Cardiac Services

Sometimes the heart needs a hand.

It's our commitment to our patient's health and well-being that keeps Brotman Medical Center sensitive to the needs of the community. That's why Brotman provides much needed diagnostic and treatment services for patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and/or coronary heart disease (CHD).

Our multi-disciplinary team, working together to help ensure your optimum health, includes:

• Interventional Cardiologist
• Vascular Surgeons
• Interventional Radiologist
• Cardiothoracic Surgeons
• Cardiovascular technicians
• Critical Care Nurses

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (310) 558-1928.

The Facts about Heart Attacks

There are 1,100,000 new and recurring cases of heart attacks each year. Suprisingly, 40% of these heart attack victims do not survive. That's why coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Despite these alarming statistics, many problems associated with CHD may be avoided if people get tested annually. At Brotman, we believe that screening and prompt, sophisticated treatment may save countless lives.

Prevention First

When it comes to caring for your health, we believe in prevention first. That's why Brotman Medical Center provides regular education seminars and screenings to help you learn if you're at risk for heart or vascular disease as well as teaching heart healthy habits before disease takes over your life.

Of course, we know some patients will develop heart or vascular disease despite best efforts. Fortunately, Brotman offers a comprehensive range of services from non-invasive diagnostic testing to interventional procedures as well as vascular and cardiac surgery.

When to Be Tested

Early detection is your first line of defense against peripheral and cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the warning signs and risk factors, putting themselves at risk of suffering a stroke, aneurysm or heart attack.

If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive screening.

• Family history of heart or vascular disease
• Uncontrollable blood pressure despite use of medication
• Sudden increase in blood pressure
• Leg pain when walking or exercising
• Ulcers or sores on legs or feet that won't heal
• Dizzy spells
• Spots in front of eyes
• Fleeting weakness or numbness in face, legs or arms
• Chest pain

Screening and Diagnosis

At Brotman, our specialists perform non-invasive testing on an outpatient basis. Initially, patients are given a comprehensive physical and are asked to give their family medical history as thoroughly as possible. Depending upon the patient's condition and potential risk factors, testing may then include:

• Ankle brachial index (ABI)
• Ultrasound
• Exercise testing (treadmill)
• Plethsymography (blood volume testing)

If the patient's results indicate a potential problem, peripheral or coronary catheterization may be needed for further testing, including:

• Angiograms of the legs, neck, abdomen and/or kidneys
• Heart (coronary) angiogram

Treatment and Intervention

After testing and diagnosis, our heart and vascular specialists develop an individualized treatment plan that takes a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment may include one or more of the following:

Medical Management
• Risk factor reduction (smoking, cholesterol, etc.)
• Diabetes management
• Exercise/rehabilitation
• Medication

Minimally Invasive Intervention
• Angioplasty (with or without stents)
• Rotational atherectomy

Surgery
• Endarterectomy
• Coronary bypass
• Valve replacement

Payment Plans

A variety of payment options are available. Private insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, as well as most PPO and HMO plans are accepted. Call (310) 558-1928 for more information about insurance eligibility or to discuss the payment plan most appropriate for you.