CARDIOVASCULAR TREATMENT OPTIONS

Cardiac Pacemaker and Defibrillator Implants

Cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are small, life-supporting devices implanted under the skin to help manage abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. These rhythm disturbances can range from too slow (bradycardia) to dangerously fast or irregular (tachycardia, fibrillation), and in some cases, they can lead to heart failure, fainting, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Patients may need one of these devices if they experience symptoms such as:

• Unexplained fainting or dizziness
• Fatigue or shortness of breath
• Palpitations or skipped beats
• A dangerously slow or fast heartbeat detected on an EKG or monitor
• A history of cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias

Pacemakers are typically used when the heart beats too slowly, which can deprive the body and brain of adequate blood flow. A pacemaker sends small electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat at a normal rate. This can dramatically reduce symptoms like fatigue and fainting, and allow people to return to normal activities safely.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are used for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death due to fast, chaotic heart rhythms. An ICD constantly monitors the heart and delivers a life-saving shock if a dangerous rhythm is detected — restoring a normal heartbeat and preventing cardiac arrest.

These devices are especially important for patients with:

• Heart failure
• A history of heart attack or weakened heart muscle
• Inherited arrhythmia conditions (e.g., long QT syndrome)
• Severe bradycardia or conduction system disease

Pacemakers and defibrillators are more than just devices — they are powerful tools that restore safety, improve heart performance, and save lives. For many patients, they mean the difference between living with fear and living with confidence.

Peripheral Vascular Treatment

This procedure restores blood flow to blocked or narrowed arteries in the legs or other peripheral areas. It is most often used to treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a common circulatory condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. PAD can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Chronic wounds or ulcers, especially on the feet or toes
• Increased risk of infection, tissue loss, and amputation

By reopening narrowed vessels, revascularization improves circulation and reduces these risks — helping patients walk more comfortably, heal more quickly, and preserve limb function.

We are actively working toward expanding our cardiac services to include interventional coronary procedures such as angioplasty and coronary stent placement. Coronary angioplasty opens clogged blood vessels of the heart by inserting a catheter to widen the artery and improve blood flow. This is often followed by the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent. The stent helps prop the artery open and decreases the risk of the artery narrowing again.

These additional services require state-level approval, which is currently in progress. Once approved, patients will have access to comprehensive interventional heart care — right here in our community.