High-tech diagnostic techniques
From EKGs and blood tests to chest x-rays and echocardiograms, Dignity Health cardiologists use only the best and latest technologies to diagnose your heart condition.
Your heart creates the rhythm of your life. And at Dignity Health, our cardiologists are here to help you make the most of it. Known for their compassion and excellence in patient care, our cardiologists help diagnose, manage, and treat heart diseases and conditions. We’re here for every stage of your life and every matter of the heart.
Cardiologists with Dignity Health Medical Foundation take a holistic approach to cardiovascular care for women and men. We do our best to help our patients understand their condition and how to keep their hearts healthy throughout their treatment and the rest of their lives.
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You can find Dignity Health Medical Foundation cardiologists throughout California. Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment today.
Our cardiology experts never miss a heartbeat for your cardiovascular health. Here are some of the conditions our cardiologists treat:
From EKGs and blood tests to chest x-rays and echocardiograms, Dignity Health cardiologists use only the best and latest technologies to diagnose your heart condition.
Our interventional cardiologists provide quality care and treatment for heart disease. The Dignity Health Medical Foundation team works together to manage every step of your personal wellness plan.
If you are having a heart attack, which happens when parts of the heart do not receive enough blood flow, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
Chest pain. Pain in the center or left side of the chest is one of the most common signs of a heart attack. You may feel a tightness, fullness, or squeezing sensation that can last for several minutes.
Discomfort in the upper body. This can include pain in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, back, and stomach.
Shortness of breath. While this symptom usually accompanies chest pain, it can occur before the discomfort starts.
Lightheadedness. In combination with other symptoms, feeling like you are about to pass out is a common indicator of a heart attack.
Heart palpitations. You may begin to feel irregular or skipping heartbeats.
The most important thing you can do for someone experiencing a heart attack is to call 911 immediately.
Heart attack symptoms can happen on and off or continuously over a few minutes or a few hours. If you have been experiencing chest pain for several days or weeks, it is not likely related to a heart attack.
Palpitations are sensations you feel when your heart rate speeds up or when you can feel it thumping in your chest. They are common, and causes include exercise, stress, and caffeine. Arrhythmias are disruptions in regular heart rhythm and can have more serious symptoms, such as chest pain, light headedness, and shortness of breath. If you believe you are experiencing arrhythmias, schedule an appointment with a Dignity Health cardiologist.
The typical resting heart rate range is 60-100 beats per minute. However, a lower heart rate indicates more efficient heart function and better health overall. A simple way to measure your heart rate is by placing your index and middle fingers on either the right side of your neck below the jawline or on your ribcage right above your heart where you can feel your pulse, count how many beats you feel in 15 seconds, and multiply that number by four.
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your heart rate.
Increase exercise. More activity can strengthen your heart and bring down your heart rate.
Limit or avoid stimulants. Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants drive up your heart rate, and limiting or eliminating your intake of them can help you achieve a lower resting heart rate.
Manage stress and get rest. Stress and a lack of sleep are common contributors to higher heart rates. Finding ways to stay calm and get plenty of sleep can bring your heartbeat to a healthy pace.
Heart failure happens when the muscles in the heart are too weak to pump blood as well as they should. This mostly occurs after other conditions have weakened the heart.
Yes, heart failure can be reversed. Lifestyle changes are often a good path to recovery from heart failure, but serious cases may require medication, implants, or surgery.
Also referred to as AFib, atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia that can cause other heart conditions such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Physicians may treat AFib with medication, recommend lifestyle changes, or diagnose and treat underlying conditions that cause irregular heartbeats.
If you see somebody having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Have them chew and swallow an aspirin, which helps prevent blood clots if they are conscious. If they lose consciousness, administer CPR or follow the instructions on an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is immediately available.
Caring for your heart health is the best and easiest way to prevent heart disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress can keep your heart strong.
You don’t have to look far for a team of cardiologists that will always keep your health close to their hearts. Dignity Health Medical Foundation heart specialists are here to lend a helping hand.