Ventura County
St. John’s Heart and Vascular Center at St. John’s Regional Medical Center is rated among the top 10% in the nation for quality cardiac excellence.
Thelma Jones and William Ferrell both came to St. John's for different medical reasons and discovered undetected heart murmurs during their check-ups. Life-saving measures were performed to get them back on their feet and reunited with their families. Watch the video above to learn more about their stories and the St. John's Heart & Vascular Center.
Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. So if you know you’re at risk for heart disease, don’t wait. Connect with a cardiologist who cares about your heart as much as you do.
St. John's Heart and Vascular Center offers effective treatment for heart disease, world-class clinical care, and a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. We also provide the latest in comprehensive cardiac diagnostic procedures, medical management, therapeutic interventions, cardiac rehabilitation, and screenings.
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St. John's cardiology is a nationally recognized heart and vascular program that provides the most comprehensive cardiac services in Ventura County:
For cardiac emergencies, St. John's Regional Medical Center is available 24/7 with highly specialized cardiac caregivers and staff experienced in the diagnoses and treatment in complex heart procedures. St. John’s Regional Medical Center is a designated STEMI Receiving Center (SRC). A STEMI, also known as a heart attack, occurs when plaque in an artery blocks blood flow to the heart. SJRMC meets stringent standards set by Ventura County Emergency Services (EMS). As an SRC, when emergency medical personnel confirm a heart attack/STEMI diagnosis, the patient is transported to SJRMC for treatment. A STEMI usually requires aggressive treatment in a timely manner to prevent permanent heart damage.
While all heart attacks require prompt care, the severity and corresponding treatment plan may vary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 720,000 Americans have a heart attack each year. Learn more about heart attack treatment.
We offer a range of diagnostic, interventional and surgical treatment options to address a variety of heart and vascular conditions, including:
Cardiovascular conditions are those concerning the heart or vascular system (blood vessels). They can affect how well your heart works and how well it pumps blood throughout your body. If you have, or think you may have, a heart condition, the St. John's Hospitals are here to serve you with respect and humankindness.
Poor blood flow to the heart causes chest pain known as angina or ischemic chest pain. People often describe the chest discomfort as squeezing, pressure, or burning. Angina is often an indicator of heart disease or a pending heart attack. Call 911 if you or someone you care for experiences symptoms of angina.
Stable angina or angina pectoris may come and go with physical activity or body stress. Rest usually resolves stable angina pain. However, unexpected chest pain from no apparent reason (unstable angina) is always a medical emergency.
If you experience chest discomfort along with the symptoms below, dial 911:
Angina is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying heart condition. Coronary heart disease, often shortened to heart disease, is the primary cause of angina. People with heart disease may have clogged arteries, which prevents adequate blood from flowing to the heart. This decreased blood flow causes chest pain and puts you at risk for heart disease and other long-term complications.
Our doctors relieve angina pain by treating the source, which is usually heart disease. Treatment for angina aims to ease the symptoms by strengthening the heart. Your cardiologist may use more than one type of therapy, including medication and lifestyle monitoring, to help your heart function with the least amount of strain.
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can occur in several places along the aorta. If the aneurysm weakens to the point where either the internal layers of the aorta separate (dissecting aortic aneurysm) or the aorta actually bursts (ruptured aortic aneurysm), it is life-threatening emergency, and you should call 911.
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body and carries oxygenated blood to the body. This major blood vessel starts at the left ventricle of the heart, arches upward toward the lungs, then turns downward, traveling behind the heart and continuing into the abdomen.
The aorta has four distinct regions: ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. In general, doctors classify an aortic aneurysm as either a thoracic aortic aneurysm or an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Aortic aneurysms are caused by weaknesses in the artery wall. Over time, continued pressure on the vessel wall makes the weak area balloon out. There is no single cause of aneurysms.
Risk factors for aortic aneurysms include:
Because aortic aneurysms develop slowly over time, most people do not have signs or symptoms. You may experience symptoms if you have a thoracic aortic aneurysm and it presses against adjacent anatomic structures in your chest. Abdominal aortic aneurysms rarely produce symptoms.
If the aneurysm ruptures or leaks, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If this occurs, you may experience:
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Treatment and prevention of aortic aneurysms depends on the size and location of the arterial bulge. Our doctors monitor small, slowly growing abdominal aortic aneurysms and will recommend surgery for large or quickly growing aneurysms. Ruptured aortic aneurysms are life threatening and require immediate surgery.
Even people who are otherwise healthy can develop aortic aneurysms, making prevention difficult. However, you can reduce your risk of developing an aortic aneurysm by treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol and not smoking. Regular physical exams can help your doctor diagnose these conditions at an early stage before they become serious. See your doctor for support in caring for your heart health and overall well-being.
Aortic valve disease is a cardiological condition that occurs when the the aortic valve becomes stiff, narrow, or misshapen. The aortic valve allows blood to exit the heart and enter the aorta. The aorta then circulates the oxygen-rich blood throughout the rest of the body.
There are two types of aortic valve disease: regurgitation and stenosis. Regurgitation is when the valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the ventricle. Stenosis is when the tissue of the valve or the aorta starts to thicken or becomes stiff, narrowing the valve opening and preventing proper blood flow out of the heart.
Some cases of aortic valve disease are congenital (present since birth). For acquired cases of aortic valve disease, the most common causes are:
Often, aortic valve disease presents few or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the most common signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease include:
Treatment and prevention of aortic valve disease focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and restoring the aortic valve to full function.
For aortic valve regurgitation, treatment options generally include medications for mild cases and valve repair or replacement surgery for advanced cases.
Medications are not available to treat aortic valve stenosis. If your case is not severe, your doctor may suggest a watchful waiting approach. Serious cases of aortic valve stenosis generally require surgery to repair or replace the valve.
You can help prevent aortic valve disease by promptly treating heart-related conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol and by following a heart-healthy diet and exercise program. Partner with our heart care team to start a plan for preventative care.
Atrial fibrillation, commonly called AFib, is an irregular or abnormal heartbeat. More than three million Americans are living with atrial fibrillation. Some people with irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias feel like their heart is fluttering. If you experience irregular heartbeats, know that expert heart specialists at St. John's Hospitals are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal heart health.
Some people with atrial fibrillation don’t experience symptoms. When they do, the symptoms may come and go (occasional atrial fibrillation) or be ongoing (persistent atrial fibrillation). People with permanent atrial fibrillation need treatment to control their heart rate and reduce the risk of stroke.
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:
Always call 911 if you have chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack.
Damage to the heart’s electrical system increases and interrupts signals in the heart. These signals cause the heart to beat abnormally. Certain conditions and lifestyle habits can lead to AFib, including:
An irregular heartbeat can lead to poor blood flow throughout the body, causing blood clots and stroke. Treatment for atrial fibrillation is comprehensive and aims to cure your arrhythmia and prevent complications. Our doctors will use medication or specific therapies to reset your heart’s rhythm and to prevent your blood from clotting.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately.
St. John’s heart care services range from prevention and chronic disease management to advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments, always with the goal of keeping your heart beating strong. Our specialized and coordinated heart care program uses the latest cardiac interventional treatments, as well as state-of-the-art operating rooms.
The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest are very clear:
A common cause of cardiac arrest is an arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. This occurs when the large chambers of the heart (the ventricles) stop beating rhythmically. Without a strong contraction by the ventricles, oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the tissues — including the brain and the heart. The heart will eventually stop beating. Ventricular tachycardia, which occurs when the heart beats too fast to sustain a rhythm, also can cause cardiac arrest.
Signs and symptoms of an arrhythmia that can precede cardiac arrest include:
Arrhythmias that induce cardiac arrest can be caused by a variety of factors including:
The treatment and prevention of cardiac arrest depends on the cause. Someone in cardiac arrest may survive with immediate treatment.
Treatment of cardiac arrest includes:
To prevent possible cardiac arrest, you should:
Cardiomyopathy is a general term for heart disease. The three main types of cardiomyopathy are:
In the early stages of cardiomyopathy, people may not notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, most people start to experience some symptoms of heart failure, such as:
Seek immediate medical attention or dial 911 if you experience severe difficulty breathing, fainting, or chest pain.
The cause of cardiomyopathy varies by the type:
Your doctor will determine whether your cardiomyopathy is a component of a larger (systemic) medical problem or if it is restricted to your heart alone. Your risk factors, medical and health history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests will help us diagnose cardiomyopathy. These tests may include:
Some people without symptoms may not need treatment. When it’s necessary, your treatment will depend on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy. You doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you, which may involve lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures, or surgery.
Your treatment goals include:
In carotid artery disease, the vessels that run along both sides of your neck delivering oxygen-rich blood to your brain become narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol-based plaque. These narrowed arteries can cause several health problems, including the slow deterioration of brain tissue due to oxygen deprivation and stroke.
Factors that increase the risk of carotid artery disease include:
A transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) or stroke may be the first sign you have carotid artery disease. Most people do not experience any signs and symptoms of carotid artery disease until the disease is advanced.
Carotid artery disease is sometimes discovered during a routine health exam. Bruit (pronounced ‘broo-EE’) is a characteristic whooshing sound from narrowed carotid arteries your doctor can hear with a stethoscope. A vascular ultrasound can confirm the presence and severity of carotid stenosis (narrowing).
Carotid artery disease treatment usually focuses on reducing cholesterol buildup. Your doctor may also suggest the following strategies to prevent the disease from worsening:
When your heart’s ability to pump blood slowly declines, it’s called congestive heart failure (CHF).
St. John's Hospitals' heart care services cover everything from to prevention to diagnosis to treatment and followup. You can find our cardiologists and other heart experts at these locations:
Heart failure is caused by overwork or damage to the heart, which causes it to become weak and unable to pump blood effectively. Common causes of congestive heart failure include:
Although symptoms may vary, people with congestive heart failure generally experience:
Treatment of congestive heart failure focuses on reducing risk factors and slowing the progression of existing disease. Heart failure cannot be reversed or cured. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent developing or worsening congestive heart failure.
You can help reduce your risk of developing congestive heart failure by:
The goal of congestive heart failure treatments is to ease symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Your doctor may recommend several therapies, including:
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. It is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the heart muscles. If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call 911.
Doctors have a better chance of preserving your heart when heart attack symptoms first appear. If you previously or currently experience any of these symptoms, immediately dial 911:
The symptoms above can happen suddenly. Sometimes, symptoms of a heart attack can gradually appear after several days or weeks.
Women often experience subtle heart attack symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue along with chest pain. You should always report any unusual body changes or symptoms to your doctor. Early detection is key to preserving and maintaining a healthy heart.
When blood flow to the heart is blocked or reduced, a heart attack ensues. Without enough blood, oxygen and other nutrients can’t reach the heart. This causes heart muscles to die and stop functioning.
Blood clots and plaque buildup in the arteries are a common cause of heart attack. Sometimes a sudden involuntary movement in the heart muscle (a spasm) can narrow the artery and prevent adequate blood flow. In some cases, a sudden tear in a coronary artery can trap blood in the artery.
We know the importance of saving your heart. Our emergency services staff are trained to use blood tests and emergency radiology to diagnose heart attacks. Your doctor will review results from a chest X-ray, EKG, or other exams to find the root cause and provide quick, personalized heart attack treatment.
Heart disease is a term commonly used to describe coronary artery disease caused by narrowed or blocked heart arteries (hardening of the arteries). But, heart disease is also an umbrella term for any disorder, condition, or disease affecting the heart. This includes, but is not limited to:
Heart disease can be asymptomatic in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may range from mild to severe.
Signs and symptoms of heart disease may include:
If you are experiencing chest pain, call 911. Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, which requires emergency medical attention.
When you come to St. John's Hospitals, your doctor will evaluate your heart health through a physical exam and several tests. If possible, make sure you know your family’s history of heart disease. This information can help your doctor arrive at a diagnosis and plan a treatment strategy.
Diagnostic tests for heart disease may include:
Based on your test results, your doctor will create a comprehensive treatment plan just for you.
Blood flows in and out of your heart through four one-way valves, or flaps. Heart valve disease occurs when any of the four valves stops functioning well. This can be due to aging, an illness, or an underlying heart condition. Usually a heart valve issue is not considered an emergency, but rarely it can lead to a heart attack.
Some heart valve problems are present since birth (congenital valve disease). Other potential causes of heart valve disease include:
Heart valve disease is often asymptomatic. Many times, a murmur or other abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope is the only sign of a heart valve problem.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
Heart valve disease treatment and prevention strategies focus on avoiding valve damage caused by other medical conditions, relieving symptoms to maximize quality of life, and repairing or replacing damaged valves.
Your choice of treatment will depend on the cause (if known) and severity of your heart valve disease. Some heart valve diseases can be treated with medications. Others require surgery to repair or replace a diseased valve.
While not all cases of valve disease can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by getting plenty of exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, and promptly treating infections.
Hypertension — or high blood pressure — means the pressure inside your blood vessels is too high. Your doctor will take two measurements to screen you for high blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the top blood pressure number. It measures the pressure when your heart is contracting and pushing blood through your body. It should be less than 120. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom blood pressure number. It measures pressure when your heart is relaxing and filling with blood. This number should be less than 80.
Hypertension affects between 70 and 80 million Americans, but only half of these people have their hypertension under control. Uncontrolled, hypertension raises your risk for serious cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, aneurysm, heart attack, stroke, and organ damage.
There are two types of hypertension. Primary hypertension (or essential hypertension) is the most common type. It has no known cause and develops slowly over time. Secondary hypertension is caused by another underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disease, kidney problems, or certain medications. This type of blood pressure is often reversible when the underlying cause is treated.
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing primary hypertension, including:
Hypertension usually has no noticeable symptoms, even when blood pressure readings are dangerously high. As a result, it can go undetected for years causing irreversible damage to your body. To avoid this, the American Heart Association recommends regular blood pressure checks every two years starting at age 20.
Your blood pressure reading usually returns to normal when you treat the underlying cause of secondary hypertension. Treatment for primary hypertension typically involves lifestyle changes and medications. Talk to your doctor today about ways to have a healthy blood pressure and protect your heart.
Renal artery stenosis occurs when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys become stiff and begin to narrow, reducing blood flow to the kidneys. This condition can lead to high blood pressure and inhibit kidney function.
Like coronary artery disease, renal artery stenosis is caused by waxy plaques that build up in artery walls, which cause the artery to stiffen. Plaque buildup also narrows the opening (lumen) of the artery. Under these conditions, it is difficult for blood to pass through the artery to the kidneys.
Rarely, renal artery stenosis can be caused by a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia. This condition causes abnormal cell growth in the walls of the artery, narrowing the lumen.
Renal artery stenosis often doesn’t show symptoms. Many people live for years with the condition and never know it. Your doctor may notice signs and symptoms of renal artery stenosis during an exam or diagnostic test for another vascular condition.
Renal artery stenosis is a potential cause of high blood pressure. Renal artery stenosis is more likely to be the underlying cause of your high blood pressure if you fall into one of the following risk groups:
If left untreated, renal artery stenosis can decrease kidney function, causing signs and symptoms of kidney failure. Kidney failure symptoms include, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, and increased or decreased urination.
Treatment of renal artery stenosis focuses on lowering blood pressure, slowing the progression of the disease, and reducing or eliminating blockages of the renal arteries. Your doctor may use a combination of therapies to treat renal artery stenosis and prevent permanent kidney damage.
Following a heart-healthy lifestyle and promptly treating cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, will help reduce your risk of developing renal artery stenosis. Partner with your doctor to address any heart problems early.
Pericarditis refers to inflammation of the pericardium, which is the membrane that surrounds your heart. The pericardium can become swollen and irritated due to an infection or other cause. This condition can be painful and interfere with your heart’s function.
The signs and symptoms of pericarditis can be similar to a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, you should immediately call 911.
The signs and symptoms of pericarditis include:
Your doctor will order a series of heart and blood tests to diagnose pericarditis and help determine the cause. In many cases, the cause of pericarditis is not known. Pericarditis may flare up and go away after a short course of treatment (acute), or it may persist over time and take longer to treat (chronic).
Causes of pericarditis include:
Treatment strategies for pericarditis focus on addressing underlying causes, relieving symptoms, and reducing the risk of complications or recurrence. Your treatment plan with our expert care team will be based on the severity of your pericarditis and its cause. Mild cases of pericarditis may be successfully treated with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. More serious cases, or chronic cases, may require prescription medications or surgery.
If left untreated, pericarditis can become chronic and lead life-threatening complications. You can reduce your risk of complications by following your treatment plan carefully. Look to your doctor for personal care and trusted advice.
Peripheral artery disease or PAD is a type of vascular disease characterized by narrowed blood vessels and decreased blood flow to your limbs, especially your legs. Heart services at St. John's Hospitals are equipped with the latest technology to help you live pain free.
PAD is a painful and difficult disease to cure. Constant care from experienced heart doctors can ease symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Clogged blood vessels in your legs will reduce oxygen flow, which leads to pain and discomfort in your legs, toes, and sometimes arms. Common signs and symptoms of PAD include:
Cardiovascular disease, including plaque buildup, is the primary cause for PAD.
Plaque forms as cholesterol accumulates on the arteries over time. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk for peripheral artery disease.
Known risk factors for PAD are:
Treatment for PAD begins with making healthy lifestyle choices. Exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and eating a balanced diet with whole grains and healthy fats is the best defense against plaque forming in your artery walls.
If PAD advances and fully blocks blood flow to your leg, our heart specialists can perform a broad range of treatment for PAD to open your blood vessels. Your doctor may begin treatment by helping you choose healthier lifestyle habits. We know that living with PAD can cause discomfort and interfere with your mobility, so our team is dedicated to easing your symptoms.
The pulmonary valve allows blood to flow one way from the right ventricle (lower-right chamber) of the heart into the pulmonary artery. However, the valve can malfunction and allow blood to flow backwards into the right ventricle. This can cause enlargement of the ventricle and reduced oxygenation of the blood.
The two main types of pulmonary valve disease are pulmonary valve regurgitation (leaking of the valve) and pulmonary stenosis (stiffening, narrowing, or obstruction of the valve).
In adults, pulmonary regurgitation usually is caused by high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery (also called pulmonary hypertension). Pulmonary regurgitation in infants is usually caused by a birth defect called tetralogy of Fallot.
Pulmonary stenosis almost always occurs in childhood and is usually caused by a birth defect.
Pulmonary valve regurgitation is often detected by a physician while listening to the heart with a stethoscope. It rarely causes other noticeable symptoms.
Pulmonary stenosis, which mainly affects children, can produce the following symptoms in its advanced stages:
For both pulmonary regurgitation and pulmonary stenosis, treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the valve disease. In cases where pulmonary hypertension causes pulmonary regurgitation, treating the hypertension eliminates the regurgitation. In cases involving heart defects due to tetralogy of Fallot, surgery is required.
Most cases of pulmonary valve disease fall into the mild-to-moderate range and never require treatment. Replacing the pulmonary valve through surgery is an option in severe cases only.
Rely on your care team to explain your treatment and help you know what to expect every step of the way.
Veins are blood vessels that transport blood to the heart. Veins have thin walls, and venous blood flow is under much less pressure than that of the arteries. Venous problems occur when vein walls and valves become damaged and blood flow to the heart is strained or disrupted.
The three main types of venous problems are varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Venous problems can cause symptoms in the feet and legs, including:
The veins contain one-way valves designed to keep blood flowing toward the heart. Sometimes, these valves become damaged and don’t work properly, causing blood to pool in the veins. The problem is compounded by weak veins that balloon out. The stagnant blood eventually causes the surrounding tissue to swell. Swelling is most noticeable in the legs because the heart and venous system must work against gravity to return blood back to the heart.
When you come to see one of our specialists, treatment strategies for venous problems focus on reducing swelling, restoring vein function, and preventing complications like blood clots. Blood clots can be life threatening, such as when a blood clot from a vessel in the leg breaks loose and travels to another vessel in the lungs. Common treatments for venous problems include compression hosiery and devices, medications, and sometimes surgical procedures. We’ll work with you to find a treatment that fits your unique needs.
To improve blood flow, try resting with your legs elevated, and make sure to get plenty of exercise.
If you or a loved one has a heart condition or a family history of heart trouble, St. John's Hospitals can help. Our heart doctors use the latest digital imaging equipment and interventional treatments to restore heart function and alleviate discomfort.
Angina is chest pain that occurs when your heart is deprived of freshly oxygenated blood. It usually results from an underlying heart condition like coronary artery disease. Angina treatment and prevention focuses on relieving the chest pain associated with angina and addressing your underlying heart disease.
Improving your heart health may help you prevent angina attacks. Consider making these choices for a heart-healthy lifestyle:
Is your angina mild and infrequent? If so, you may just need to make some lifestyle changes to manage it. Does your angina feel more severe and occur often? Then, you may need to consider medications or medical procedures. Your doctor will work with you closely to understand your experience with angina attacks, as well as consider your overall health.
These lifestyle changes may be recommended:
Additional treatment options include:
Your aorta is a very large blood vessel that carries freshly oxygenated blood throughout your body.
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge at a weak area along the wall of the aorta. It can be life threatening if it dissects (leaks) or ruptures. Blood flow can be reduced quickly, leaving your body without enough oxygen to survive. A full-thickness aortic rupture can cause massive internal bleeding and unconsciousness.
If you or someone close to you has symptoms of a burst aneurysm, fast action is critical. Call 911.
Even if you are healthy, it’s possible to have an aortic aneurysm. These straightforward routines can help you reduce your risk:
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms with you and develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment options vary depending on the size of your aneurysm and where it is in your body.
Treatment is typically necessary for aortic aneurysms larger than two inches and aneurysms that are growing quickly.
Treatment for a thoracic aneurysm (one that occurs in your chest) is more likely than for an aortic aneurysm in your abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms may not require treatment at all if they are small. They may be simply monitored for any changes in size.
Aortic aneurysm treatments include:
For a leaking or ruptured aortic aneurysm, emergency surgery is necessary. For an abdominal aortic aneurysm, you may be able to take a wait-and-see approach.
The goal of atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment is to prevent blood clots and restore the regular rhythm of your heart.
AFib is a heart rhythm disorder that can disrupt your blood circulation and make you feel dizzy or faint. It can also cause blood clots in the chambers of your heart. These clots can travel to your brain and cause a stroke or move into the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Restoring a normal heart rhythm and preventing blood clots are the basis of AFib treatment. It’s also important to identify the cause of your AFib, if possible. Causes include:
Sometimes, the cause of AFib can’t be identified. Learn more about AFib symptoms.
If you have heart disease (including coronary artery disease or hypertension), your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure. If you have heart valve disease or a structural heart defect, surgery may be suggested.
At Dignity Health, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and how successful a treatment is likely to be for you.
Your treatment options may include:
Before you agree to a treatment plan, your doctor will explain:
The risk of AFib gets higher with age. Most cases of AFib are also due to an underlying heart or heart-related condition. It’s not always possible to prevent AFib on its own.
However, you may be able to help reduce your risk of AFib by taking these steps:
Cardiac arrest means your heart stops beating completely. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Call 911 if you think you, or someone near you, is experiencing cardiac arrest. If you are unsure, err on the side of safety and call.
Cardiac arrest is often preventable when it stems from an underlying medical condition that can be controlled. An annual medical check-up is a good way to stay on top of your health status and uncover any underlying conditions before they cause serious problems.
In addition, you can take these steps to help reduce your risk of cardiac arrest:
If someone collapses in sudden cardiac arrest, you must take immediate action:
After immediate treatment for cardiac arrest, treatment for the underlying cause will be needed. Common treatments include:
Cardiac arrest can happen without warning. The priority is to restore a normal heart rhythm. Next steps will depend on what caused your cardiac arrest.
If your cardiac arrest was caused by coronary artery disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Most treatment options for any condition have pros and cons. Your doctor with help you weigh the benefits and risks of each choice.
Cardiomyopathy, a thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle, doesn’t always cause symptoms or require treatment. Whether or not you need cardiomyopathy treatment depends on how severe your condition is and if it’s causing complications.
If you do need treatment, it can help manage your symptoms, slow down or stop the progression of your condition, and reduce your risk of heart attack and heart failure.
Your doctor will work with you to create a personalized cardiomyopathy treatment plan that takes into account the type, cause, and severity of your condition.
As a first step, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to improve your heart health and prevent cardiomyopathy:
Medications may also be recommended to relieve your symptoms and make it easier for your heart to pump. Medications for cardiomyopathy include:
Medical and surgical procedures for cardiomyopathy include:
When the two main blood vessels supplying fresh, oxygen-rich blood to your brain become blocked by plaque deposits, it can result in carotid artery disease. This can, in turn, lead to a stroke.
In this situation, your best defense against stroke is getting a carotid artery disease diagnosis and starting treatment early.
Reducing your risk of carotid artery disease is important because the same measures can reduce your risk of stroke. Consider taking these steps:
Living for your heart has many benefits beyond preventing disease. When you eat healthy and exercise regularly, you have more energy and a greater sense of well-being.
The primary goal of treatment for carotid artery disease is to increase the amount of oxygen-rich blood to your brain. This helps you avoid losing brain tissue due to oxygen deprivation and reduces your risk of stroke.
Treatment options for carotid artery disease include:
If you have not experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), your doctor may advise a conservative, nonsurgical approach. If you have had a stroke or TIA, your doctor may advise surgery.
Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of each treatment option before you make a final decision together. Rely on us to help you feel as comfortable and confident with your treatment as possible.
The hallmark of congestive heart failure (CHF) is shortness of breath. Treatment focuses on:
A heart-healthy lifestyle can help you reduce your risk of developing heart failure:
Some cases of congestive heart failure may not be preventable. An example would be if your heart failure is caused by heart valve disease due to the normal aging processes.
If you have congestive heart failure, lifestyle changes are critical. You will need to follow a low-sodium diet and control how much fluid you drink. Your doctor may provide you with a maximum number of fluid ounces to drink each day.
Your doctor may also suggest treatments that reduce your heart’s workload and help relieve heart failure symptoms. These treatments may include:
Your treatment plan may include a combination of approaches, such as lifestyle changes and medication.
Your doctor will talk with you about your personal preferences and concerns before making treatment recommendations. The severity of your condition, your age, and your overall health will also be taken into consideration.
A heart attack is also known as acute myocardial infarction. If you have a heart attack, some of your heart muscle dies, which can affect your quality of life significantly.
A heart attack can be both prevented and treated. The goal is to preserve the functioning of your heart and avoid a future heart attack.
To help reduce your risk of heart attack:
If you have a heart attack, urgent care can be lifesaving. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, call 911. It’s a mistake to wait and see if the symptoms go away first.
Emergency or urgent care heart attack treatments include:
Once your doctor diagnoses a heart attack, treatment options may include:
After initial recovery, follow-up treatments may include:
Urgent heart attack treatment is life-saving, so you may not be able to make your own decisions in the moment. During recovery, there will be more time to talk with your doctor and consider next steps, including the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options.
At St. John's Hospitals, we believe in the patient-doctor partnership. You will determine the best go-forward plan together based on the extent of damage to your heart, the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your lifestyle challenges.
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is also called heart bypass surgery. Your doctor may recommend CABG as the best way to restore blood flow to your heart muscle if you have severe coronary artery disease. CABG enables blood to flow around blocked coronary arteries by creating a new route.
Your doctor may suggest CAGB surgery if:
Depending on your specific heart condition and overall health, your doctor may recommend one of the following procedures:
Heart bypass surgery is a major procedure. Minimally invasive bypass surgery usually involves shorter hospital stays and fewer complications than open bypass surgery.
The surgical risks associated with CABG include:
When you wake up from heart bypass surgery, you will be cared for in a specialized intensive care unit for 24 hours or more. You may need help breathing from a ventilator.
Once you can breathe on your own, you will be moved to a cardiac care unit. Most people who have heart bypass surgery stay in the hospital for five to seven days. Take it easy on yourself and expect to recover slowly over the course of weeks or months.
As you recover, you may notice you have much more energy. This is because heart bypass surgery restores fresh, oxygenated blood to your heart muscle, which enables it to pump better. Be aware of how you feel as you recover and let your doctor know if you have any concerns. We’ll support you every step of the way.
If you have a valve in your heart that doesn’t close properly or has narrowed and become stiff, the valve may need to be repaired. Repairing a malfunctioning value can help your heart work better, so you feel better and have a better quality of life.
Heart valve repair addresses problems that prevent your heart from working as it should:
Heart valve repair may be performed if you have a valve disease or mitral valve condition that isn’t severe enough for valve replacement.
To repair heart valves, our specially trained cardiovascular surgeons perform both traditional, open heart surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Open heart surgery includes ring annuloplasty to support a leaky valve and valve repair to trim and reshape the flaps that form the entrance to your heart valves. Minimally invasive heart valve repair includes robotic valve surgery and balloon valvuloplasty, which stretches a narrow valve.
After heart valve repair, you will spend several days in the hospital to support your recovery. You may feel some pain in your chest for days or weeks after heart valve repair.
Full recovery may take four to six weeks. As you continue your recovery at home, you’ll have specific instructions from your doctor about activities to avoid. You’ll also be encouraged to eat a heart-healthy diet and walk as much as your doctor recommends. Your doctor will remain available throughout the process to answer questions and make any adjustments you may need to your recovery plan.
Because heart valve repair can help your heart function better, many people report feeling more energized after treatment. Talk to doctor today to see how we can improve your heart health.
If a valve in your heart is diseased or damaged, it can’t regulate the way blood flows properly, and your heart can’t pump efficiently. Your heart has to work harder than it should. The goal of heart valve surgery is to repair or replace a faulty valve to ease the strain on your heart, reduce your symptoms, and help prevent life-threatening complications.
If your heart valve disease is mild, you may not need treatment now. However, heart valve disease can get worse over time and lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure.
If your heart valve disease is severe, your doctor may recommend heart valve surgery. Symptoms of severe heart valve disease include:
Types of heart valve surgeries we perform at St. John's Hospitals:
Your heart valve surgery will be performed in a hospital where you will have the full support and care of a coordinated health care team. Depending on the type of heart valve surgery you have, you will receive either sedation or general anesthesia.
If you have open heart valve surgery, your surgeon will operate on your heart while it is still. That means a heart-lung machine will pump your blood.
If you have a minimally invasive procedure involving a catheter, you may feel some pressure or mild pain in your chest as your heart valve is being repaired or replaced.
After your heart valve surgery, you will rest in a comfortable recovery area before the recovery nurse takes you to a special cardiac care room for monitoring.
Recovery can take from two to eight weeks, depending on your procedure. Open heart surgery generally involves a longer recovery time than minimally invasive surgery.
Your doctor will provide specific instructions for continuing to recover once you go home. The instructions may cover:
Your doctor may also suggest cardiac rehabilitation to help you recover more quickly.
When you have pericarditis, you feel heart pain because the membrane (pericardium) surrounding your heart has become inflamed. Viral infections are thought to be a common cause, but the exact cause may not be identifiable in every case.
Prevention and treatment helps ease pericarditis symptoms and reduces the risk of complications. One complication is fluid buildup in the pericardium that puts pressure on the heart and can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
You may be able to help reduce your risk of developing pericarditis or experiencing complications once you have pericarditis by:
Prevention may not always be possible because the exact cause of pericarditis is often not known, and specific factors that put you at greater risk have not been confirmed.
Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Following your treatment plan can help you recover within a few weeks and avoid another episode.
With rest and non-prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and irritation, many instances of pericarditis go away within a few days or weeks.
If your pericarditis is severe, or if you develop complications, your doctor may recommend additional treatment. Your doctor may also treat the underlying cause of your pericarditis, if it can be identified.
Pericarditis treatments may include:
Surgery to treat pericarditis isn’t common. It’s usually only recommended if the inflammation of your pericardium is so severe that it prevents your pericardium from working as it should. Surgery may also be considered if initial treatments don’t achieve the desired results, and your pericarditis becomes chronic.
Conservative treatment can manage most cases of pericarditis. Your doctor will explain the goals, benefits, and risks of any treatment and help you make an informed decision. If surgery is recommended, your doctor will explain both the risks and ways to help minimize them.
When blood vessels in your legs or arms become narrowed or blocked by fatty plaque deposits, you can develop peripheral artery disease (PAD).
You don’t have to live with the pain of PAD. At St. John's Hospitals, treatments are available that may not only relieve your pain, but also slow the progress of your condition and reduce your risk of complications.
Our trusted cardiologists provide peripheral artery disease treatment with equal parts expertise and compassion.
PAD is more than painful. It can lead to problems walking or even complete immobility. The disease is caused by the same thing that causes heart disease: buildup of fatty plaques inside the arteries. The plaque builds up to the point that it restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body’s tissues.
You can help prevent PAD with a heart-healthy lifestyle:
When you take care of your heart, you can avoid many problems that can keep you from being active.
If you think you may have PAD, it’s important to seek treatment. Without treatment, PAD can cause serious complications such as blood clots.These clots can block the flow of blood through an artery, causing tissue in the feet or legs to die. Amputation may be necessary.
The good news is that a range of treatment options are available. They include:
Renal artery stenosis is the narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the kidneys. Without treatment, it can cause kidney damage. Renal artery stenosis is most often caused by fatty plaque deposits that build up inside the renal arteries
The doctors, nurses, and support staff at St. John's Hospitals are committed to serving every patient and family with respect and compassion. That’s why we treat the whole person — not just the disease.
Our cardiovascular treatments and heart services range from prevention and chronic disease management to advanced diagnostic procedures and treatment protocols.
Treatment for renal artery stenosis follows a three-pronged approach: lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery if necessary.
Making certain lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of renal artery stenosis, including:
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to prevent symptoms or stop the advancement of renal artery stenosis, your doctor may prescribe:
You may need surgery if your renal artery stenosis does not improve with more conservative treatments, if it becomes more severe, or if it is caused by fibromuscular dysplasia.
Surgical options for renal artery stenosis include endarterectomy to remove the lining of the renal arteries and angioplasty, possibly with stenting, to open blocked renal arteries by flattening the plaque against the inner artery walls.
Your doctor will tell you about the goals, risks, and potential complications of each treatment option. You’ll work together to create a treatment plan based on your symptoms, personal preferences, and overall health. Remember that all treatments have some risks.
The best way to reduce your risk of developing renal artery stenosis is to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise. This approach will help preserve your kidney function and support your overall cardiovascular health. Talk to your doctor about steps you can take to protect your heart health.
Minimally Invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), places an artificial heart valve inside a malfunctioning valve. Because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, recovery time and risk of complications are reduced compared to traditional open heart surgery.
Doctors use TAVR to treat severe aortic valve stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve. This condition makes it hard for blood to flow through the heart's damaged aortic valve into the aorta and on to the rest of the body.
TAVR makes it easier for blood to flow through the aorta. It can improve symptoms of aortic valve stenosis, such as heart failure, chest pain, irregular heart rhythms, and fainting.
This procedure is usually reserved for people who are poor candidates for open heart surgery due to their overall health. Recently, TAVR procedures have received FDA approval for those who are considered to be low- and intermediate-risk candidates, and provide them with better options for treatment.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is performed under general anesthesia. Due to the complexity of the procedure, it requires a team of specialists from multiple fields, including radiology, cardiac and cardiothoracic surgery, and cardiology.
First, your surgeon will make an incision in a major artery in the chest or groin to access the aortic valve. Then, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into the artery and carefully threaded to the location of the damaged heart valve. The new valve sits inside the old valve and takes over its functions.
Because TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery time generally is shorter than for an open heart valve surgery. However, you should expect to stay in the hospital for several days after the procedure.
Because it restores the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body, many people feel better soon after the procedure. Talk to your doctor to see if TAVR is a possible treatment for you.
Often affecting the veins in your legs, venous problems can cause pain or swelling. The three most common types of venous problems are:
Available at St. John's Hospitals, venous problem treatment and prevention may ease your symptoms and reduce your risk of serious complications. For example, left untreated, a DVT can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. This occurs when a DVT breaks free and travels to the lungs.
If you have varicose veins, you may be most concerned with how they look. Your doctor may recommend one of these treatments to minimize the appearance of your varicose veins:
If you have chronic venous insufficiency, your doctor may recommend that you avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time or suggest you wear compression stockings to reduce swelling. You may also be encouraged to make the same lifestyle changes as those recommended for varicose veins.
Surgical procedures are also available. You doctor may perform minimally invasive procedures to seal or remove veins that have become damaged or place stents in major veins to hold them open and help blood flow better.
DVT clots are dangerous, so urgent treatment is often needed. Your doctor may place a special mesh filter in the major blood vessel that moves blood to the heart (vena cava) to catch blood clots. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe medications, by mouth or intravenously, to dissolve a DVT.
At St. John's Hospitals, you will receive focused, individualized treatment from your doctor. Your personalized treatment plan will be based on your specific venous problem, the severity of your problem, and your specific preferences.
For each vein treatment option your doctor recommends, you will be advised of any risks and informed of ways to minimize them.
Long-term smoking, low physical activity levels, and an unhealthy diet can increase your risk for venous problems. Your doctor will work with you to identify any lifestyle challenges you might be having and provide help with overcoming them.
If your cardiologist recommends a procedure for you, you can rest assured that stat- of -the- art cardiac care is available right here in our community. St. John's Regional Medical Center provides a range of cardiac interventions such as:
St. John's Heart and Vascular Institute offers exceptional cardiovascular imaging to help diagnose and treat heart problems and vascular conditions:
Heart disease remains the number one killer of women and we are here to improve your odds. At St. John’s hospitals, we recognize that women have unique lifestyle and health care needs and we tailor our heart services specifically to each person. Learn more about heart care for women.
Reducing your risk for heart attack is within your grasp if you improve your lifestyle and habits. The cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and vascular surgeons at St. John's hospitals offer a range of diagnostic, interventional, and surgical treatment options to address your heart and vascular conditions. Learn more about reducing your risk for heart disease.
Electrophysiology (EP) is the science of diagnosing and treating electrical activities of the heart, or heart rhythm disorders. Doctors specializing in EP treat irregular heartbeats that are the result of abnormal electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Learn more about Electrophysiology at St. John's.
St. John's Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in Ventura County to successfully implant a new cardiac device known as the Amplatzer Amulet (by Abbott) to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other cardiovascular conditions, while eliminating the need for oral anticoagulants. The Amulet offers a quick and highly effective alternative to patients who are at risk of developing stroke and are on life-long anticoagulant medication. It is also the first and only minimally-invasive treatment option to offer immediate closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA).
St. John’s Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that it is among the first hospitals in Ventura County to offer an alternative to long-term blood thinners with the newly approved Watchman™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Implant. This innovative device is now available avoiding the need to travel for such a procedure. Read more about the WATCHMAN AFib device.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive technique that can replace a diseased aortic valve in select patients without open heart surgery. St. John’s Regional Medical Center is now home to the TAVR program and the most experienced team in Ventura County. Learn more about the TAVR device.
The Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at St. John’s Regional Medical Center offers individualized exercise and educational programs for people who have had a recent heart attack, heart surgery, or have experienced other cardiovascular incidents. Learn more about our Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation programs.
To learn more about our services and how we can help, please call us at (877) 753-6248 or use our online feature, Find a Doctor.
