LDS Hospital Heart Services Can Prevent or Treat Complex Problems

There are more than 300 million people in America, and probably the same number of opinions on how to improve healthcare. But there’s one thing most of us can agree on: Not only must we provide great care to people who are sick, but we also have to help people avoid getting sick in the first place.

I’m happy to say there’s a model for that kind of care in Heart Services at LDS Hospital, where you’ll find excellent care whether you’re trying to prevent problems or treat them. Here are three areas we focus on:

Prevention — We’re happy to offer a new class called Heart4Life that’s designed to help people who have heart problems or are at-risk for developing them. The six-week class was created by our hospital medical director, Scott Hansen, MD, and the director of our cardiology program, Kevin Walsh, MD. It covers diet, exercise, cholesterol, diabetes, weight management, blood pressure, and smoking cessation. Participants get one-on-one help setting goals and starting an action plan, managing stress, improving sleep, understanding medications, and much more. The goal is to improve heart health — and hopefully head off dangerous or even deadly problems. The next class begins December 2. Learn more by calling our Health and Fitness Institute at 801-408-1396.

Emergency Care — There’s a saying among cardiologists: “Time is muscle.” That means if you’re having a heart attack, the sooner treatment begins, the better off your heart will be. And that also means if you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room. Patients who come to LDS Hospital receive the best care possible. Our emergency physicians are Trauma 1 trained, which means they’re qualified to treat the sickest patients who walk in our doors. Patients with suspected heart problems get quick, accurate evaluation and treatment. If patients need more intensive cardiac care, we’ll begin lifesaving treatment and transport them quickly to the Heart Institute at our sister facility, Intermountain Medical Center, which offers some of the most sophisticated cardiac treatments in the world.

Ongoing Treatment — LDS Hospital Heart Services is a great option for cardiac patients who need follow-up care or regular exams. Our campus is set up for convenience. Valet parking is available. All our heart services are in the same area, so patients can easily see their physician and walk right across the hall for necessary testing. The clinic is newly remodeled and very comfortable. We offer a complete range of complex diagnostic services. Patients also love our staff and our physicians. “From beginning to end, everything went very smoothly,” one patient wrote in a recent note. “I’m very happy with LDS Hospital. I go there because it’s better than any other clinic, it’s convenient, and I like the people.”

If you have any risk factors for heart problems, I hope you’ll join us for Heart4Life and keep your heart healthy. If you already have cardiac concerns, call us and check out our services. We’re proud of the care we provide and are confident you’ll have a wonderful experience at LDS Hospital.

Risk factors for heart disease:
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Being physically inactive
• Having a family history of early heart disease
• Age

Warning signs of heart attack:
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Upper body pain
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting