Cardiologists in East Texas
From comprehensive diagnostics to open heart surgery and rehabilitation, the UT Health East Texas Heart and Vascular Institute provides a wide range of heart care services. Our facilities at UT Health Tyler are state-of-the-art, with three dedicated catheterization labs, two dedicated cardiac operating rooms, a 10-bed cardiovascular ICU, a 30+ bed cardiac step-down and recovery floor and a dedicated cardiac rehab program. We offer superior heart health services, ranging from in-depth imaging services and heart screenings to heart surgery and cardiac rehabilitation. Our staff of highly trained heart surgeons, cardiology specialists, and nurses are committed to providing you with the precise and effective cardiac treatments you need to live a long and comfortable life.
Heart screenings
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the #1 cause of death for both men and women. But there’s good news: it can be treated if caught early. And one of the best and easiest preventive tests for your heart is a heart screening.
There are different heart screenings designed to detect potential heart issues before they occur. One of the most common is the calcium score, a specialized X-ray that provides pictures of your heart to help detect and measure plaque buildup lining the walls of your coronary arteries. Plaque buildup narrows the arteries, restricts blood flow to the heart and ultimately can lead to a heart attack if left unchecked. By detecting plaque buildup early, your doctor can provide a treatment plan to help you reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke.
If you are 40 years or older and are at an increased risk for heart disease, you should consider a heart screening. You are at an increased risk if you:
- Are diabetic
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Are a past or present smoker
- Have a history of high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Are overweight or lead an inactive lifestyle
We can help you manage your heart health by starting with a heart scan to detect potential issues before they happen. Plus, a heart scan can motivate you to make important lifestyle changes and follow treatment plans for a lifetime of good heart health.
About calcium CT scoring
A calcium score heart scan is a simple test that takes around 10-15 minutes. A technician will attach sensors, called electrodes, to your chest before the scan. These sensors connect to a device that records your heart activity and helps take X-ray pictures between heartbeats when the heart muscles are relaxed.
During the heart scan, you will lie on your back on a table that slides into a CT scanner. Your head is outside the scanner the whole time. You will lie still and hold your breath for a few seconds while the pictures are taken. After the procedure, you can drive yourself home and resume your normal activities.
Call us at 903-596-DOCS to schedule an appointment with a UT Health East Texas primary care physician today, and ask about getting the required physician’s order for a $100 heart scan.
Our cardiovascular specialties
We understand that every one of our patients is different, and that you have your own particular set of healthcare needs. That’s why we are proud to be able to offer a variety of heart related specialties to diagnose, treat, and allow for recovery from cardiovascular conditions. Our teams are committed to providing the highest possible standard of care in each department, for each patient we treat.
We offer the following cardiac treatments and services:
Cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is dedicated to strengthening your cardiovascular system after a surgical procedure or after an illness or heart related health event. Our rehabilitation specialists focus on education combined with monitored exercise and changes in diet to help you regain your health and strength.
In addition to our on-site outpatient rehab, we offer more in depth cardiac rehabilitation services thanks to UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center’s partnership with the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Our various levels of rehab allow us to be able to customize your level of care around your specific needs, aiding in your recovery.
Cardiopulmonary care
UT Health East Texas is proud to provide comprehensive heart and lung care using the most advanced technology available. Our services include cardiovascular imaging, pulmonary care, and rehabilitative cardiopulmonary therapy for heart and lung conditions. Whether you require an advanced imaging test to diagnose a cardiopulmonary condition, or rehabilitative care after a heart procedure, our team is here to ensure you receive the quality care you deserve.
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology is a cardiovascular specialty dedicated to understanding the rhythm of your heart. If you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, like atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), ventricular tachycardia or premature ventricular beats (PVCs), our specialists can help. We provide a range of services, including delicate cardiac ablation procedures, as well as the implantation of cardiac assistance devices. No matter your needs, our electrophysiologists are dedicated to finding solutions that work for you.
Heart and vascular disease
The heart and vascular specialists at UT Health East Texas provide comprehensive treatment options for patients with heart and vascular disease. Our team offers care for conditions like coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease– two conditions which, if left untreated, can lead to heart attack.
Learn more about our treatments for heart and vascular disease.
Heart arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, has become a big problem in heart patients. AFib occurs when there is a problem with the electrical system with the heart, which refers to the heart’s pacemaker. In a healthy heart, the heart beats on a consistent rhythm. However, when a patient is in AFib, the rhythm gets off beat. An atypical heart rhythm is called arrhythmia. The UT Health East Texas Heart & Vascular Institute’s AFib Clinic offers a comprehensive array of treatments for heart arrhythmia, ranging from medication to advanced procedures when indicated.
Heart attack treatment
A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one of hte arteries that supplies blood to the heart, interrupting blood flow. When the heart is deprived of blood-borne oxygen for longer than 30 minutes, damage occurs. Blockage usually occurs from coronary heart disease, a condition in which deposits of cholesterol and fatty material build up in the arteries and block blood flow. When the heart is unable to pump blood throughout the body, permanent brain damage or death can occur within five minutes. At UT Health East Texas, we are committed to preventing and treating heart attacks in patients. If you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911.
Heart failure
At UT Health East Texas, our cardiologists are committed to helping our patients have healthier hearts. That’s why we provide educational resources, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for patients with conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF). Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the rest of your body. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can slow the progression of CHF and improve your chances of survival.
Heart surgery
Heart surgery is available in cases where medication, rehabilitation, and cardiac catheterization are not giving you the results you need. Our heart surgeons specialize in both open and keyhole procedures, using the least invasive methods available whenever possible. We perform bypass and graft surgeries, as well as placing larger cardiac implants and valve replacements. Our cardiovascular surgeons also offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery to treat aortic valve stenosis.
Interventional cardiology
Interventional cardiology uses a delicate, nonsurgical procedure called cardiac catheterization to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart, its valves and its arteries. The goal of interventional cardiology is to provide you with the best possible results with the least amount of discomfort and recovery time. In addition to directly addressing conditions like coronary artery disease and heart valve damage, cardiac catheterization is also used to place heart implants and stents as needed. We are pleased to be able to offer such a variety of treatments to you and all our patients.
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