Cardiovascular Treatments

What treatments are available at South Shore Hospital?

The best treatment for cardiovascular disease depends on a number of factors, including your overall health and the seriousness of the disease. In some cases, lifestyle changes are enough to halt the progress of the condition and manage the disease. Sometimes, medications are prescribed or a procedure that restores blood flow or a regular heart rhythm may be required.

There are a number of ways that our physicians can treat cardiovascular disease. In many cases, we can provide consultation and imaging studies together to decrease the need to make repeat visits to the hospital. If and when a treatment is recommended, our physicians can perform these procedures, often without surgery or anesthesia using minimally invasive techniques.

 

We Provide

Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and management for:

• Cardiac disease (heart)
• Aortic disease (abdomen and chest)
• Peripheral vascular disease (arms and legs)
• Renovascular disease (kidneys)
• Carotid artery disease (neck and brain)

Clinical examination and non-invasive imaging with follow-up, including:

• EKG and stress testing
• Vascular ultrasound and doppler
• Echocardiography
• Cardiovascular CT scan
• Cardiovascular MRI

Therapeutic treatments, including:

• Balloon angioplasty and stent placement (24/7 emergency and elective routine coverage)
• Thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs)
• Thrombectomy (blood clot removal)
• Aortic stent graft placement
• Cardiac ablation
• Pacemaker and internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) insertion

Disease management, including:

• Risk-factor assessment and management
• Medications
• Counseling
• Support groups

How do I know which treatment will be best for me?

The best treatment for a specific cardiovascular disease should be discussed with your physician. Some questions to ask:

• Can my condition be controlled with lifestyle changes?
• What medications might be right for me?
• If a procedure is required, am I a candidate for a less-invasive treatment option?
• What are the risks and benefits of the treatment plan prescribed for me?

Most treatments available within the Cardiovascular Center are considered “minimally invasive” and allow the physician to provide a therapy through a very small nick in the skin about the size of a pencil tip. These treatments are generally easier for patients because they involve no surgical incision, less pain and shorter hospital stays.