Intermountain Health is offering specialized cardiology services focused on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of cardiovascular disease through advanced genetic testing and comprehensive clinical care. The healthcare provider's programs address a variety of conditions ranging from common high blood pressure to rare inherited heart diseases.
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Services
The cardiology program at Intermountain Health utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to manage diverse cardiovascular issues, including chest pain, high blood pressure, and heart failure. According to the healthcare provider, their team of specialists focuses on identifying risk factors and managing existing conditions to prevent the progression of heart disease.
Clinical services provided through the cardiology department include advanced cardiac imaging such as CT, MRI, Echo, and Nuclear scans. The system also provides specialized interventions like electrophysiology for arrhythmia or heart rhythm management, cardiac catheterization, coronary intervention, and both cardiac and vascular surgery. For patients requiring long-term recovery or life-sustaining technology, Intermountain Health offers cardiac rehabilitation, pacemakers, defibrillators, and care related to heart failure, transplants, and artificial hearts.
Managing Genetic Heart Conditions
A specific focus within the cardiology department is the management of familial cardiomyopathy, which refers to heart conditions caused by genetic mutations. Intermountain Health provides specialized care for these inherited conditions through advanced genetic testing and counseling.
Genetic testing at the facility involves a blood test that analyzes DNA and genes to identify unique health risks. This process allows healthcare providers to create tailored treatment plans. The program includes risk assessment, screening, disease management, and specific evaluation and management for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Additionally, the system conducts family screening programs, research, clinical trials, and provides education and support for those affected by these genetic conditions.
Advanced Cardiac Interventions
Intermountain Health's cardiology services include documented success stories involving complex cardiac interventions and life-saving technologies. For example, the healthcare provider utilized a total artificial heart to keep a West Jordan father alive until a donor heart became available.
In another instance involving the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart, an Arizona man named Andrew Weaver was able to survive severe heart failure that threatened his ability to be with his family. Furthermore, the provider offers alternatives to open-heart surgery, which helped patient Ken Criter return to normal activities within just two weeks of his procedure.
Arrhythmia and Medication Management
The cardiology program also addresses rhythm-related issues through electrophysiology. Professional mountain bike racer Alexis Skarda, for instance, worked with Dr. Moore and the team at St. Mary’s to manage supraventricular tachycardia, a condition where irregular rapid heartbeats occur due to disrupted electrical impulses. This specialized care allowed her to continue her career as a professional athlete.
Beyond surgical and procedural interventions, the healthcare system emphasizes medication management, working with patients to identify the most effective drugs to lower the risk of developing further heart disease.
Preventative Health and Nutrition
Intermountain Health integrates broader lifestyle and preventative education into its cardiovascular care model. The provider highlights the importance of managing nutrition, noting that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 90% of Americans consume more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet, which increases risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
The system also provides guidance on dietary changes, such as using specific snacks to maintain blood sugar, metabolism, and cholesterol levels. Education efforts extend to understanding the impact of sleep quality, stress, and the nervous system—including vagal tone and breathing exercises—on long-term heart health.
Patient Education and Support
The healthcare provider continues to emphasize the role of early screening and lifestyle modifications in preventing heart disease. Education programs also cover various topics, including the relationship between spirituality and psychological well-being in heart patients, as well as addressing common myths regarding cardiovascular health.
By combining advanced diagnostics like cardiac imaging with patient-centered care from specialists such as nurse practitioner Jessica Boydston, Intermountain Health aims to empower patients to manage both common and genetic heart conditions effectively.
