The Copeland, Forbes and Rossi Cardiac Care Center at French Hospital Medical Center is rated among the top 10% in the nation for quality cardiac care excellence.
Heart attacks can happen to anyone at any time. French Hospital Medical Center’s Copeland, Forbes and Rossi Cardiac Care Center brings advanced technology together with a team of heart care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of heart conditions.
French Hospital Medical Center has been recognized by a number of organizations for outstanding patient care:
Awards like these are an illustration of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care.
Having open-heart surgery is frightening for both you and your loved ones. It’s a surgery traditionally followed by a lengthy hospital stay. But with French's George Hoag Family Advanced Hybrid Surgical Suite, your hospital stay following surgery could be reduced to just one or two days allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home.
Electrophysiology, or EP, is the science of diagnosing and treating electrical activities of the heart, or heart rhythm disorders. French Hospital Medical Center is home to San Luis Obispo County’s only Cardiac Electrophysiology Program.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive technique that can replace a diseased aortic valve in select patients without open heart surgery. French Hospital Medical Center is home to the first TAVR program and the most experienced team on the Central Coast.
Learn more about our TAVR program.
When a heart attack happens, seconds matter. French Hospital Medical Center has been designated as a STEMI Receiving Center by the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Medical Services Agency. This certifies that our cardiac team is ready around the clock to diagnose and treat ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) heart attacks, the most serious kind of heart attack. A STEMI heart attack is caused by sudden, total blockage of a coronary artery and it can be deadly. The chance for damage to the heart muscle increases with every minute treatment is delayed.
STEMI designation means French Hospital Medical Center:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly one million Americans every year. Prevention is key, and so is knowing that French Hospital Medical Center is here should you or a loved one experience chest pains. Our Emergency Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have the technology needed to accurately – and quickly – diagnose and treat heart disease.
Learn more about our Chest Pain Center.
Getting you back to a healthy life is just one of our goals at French Hospital. If you’ve suffered a heart attack or suffer from other heart ailments, our cardiac rehabilitation program can help you get back to your previously active lifestyle.
Learn more about our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
Heart disease comes in many forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The more you can learn about your heart health, the better. Knowledge is truly powerful medicine that helps you understand your risks and take action to lessen your potential for problems. It can lead to early detection, and most importantly, to early treatment and better outcomes.
Take this quick assessment to:
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. As we age, blood pressure may rise gradually, though this varies from person to person.
If you’re wondering how to lower blood pressure, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage it. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a diet low in sodium are all key factors. Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking can also play a role in managing blood pressure, but other factors contribute as well.
One of the most important things you can do is to “know your numbers” by regularly checking and tracking your blood pressure. This helps you monitor your progress and spot any concerning changes early.
Resources: What Do Blood Pressure Readings Mean?, How to Manage High Blood Pressure, Common High Blood Pressure Myths
It's well known that living a healthy lifestyle is important for long-term health, especially for your heart. Exercise is a key part of staying healthy, and so is eating the right foods. Enjoying a balanced diet not only contributes to helping lower the risk of heart disease but also can help lower cholesterol. Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat while including healthy fats—such as those found in fish, nuts, avocados, and tofu—as well as whole grains, is one of the best habits for your heart. The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets are popular for promoting heart health because they focus on heart-healthy nutrients. However, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine which diet may be best for you.
Resources: Top 8 Heart Healthy Foods, Heart Healthy Food Tips, What is the Mediterranean Diet?, DASH Eating Plan, The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations, Add Color to Your Plate
Heart attacks happen frequently—about once every 40 seconds in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many people think heart attacks happen suddenly, but often they start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Heart attack symptoms can vary widely and may sometimes be subtle, so it’s important to be aware of any unusual signs for you personally. Women may also experience heart attack symptoms differently than men, and recognizing any signs of a heart attack can be crucial for timely intervention. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
While chest pain is common, heart attacks can also occur without chest pain or with few to no symptoms at all, though this is less common. Being aware of the signs of a heart attack is especially important if you have certain risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Quick action can save lives, including your own.
Resources: Heart Attack Symptoms: Know the Gender Differences, Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Stress is something everyone faces. However, when stress persists over time, it can negatively impact many aspects of your physical health, and especially your heart. Elevated stress levels can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate, putting extra strain on your heart and potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack. Learning how to reduce and manage stress is important for heart health. Exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and avoiding harmful habits may help, but may not be effective for everyone. If stress becomes a problem or leads to mental health challenges, seeking advice from your doctor or a mental health professional is recommended.
Resources: Stress and the Heart: How Are They Connected?, Stress Management Video Tip, Stress and Heart Health, 3 Tips to Manage Stress, Understanding How Stress Affects the Body
