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Specializing in matters of the heart

Because healthy hearts love longer and we don't want you to miss a beat.

Advanced Cardiac Care


Sequoia Hospital's Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally recognized heart and vascular program that provides comprehensive cardiac services. We deliver a wide range of advanced cardiac care treatments, innovative procedures including minimally invasive robotic surgery and cardiac valve repair, as well as diagnostic technology, preventive education and cardiac rehabilitation programs. At Sequoia Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute, you can trust our expert doctors, cardiac specialists, nurses, and staff to help keep your heart beating strong, and prevent problems from developing. Call us at (844) 800-6727 to learn more about the Heart and Vascular Institute.

Nationally Recognized for Cardiac Care

The Sequoia Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute has ranked among the nation’s leading providers of cardiovascular care for more than three decades. The surgeons and cardiologists at Sequoia treat some of the most complex cardiac cases in California. Our team is proud of the recognition we’ve received for providing exceptional patient care, including:
 

  • We have received a 5-Star Overall Hospital Rating, the highest possible, for quality of care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  • We received high performing procedure rankings from U.S. News and World Report for 2021 – 2022 for Aortic Valve Surgery, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Heart Attack and Heart Bypass Surgery.
  • We have one of the highest heart valve replacement survival rates in the nation, according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).
  • Our cardiac surgeons have performed more than 2,500 minimally invasive operations, which may help reduce hospital stay and shorten recovery times.

Our Heart and Vascular Services

Sequoia Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute provides a full range of cardiac interventions and procedures as well as minimally invasive and comprehensive surgical services.

Keep your heart in rhythm.

What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)? AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, causing the heart to beat rapidly and irregularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2030, it is estimated that 12.1 million Americans will have AFib.

Symptoms can include heart palpitations (a fluttering or racing feeling in the chest), shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness. Some individuals with AFib may not experience noticeable symptoms, but even without symptoms, AFib can lead to serious health complications, such as stroke, blood clots, and heart failure. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available, including medications and minimally invasive procedures, depending on the severity of the condition and individual health factors. Treatment should always be discussed with your doctor to determine the best approach. With proper care, many people with AFib can lead active and healthy lives.

Resources: Who is at risk for AFib?Is AFib Curable?AFib SymptomsAFib TreatmentsTypes of AFib

Stress management techniques for a healthy heart.

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 TipStress and Heart Health3 Tips to Manage StressUnderstanding How Stress Affects the Body

the link between mental health an physical health
How to lower blood pressure with healthy foods

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Managing blood pressure for a healthy heart.

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 Check Blood Pressure at Home VideoHow to Manage High Blood PressureCommon High Blood Pressure Myths

Know the signs of a heart attack.

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:

  • Chest discomfort: This is the most common sign, often feeling like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. It may last more than a few minutes or come and go. This discomfort often occurs when reduced blood flow to the heart muscle disrupts its normal function.
  • Discomfort in other areas: Pain or discomfort can spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath: This can happen with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs may include:
    • Cold sweats
    • Nausea
    • Lightheadedness

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 DifferencesWarning Signs of a Heart Attack

heart attack signs and symptoms

Heart Disease Diagnostics and Intervention

If your physician recommends a procedure for you, you can rest assured that state of the art cardiac care is available at Sequoia Hospital. We provide a full range of cardiac interventions and procedures including:

  • Angiogram
  • CathWorks FFRangio™ System
  • CT
  • Echocardiogram
  • EKG Holter Monitoring
  • Electrocardiography (EKG)
  • Exercise Treadmill Stress Testing
  • MRI
  • Non-Invasive Lab (Vascular Diagnostic)
  • Nuclear Medicine Testing
  • MRI
  • Pulmonary Function Test
  • Stress Echo
  • Transesophageal Echo (TEE)

Heart Surgery

The cardiac surgeons at Sequoia Hospital are known for complex heart surgeries and have performed more than 4,000 operations using minimally invasive surgical techniques. This is why Sequoia Hospital often serves as one of the best options for high-risk cardiac patients. When appropriate, our surgeons can also perform coronary bypass surgery off the heart-lung machine. These techniques may help reduce the length of your hospital stay and shorten your recovery time.

Our Heart Surgery Procedures Include

  • Aortic valve replacement
  • Coronary bypass surgery
  • Mitral valve repair or replacement
  • Tricuspid valve replacement
  • Complex surgery for patients who have undergone one or more previous cardiac operations
  • Surgical MAZE procedure for atrial fibrillation

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Helping you live a healthy life is just one of our goals at Sequoia’s Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. If you’ve suffered a heart attack or had a life-saving procedure like heart surgery, our cardiac rehabilitation program can help to get you on the right track.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation

Studies show that participating in a cardiac rehab program can:

  • Increase your life expectancy
  • Reduce hospitalizations for heart-related conditions
  • Lower your risk of having another heart attack
  • Improve your health so you develop fewer heart disease risk factors
  • Reduce depression, anger and anxiety

Learn More

Click to download more information about our Cardiac Surgery Program.

Request a Doctor Referral: (844) 800-6727

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