Cardiology is one of the largest and most well respected departments at Watson Clinic. Since 1941, Watson Clinic has led the way in delivering the highest caliber care and the latest medical innovations to the communities we serve. Our cardiology department epitomizes these characteristics.
Today, the department performs over 4,000 diagnostic cardiac catherizations, more than 2,700 cardiac interventional procedures, over 6,000 pacemaker follow-ups, over 7,000 cardiac rehabilitation visits, and approximately 6,000 echo studies on an annual basis.
In 2003, the Clinic opened a new state-of-the-art outpatient Heart and Vascular Institute within the main building of the Watson Clinic, where they perform both cardiac and peripheral vascular studies. The following year, the Watson Clinic Echocardiology Lab became one of the first echo labs in the region to achieve a full three-year accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL).
By emphasizing an unparalleled quality of service, the most advanced clinical research, and the introduction of the latest innovative procedures to the community, the Watson Clinic’s cardiology department is a recognized and respected leader in the healthcare industry.
Our team consists of the area’s finest board-certified interventional and non-interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and a pediatric cardiologist, all of whom are assisted by a highly experienced assembly of nurses and additional specialists.
Non-Invasive Cardiologists collaborate with patients in an effort to prevent and manage their potential heart problems. Through a series of diagnostic tests – such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and stress tests – they can identify areas of concern, and prescribe medications or lifestyle modifications to treat those concerns. They also offer nuclear cardiology services, a process by which high resolution images are taken of the heart after the patient is injected with a harmless radioactive dye.
Invasive, Non-Interventional Cardiologists are trained in a diagnostic procedure called cardiac catheterization, which are used to find blockages of the arteries. If a blockage is found, the non-interventional cardiologist will refer the patient to an interventional cardiologist for whatever procedure is needed.
Interventional Cardiologists perform advanced invasive procedures such as balloon angioplasty, coronary and peripheral stent placement to open narrowed arteries.
Electrophysiologists study the bio-electrical impulses that control the pace of one’s heartbeat. When these electrical impulses are not functioning properly, a potentially fatal heart arrhythmia may ensue. In addition to treating these conditions through surgical means such as ablation and pacemaker insertion, electrophysiologists may also recommend various drug therapies, and lifestyle and diet modifications.
Cardiologists refer cases that would benefit best from surgical intervention to the Watson Clinic Cardiothoracic Surgeons for care. Click here to read more about these surgeons.