Non-surgical Treatments
SSM Health Heart & Vascular Care features a variety of proven non-surgical treatments for heart disease. Due to the varying types of heart disease, we specialize in customizing treatments that focus on positive outcomes and that meet your specific needs.
Treating heart disease with medicine:
Many heart conditions can be treated successfully using medication, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.
- We can also treat heart attacks by giving thrombolytic medications intravenously to dissolve the blood clot causing the heart attack.
- If you suffer from certain heart conditions or have had a previous heart attack, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. Learn more about anticoagulation therapy management.
What is electrophysiology?
SSM Health Heart & Vascular Care has advanced electrophysiology labs designed to help physicians treat patients with electrical problems of the heart, including atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.
Using cardiac mapping, our electrophysiologists can identify the cause of the irregular heartbeat and often correct the problem using ablation. This procedure corrects electrical conduction problems that cause abnormally fast heart rates. Learn more about electrophysiology.
What is balloon angioplasty?
Through angioplasty, our cardiologists are able to treat patients with blocked or clogged coronary arteries quickly without surgery. During the procedure, a cardiologist threads a balloon-tipped catheter to the site of the narrowed or blocked artery and then inflates the balloon to open the vessel.
Did you know vascular stenting is often performed at the same time as angioplasty?
This procedure involves placing a small, wire mesh tube called a stent into your newly opened artery. Stents are a permanent device used to help keep the artery open and clear. Learn more about angioplasty and stenting procedures.
What is anticoagulation therapy management?
If you suffer from certain heart conditions or have had a previous heart attack, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications to reduce the risk of blood clots. A blood clot can decrease or completely block blood flow in a vessel, leading to serious health problems like heart attack or stroke.
Other conditions that may require anticoagulation medications include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Pulmonary embolism
Anticoagulant medications require close monitoring to ensure the therapy is as safe and effective as possible. Studies have shown that patients who participate in anticoagulation therapy management have a much lower incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and bleeding complications when compared to patients who are cared for in the usual manner.
What are anticoagulants?
Anticoagulants, also know as blood thinners, are a class of medication used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.
- Because anticoagulants prevent your blood from clotting, they also make you more susceptible to bleeding.
- Your SSM Health provider will closely monitor your blood clotting time (INR) and adjust your medication dose to balance the risk of bleeding with the likelihood that you’ll develop blood clots.
Did you know warfarin is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant?
While on warfarin (Coumadin®), your INR (a test to see how long it takes your blood to clot) must be checked every four to six weeks. You may require more frequent testing when you first begin taking the medication to determine the correct dose.
How SSM Health helps you manage your anticoagulation therapy:
Your SSM Health care team includes nurses and pharmacists who are specially trained to assist you in the management of anticoagulation therapy. A visit to check your INR generally lasts about 15 minutes and includes:
- Blood testing by finger stick
- Immediate INR test results
- Dosage adjustment based on your physician’s INR goal
- Monitored anticoagulation management, including evaluation for side effects and drug and food interactions
- Communication with your physician as needed
- Easy access and a simplified registration process