

Structural Heart Program

Comprehensive Cardiology CareThe structural heart program involves interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons working together to provide innovative heart treatment solutions and the best possible outcomes for patients with even the most complex structural heart diseases. Structural heart conditions include Aortic Stenosis, Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Coarctation of the Aorta, HCM (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), Septal Defects, Valve Leaks (Paravalvular).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Aortic Stenosis is a narrowing and stiffening of the aortic valve. This can cause symptoms of chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and decreased exercise capacity. TAVR is a less invasive, catheter-based technique for replacing the diseased aortic valve and can relieve the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and may improve survival in people who can’t undergo surgery or have a high risk of surgical complications.

Treadmill Stress Test

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. A “positive” test consists of EKG changes, dramatic blood pressure changes, chest pain, or other symptoms. If your test is “positive,” we will work with you to discuss treatment options and next steps.

Valvular Procedures

When a heart valve is not working properly, the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This may work for awhile, but eventually it will lead to heart failure. Pioneer Heart Institute offers endovascular treatment for valve disorders. This includes valve repair, mechanical valve replacement, and tissue valve replacement.

Vein Clinic

We provide screenings and treatment options for those suffering from varicose veins. The revolutionary VNUS® Closure procedure offers patients an efficient, non-surgical alternative for treating varicose veins to improve the skin’s appearance and to reduce health risks. Within a couple of days, patients are back to normal activities and experience relief of painful symptoms.

Women’s Heart Program

Statistics show that women are at the same risk for heart disease as men. Pioneer Heart Institute offers comprehensive cardiovascular care for women. Whether it’s diet, medication, or discussing the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy, the health care team at PHI can tailor a program to improve your cardiovascular health.

Conditions We Treat

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the the most common form of heart disease. CAD  is caused by arteriosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries”. As the arteries become blocked, the necessary blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart are reduced. Treatment for CAD includes lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes, cardiac procedures or surgery.

Valvular Heart Disease

There are four valves in your heart that help blood flow properly. These valves can be formed abnormally at birth or over time break down causing leakage or narrowed passageways for blood flow. At Pioneer Heart Institute, trained cardiologists can evaluate cardiac murmurs for valve disease clinically and with advanced imaging such as echocardiography and CT. Individualized counseling, surveillance and recommendations for innovative therapies include medicines, minimally invasive interventions and surgeries are provided to patients for care options.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. It means that your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. It is important to find out if abnormal heart rhythms are occurring. Our physicians and staff can help.

Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure can be present for years without symptoms and increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. More than 22% of the world’s population have HTN with the risk increasing significantly with age. Cardiologists at Pioneer Heart Institute can evaluate and help you manage high blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and therapies to reduce your cardiovascular risks.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AF or Afib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Afib is a complex, clinical problem with a variety of treatment options. Our Afib team will work with each patient to develop a treatment that is individualized and appropriate for each case.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a serious condition that requires medical care, but with early detection, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle changes, you can stop the progression of deterioration. Our comprehensive heart failure program and team of experts offer highly specialized, proven treatments to help patients with heart failure get back to the life they love.

Vascular Disease

Vascular disease is a class of diseases of the blood vessels – the arteries and veins of the circulatory system of the body. The physicians at the Pioneer Heart Institute can help identify and provide treatment for vascular disease.

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol (fat in the blood) can be either inherited or acquired throughout your lifetime. High levels can lead to chest pain, heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease. Goal levels for good and bad cholesterol are specific to your individualized cardiovascular risks. Cardiologists at Pioneer Heart Institute can evaluate your risk and provide recommendations for you to manage your cholesterol through lifestyle modifications and therapies to reduce your cardiovascular risks.