Heart Program



Since performing one of the region’s first open-heart surgeries nearly 35 years ago, Alvarado Hospital has one of the most accomplished heart programs in the San Diego area. The cardiologists and heart surgeons at Alvarado are devoted to providing the highest level of cardiac and cardiovascular medical services available. We provide an extensive range of diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services.
 
Almost four decades after performing San Diego's first open heart surgery, the heart program physicians at Alvarado Hospital continue to provide leading-edge cardiology services. The hospital’s cardiac specialists, surgeons and staff are committed to bringing the latest research-based diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services to the San Diego community. Additionally, Alvarado Hospital is an American Heart Association "Get With the Guidelines” heart program.
 
A new, state-of-the-art cardiac catherization lab opened on the hospital campus in July 2010, offering patients and cardiologist access to the most advanced technology available.
 
Here’s a peek at some of the exciting, innovative techniques doctors are currently performing at Alvarado Hospital:
  • A minimally invasive procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation that helps prevent strokes and may ultimately replace blood-thinning medications.
  • A noninvasive technique that determines the amount of arterial plaque build-up in the heart.
  • A minimally invasive technique that places a tiny filter into a leg vein in order to prevent blood clots from traveling into the lungs.

 

Designated Heart Attack Receiving Center
 
Alvarado Hospital is designated a STEMI (heart attack) Receiving Center by San Diego County. STEMI stands for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. This designation is only given to hospitals that prove their staff can meet stringent standards of getting a patient from the ER to the cardiac cath lab in 90 minutes or less. This is the time frame wherein blood flow must be restored to achieve the best outcomes for heart attack patients.
 
Hospitals with this designation have demonstrated that their emergency departments have the facilities, technology and physicians necessary to provide the immediate diagnostic tests and interventions to save lives.
 
Quality Indicators
 
Committed to continuous quality improvement, Alvarado has regularly participated in statewide quality measurements. We consistently meet and exceed state quality and outcomes measurements for cardiac services.
 
Diagnostic Cardiac Testing
 
Equipped with advanced monitoring, imaging and testing technologies, Alvarado’s diagnostic services provide a comprehensive approach to detecting and tracking cardiac and cardiovascular irregularities. Many of these services may be provided on an outpatient basis.
  • Electrocardiograms
  • 24-hour Holter monitoring
  • 30-day event monitoring
  • ECG and signal-averaged ECG
  • Exercise stress testing
  • Treadmill stress testing
  • Echocardiography
  • Transesophageal echocardiography
  • Electrophysiology studies
  • Cardiac perfusion scanning
  • Pacemaker monitoring and analysis
  • Tilt-table orthostatic tolerance testing

 

Nursing Care
 
Alvarado Hospital believes that an experienced, caring nursing staff is a key component in your recovery. Each cardiac unit has specially trained nurses who provide 24-hour monitoring before and after surgery.
 
Physician Referral
 
Alvarado’s physician referral service can help find a cardiologist or heart surgeon who meets your needs. To find a physician, simply click on the Physician Finder, call 1-800-ALVARADO (1-800-258-2723) or contact us online.
 
Additional information regarding our cardiovascular services also is available by calling 1-800-258-2723.