Intermountain Health continues to offer specialized cardiology and electrophysiology services focused on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of cardiovascular disease. The health system provides a full spectrum of care ranging from routine medication management and preventative screenings to advanced surgical interventions for complex heart rhythm disorders.
Comprehensive Cardiology Services
The cardiology department at Intermountain Health focuses on assessing patient heart health and managing various chronic conditions. According to the health system, these services include treating chest pain, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Specialists work directly with patients to manage medications intended to lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Preventative care remains a core component of the cardiology program. The system utilizes cardiac imaging technologies, including CT, MRI, Echo, and Nuclear scans, to identify risk factors early. Other specialized services provided include cardiac catheterization, coronary intervention, vascular surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. For patients requiring more intensive intervention, the team provides management for heart failure, transplants, and the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators.
Advancements in Electrophysiology
Intermountain Health's heart rhythm specialists focus on treating irregular heartbeat conditions that can lead to fatigue, heart attack, or heart failure. The system has implemented several technological advancements in the field of electrophysiology.
As reported by Intermountain Health, the hospital system was the first in the Mountain West to offer stereotaxy, which uses magnetic robotic navigation for heart catheters. Additionally, specialists are currently developing new 3-D technology designed to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (Afib). The team also pioneered the implantation of the first leadless ICD and pacemaker devices within the Mountain West region.
Specialized Heart Rhythm Procedures
The health system offers a variety of specific procedures for heart rhythm disorders, including ablation therapy, the GALAXY procedure for Afib, laser lead extraction, and the MAZE procedure. Other specialized interventions include the WATCHMAN procedure for left atrial appendage closure and the Convergent Procedure.
To assist those in urgent need, Intermountain Health operates the CARE program, which stands for Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk Evaluation. This program is specifically designed for patients who may be at risk for serious heart rhythm disorders and require immediate medical attention; CARE patients are provided with priority scheduling to ensure timely care.
Dedicated Medical Specialists
Intermountain Health's medical staff includes specialists driven by personal connections to cardiac care. Nurse practitioner Jessica Boydston focuses on educating patients about medical advancements in heart treatments to help them live healthier lives. Similarly, Dr. Geoffrey Orme, a cardiologist electrophysiologist, was inspired by his father's cardiac condition to pursue a career in the field, emphasizing individualized patient care that considers unique personal needs.
Patient stories highlighted by the system demonstrate the impact of these specialized treatments. Alexis Skarda, a professional mountain bike racer, utilized services from Dr. Moore and the team at St. Mary’s to treat supraventricular tachycardia, an irregularly rapid heartbeat caused by disrupted electrical impulses. Additionally, the system reported on Howard, who received the minimally invasive Convergent Procedure for atrial fibrillation after being referred to experts at Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge.
Advanced Cardiac Interventions
The health system also manages high-stakes cardiac interventions involving artificial heart technology. This includes the use of the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart, which helped Andrew Weaver of Arizona manage heart failure until a donor heart became available. The system also documented the case of a West Jordan father who was kept alive using a total artificial heart prior to receiving a transplant.
Other notable clinical milestones include the treatment of Linda Smith, one of the first recipients of a new-generation aortic valve replacement, and the urgent surgery required for a teenager from Big Timber whose annual check-up revealed signs of heart strain.
Preventative Health Education
Beyond clinical procedures, Intermountain Health provides educational resources regarding general heart health. These include guidance on identifying symptoms like shortness of breath in women and recognizing the difference between a heart attack and heartburn. The system also promotes lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a heart-healthy diet with specific snack ideas to manage cholesterol and blood sugar, and achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to prevent heart disease.
