Comprehensive Cardiac Care at AHN Wexford Hospital

Heart disease affects millions of Americans and can make everyday activities more difficult. The good news is, many heart conditions can be prevented, managed, or treated when they are caught early.

At AHN Cardiovascular Institute at Wexford Hospital, patients have access to comprehensive heart care to support heart health at every stage. Whether you are focused on prevention or managing an existing condition, our cardiovascular experts can provide complete care as your heart health needs change over time.

Know the warning signs of heart disease

Many people do not experience obvious warning signs during the early stages of heart disease. Symptoms may start out mild and become more intense over time as the condition gets worse. Depending on your condition, symptoms may include:

• Unusual tiredness or fatigue
• Occasional or brief chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling short of breath during physical activity
• Leg pain when you’re active
• Irregular heartbeats
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet

Some symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care right away if you experience:

• Severe chest pressure or discomfort
• Unexpected shortness of breath
• Fainting or almost fainting
• Sudden sweating accompanied by chest discomfort or weakness

Preventing heart disease before it start

Because heart disease does not always look the way people expect, regular medical care is an important part of protecting your heart health.

Start by talking with your primary care provider (PCP) about your heart health — especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or a history of smoking.

Your PCP will work with you to develop strategies to protect your heart health. And, if needed, they can refer you to a cardiovascular specialist at Wexford Hospital who can provide advanced care.

Everything you need for a healthier heart in one place

Comprehensive cardiovascular care means more than just treating your condition. At Wexford Hospital, it includes diagnosis, personalized treatment, and long-term follow-up care to support your total well-being.

Advanced testing for early diagnosis

Wexford Hospital offers the latest diagnostic imaging technology to identify signs of heart disease before it progresses and increases your risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend:

• Cardiovascular MRI, which captures detailed images to help providers evaluate your heart's structure and function.
• Calcium scoring, a CT scan that looks for calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart.
• Coronary CT angiography, a scan that creates images of the coronary arteries to show any plaque buildup or blockages.
• Echocardiogram, an ultrasound that shows how well your heart is working.

“Early detection can change the way heart disease is managed,” says David J. Buchanan, DO, a cardiologist at Wexford Hospital. “By recognizing a person’s risk, we can often make changes that improve their heart health and help prevent future problems.”

Treatment options for heart conditions

If heart disease is diagnosed, cardiovascular specialists at Wexford Hospital can provide treatment options for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include:

• Medications to manage cardiovascular risk factors.
• Lifestyle interventions such as nutrition counseling, weight management, and smoking cessation.
• Minimally invasive procedures to diagnose or treat both emergency and chronic cardiovascular conditions.
• Interventional procedures, which use imaging tools to evaluate blood flow, identify blockages, and perform treatments when needed.
• Cardiac rehabilitation, including supervised exercise, education, and lifestyle support, to help patients safely recover from cardiac events or procedures.

Continuous support for lifelong heart health

Heart care does not end after diagnosis or a procedure. Through ongoing monitoring, regular follow-up appointments, and patient education, the team at Wexford Hospital can help you manage your condition, reduce the risk of future cardiac events, and take an active role in protecting your heart health.

Take the next step for your heart health

The specialists at AHN Cardiovascular Institute at Wexford Hospital have the expertise, technology, and support you need to manage your heart health with confidence. Call 412-362-8677 to learn more about cardiovascular services or to schedule an appointment.