Diagnostic Cardiology
The Heart - A Muscle That Never Rests
The heart is a unique organ consisting of mostly muscle -- but unlike other
muscles, it can never rest. From before our birth to the end of life,
it beats, pumping blood around our bodies and delivering oxygen and nutrients
to the tissues. It also pumps blood to itself, passing through small arteries
to nourish the heart's own muscle. When that blood flow is stopped,
even for just a few minutes, a heart attack begins and the heart muscle
begins to die. In a very real sense -- time is muscle. And a strong heart
depends on every part of the muscle working.
Queen of the Valley Medical Center, through its state-of-the-art facility
and highly trained physicians, helps to keep the beat strong. Both paramedics
and our Emergency Room play vital roles in getting care started quickly.
Within minutes of a heart attack starting, a patient can be receiving
treatment at the hospital. The blood vessels can be opened and blood flow
restored or if necessary, a bypass operation performed to bring more blood
to the heart.
This is only possible if the hospital is close to the patient. We are fortunate
to have a hospital capable of providing this sophisticated and complex
care in our community. Many cities of our size do not. Through the generosity
of our local community and the support of the hospital and physicians,
this important care is available to everyone in Napa within minutes.
Non-Invasive Diagnostic Procedures:
- Echocardiography (EKG)
- Signal Average EKG
- Holter Monitor
- Pacemaker Checks
- Treadmill Stress Testing
- Stress Testing with Nuclear Imaging or Echocardiography Imaging
Invasive Diagnostic Procedures:
- Transesophageal Echocardiography
- Blood tests
- Cardiac Catheterization