Cardiology

Cardiology at St. Joseph’s/Candler

Heart health is the foundation of a full and active life, and at St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network Cardiology, we bring world-class expertise to every heartbeat. We deeply understand that entrusting your heart health to a medical team is a significant decision. Our commitment is to provide exceptional cardiovascular care through a combination of experienced professionals, advanced technology and a patient-first approach. Whether you're seeking preventive measures or require specialized interventions, our team is dedicated to supporting you and your loved ones to excellent heart health.

Comprehensive cardiology services

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiologists offer a wide range of services tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. We specialize in the diagnosis and management of various heart conditions, ensuring that you receive the most effective and personalized care available.

• Arrhythmia Evaluation and Management: Irregular heart rhythms can significantly impact your quality of life. Our experts utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess arrhythmias and develop individualized treatment plans to restore normal heart function.
• Cardiac Catheterization: This minimally invasive procedure allows our cardiologists to visualize the coronary arteries and assess heart function. We can determine the most appropriate interventions to improve your heart health by identifying blockages or other issues.
• Holter Monitoring: For patients experiencing intermittent symptoms, Holter monitors provide continuous recording of heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours. This data helps us detect abnormalities that may not appear during a standard EKG.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) Testing: An EKG is a quick and painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It aids in diagnosing various cardiac conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks and other disorders.
• Stress Testing: Treadmill and Nuclear: Stress tests evaluate how your heart performs under physical exertion. Treadmill tests monitor your heart while you walk, while nuclear stress tests involve imaging to assess blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise.

Advanced procedures and technologies

We are proud to offer cutting-edge procedures that enhance patient outcomes and provide alternatives to traditional surgery.

• The Watchman Procedure: For patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke, the Watchman device offers a permanent solution to reduce this risk. This minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a small device in the heart to prevent blood clots from forming.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): TAVR is a revolutionary procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered high-risk for open-heart surgery. It involves replacing the aortic valve via a catheter, resulting in shorter recovery times and improved quality of life.
• Pacemaker Implantation: Pacemakers help regulate heart rhythms in individuals with bradycardia or heart block. Our team specializes in the implantation and management of these devices, ensuring optimal heart function.

Advanced diagnostic tests and procedures

We employ a comprehensive array of diagnostic tests and procedures to accurately assess and treat various heart conditions. Our state-of-the-art technology and expert team ensure that each patient receives personalized and effective care.

• Holter Monitor: For patients experiencing heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats, a Holter monitor is a portable device worn for 24 to 48 hours. It continuously records the heart's electrical activity, allowing our cardiologists to detect abnormalities that may not be captured during a standard EKG. This painless test involves attaching electrodes to the chest, and most patients find it comfortable to wear during daily activities and sleep.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a quick and non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. By placing small electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs, we can identify issues such as arrhythmias, heart attacks or other cardiac conditions. The procedure is painless and typically takes only a few minutes.
• Echocardiogram: This imaging test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function. It helps evaluate the size of the heart and the functionality of heart muscles and valves and can detect areas of poor blood flow. It is a safe and painless procedure that provides valuable information for diagnosing and managing heart conditions.
• Exercise Stress Test: Also known as stress echocardiography, this test assesses how the heart performs under physical exertion. Patients either walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while their heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG are monitored. This test helps determine if there is adequate blood flow to the heart during increased activity levels.
• Nuclear Stress Test: This advanced diagnostic tool evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle both at rest and during stress. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive dye into the bloodstream and taking images to identify areas with poor blood flow or damage. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease and assessing the effectiveness of treatment plans.

Minimally-invasive procedures

• Cardiac Catheterization and Stenting: Cardiac catheterization involves threading a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through a blood vessel to the heart to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. If a blockage is found, a stent—a small mesh tube—can be inserted to keep the artery open, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart attack. This procedure is minimally invasive and often requires a short hospital stay.
• Cardioversion: For patients with certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, cardioversion can restore a normal heartbeat. This procedure can be performed using medications or by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart through paddles placed on the chest. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically quick and effective.
• Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: Devices like pacemakers and ICDs can help regulate heart rhythms in patients with arrhythmias. A pacemaker sends electrical impulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate, while an ICD monitors heart rhythms and delivers shocks if a dangerous arrhythmia is detected. Both devices are implanted under the skin in a minimally invasive procedure.

Our cardiology practice follows the highest industry standards, ensuring that patients receive the most advanced developments in heart care. These innovations bring globally recognized expertise, cutting-edge treatments, and life-saving technology right into our community—right to your door—so you can access world-class care close to home.