Heart Health

Here at Dominican Hospital, we are proud and excited to open our new Comprehensive Cardiac Operating Suite. This suite combines both procedural and operating techniques, and is equipped with new levels of cardiac imaging and medical equipment allowing our Heart and Vascular team to perform new cardiac and vascular procedures, while providing an updated operating room for our more complex cardiac surgeries.

We are proud of our award-winning Heart and Vascular program and the new technology we are bringing to our community. Our care team - from our top-of-the-line nursing and clinical professionals to the dedicated anesthesia team to our remarkable group of cardiologists and surgeons – are the professionals that will use this new equipment to provide exceptional patient care.

Our investment in new resources and technology will enable our team of experienced surgeons and cardiologists to better assess your condition and intervene with advanced procedures — some of which are only available in the Monterey Bay region here at Dominican.

Heart valve disease is on the rise, with a projected increase of 50 percent over the next ten years. In heart valve disease, one or more of the valves in your heart doesn’t work properly. Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. In some cases, one or more of the valves don’t open or close properly. This can cause the blood flow through your heart to your body to be disrupted.

Simple Steps To Reduce Your Risk!

Here are some simple tips from the American Heart Association on what you can do to manage the most common risk factors. Eat Smart: Enjoy a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins and fish. Limit sugary foods and drinks, fatty or processed meats, salty foods, refined carbohydrates and highly processed foods. Avoid trans-fat and partially hydrogenated oils found in fried foods and some commercial baked goods. Move More: Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Daily physical activity increases the length and quality of your life. Strive for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly. Manage Weight: When you lose extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton. You’ll lower your blood pressure and help yourself feel better too. If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss can improve your health. Don’t Smoke: Smoking, vaping or using other tobacco products can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, many cancers, and other chronic diseases. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.

Dominican’s comprehensive Heart and Vascular program has been leading the way in cardiac care innovations for the Monterey Bay with the introduction of new minimally-invasive cardiac valve procedures including the area’s first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and mitral valve repair (MitraClip) procedures. These new procedures can reduce or

eliminate the need for open heart surgery.

Learn more about your risk for heart disease. Millions of people have at least one risk factor, yet many aren’t aware and don’t take steps to reduce their chances of developing heart disease. Risk Factors May Include:

Online Assessments: We offer an online heart health assessment and a peripheral artery disease assessment. You can take one or both to find out if you are at risk for heart disease or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and what you can do to prevent them. It’s free and only takes a few minutes online! https://www.dignityhealth.org/ bayarea/services/cardiac-care/health-assessments

Heart Health PEP Classes: Dominican Hospital’s PEP program offers several classes to help support you on your journey to better heart health. For more information see the Heart Health and Health & Wellness sections of the PEP Catalog starting on page 41 or contact us at (831) 457-7099.