Everyone should be concerned about their heart. Most of us have family members or friends who have suffered from a heart attack or more minor heart problem. The consequences of these “cardiac events”can be devastating so do your homework before choosing a cardiologist or being admitted to your local hospital.
The three basic types of cardiac care and treatment include: Medical Cardiology (diagnosing and therapy for heart diseases like angina, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction); Invasive Cardiology (surgeries such as cardiac catheterization, cardiac pacemaker insertion, balloon angioplasty, and placement of cardiac stents); and Open Heart Surgery (coronary artery bypass surgery and cardiac valve procedures).
Virginia Health Information has recently released survey results which you should know before you select a hospital for your cardiac care. For example, the following hospitals in western Virginia had a higher mortality rate for cardiac patients than would typically be expected:
Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County, Buchanan General Hospital, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Lee Regional Medical Center, Pulaski Communty Hospital, Twin County Regional Hospital, Wythe County Community Hospital, Smyth County Community Hospital, and Tazewell Community Hospital
I think I might skip selecting a hosptial from this group. Remember – checking out your hospital might save your life!