Hunterdon Medical Center´s Cardiac Services

 

are provided by physician and nurse specialists and rehabilitation specialists, supported by state-of-the-art technology. Services include:

• Emergency services
• Physician services, including six board-certified cardiologists
• Cardiac testing
• Diagnostic & medical imaging
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
• Education and Screening Programs
• Nutrition Programs

Cardiac Catheterization Suite

The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, opened in 1997 as a powerful tool to diagnose heart problems, and is designated by the State of New Jersey as a full service facility.

This enables us to perform diagnostic procedures on high-risk patients such as those who recently had a heart attack, people with valvular heart disease and patients with heart failure.

A full-service designation is awarded based on the facility's exceptional performance.

For more information on cardiac catheterization, call (800) 511-4462.

What is Cardiac Catheterization?

This important diagnostic procedure is used to study the heart and its surrounding blood vessels. The cardiologist places a long, thin tube (a catheter) into a blood vessel and guides it to the heart. A contrast medium (dye) is injected through the catheter, and x-rays and other tests are performed to evaluate whether narrowing or blockages are present in the coronary arteries, and to measure precisely how well the heart valves and heart muscle are functioning.

The physician also can evaluate possible abnormalities, assess damage from previous heart attacks, infections or trauma, and evaluate the status of the heart after bypass surgery. Several specialized procedures may be performed, each tailored to the patient´s special needs.

Hunterdon Medical Center now also offers Biventricular Pacemaker implants.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

An Individualized Program
Following your surgery or hospitalization, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program provides an intensive 12-week program of monitored exercise, education and counseling support under the direction of a board-certified cardiologist.

A team of healthcare professionals works together to develop a program tailored to meet your needs. Team members include:

• Primary Care Physicians
• Cardiologists
• Exercise Physiologists
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses
• Dietitians
• Behavioral Health Professionals
• Health Educators

Exercise Therapy:

Exercise is the focal point of the program. We will help you achieve improved fitness and prepare you to succeed in your independent exercise regimen.

The basic program is held three times a week for up to 12 weeks. Instruction and supervision help you progress safely and gradually toward your optimal level of function. Monitoring includes:

• Continuous ECG and heart rate
• Blood pressure checks
• Oxygen monitoring (as needed)
• Blood sugar testing (as needed)
• A variety of state-of-the-art equipment such as treadmills, stationary cycles, rowing machines, stairclimbers and free weights, may be used to provide for total body conditioning

Education:

Educational sessions are integrated into the overall program to help you gain a better understanding of your condition and promote healthier lifestyle habits. Family members are encouraged to attend. Topics Include:

• The benefits of safe and effective exercise
• Lifestyle modification of your risk factors
• Improving your nutrition (each participant meets individually with a dietitian to plan an appropriate diet)
• Disease management
• Stress management and relaxation techniques
• How cardiac medications work
• Coping with your emotions about your disease

Maintenance:

Our follow-up maintenance program can help you maintain the benefits you have achieved.

For more information about cardiac programs call the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department at (908) 788-6371.

Hunterdon Cardiovascular Health

an affiliate of the Hunterdon Healthcare System, offers cardiology patients another convenient location to receive comprehensive care.

Staffed by seven, board-certified cardiologists, Hunterdon Cardiovascular Health offers a full array of diagnostic on-site studies. These include an Exercise Stress Test, Echocardiogram, Nuclear Stress Test and a Carotid Doppler Test. Cardiologists also provide ongoing care for patients with coronary artery disease; hypertension; lipid disorders and congestive heart failure as well as patients who have had coronary surgical by-pass.

The office is located on the 3rd floor of the Hunterdon Health & Wellness Center at 537 Route 22 East in Whitehouse Station. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information call (908) 823-9200. The cardiologists also have a location in Flemington in the Hunterdon Doctors Office Building, Suites 206 and 305.

Request a brochure about cardiac programs