Intermountain Health is providing specialized cardiovascular services designed to manage high-risk pregnancies, peripheral artery disease, and chronic heart conditions through a combination of advanced diagnostic technology and multi-disciplinary medical teams. The programs offer everything from preconception counseling and risk assessment to complex surgical interventions like stent placement and artificial heart support.
Specialized Maternal Heart Care
The Cardio-Obstetrics Program at Intermountain Health focuses on supporting both maternal and fetal heart health throughout the stages of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. According to Intermountain Health, pregnancy can place significant physical strain on the heart and may exacerbate existing cardiovascular conditions in women.
Comprehensive Pregnancy Support
The program utilizes a multi-skilled team of physicians to provide proactive guidance, including preconceptional counseling and risk management for women with pre-existing conditions or other cardiovascular risk factors. Services offered through this program include risk assessment, diagnostic testing, monitoring during pregnancy, labor and delivery planning, and postpartum care. The health system also provides access to these services through both in-person and virtual visits at various locations.
Patient Care Outcomes
Intermountain Health highlighted the impact of specialized care through the story of Desiree, a patient who required expert management for a heart condition during her pregnancy. The health system noted that Dr. Kirstin Hesterberg and the Cardio-Obstetrics team provided the necessary support to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Managing Peripheral Artery Disease
For patients dealing with peripheral artery disease (PAD), Intermountain Health offers specialized care aimed at addressing reduced limb blood flow and halting the progression of the disease. The medical team utilizes advanced vascular imaging technology, such as angiograms, peripheral and carotid services, and precision imaging through CT and MRI scans to diagnose and treat the condition.
Advanced Vascular Interventions
The health system's vascular labs provide various peripheral vascular studies using ultrasound technology to check for different forms of vascular disease. Treatment options and procedures available through the PAD program include carotid endarterectomy, stent placement for both carotid and peripheral arteries, peripheral bypass surgery, and vascular rehabilitation. The program also emphasizes risk factor management by partnering with patients to manage lifestyle and health factors to slow the progress of vascular disease.
General Cardiology Services
The cardiology department at Intermountain Health focuses on diagnosing, managing, and preventing cardiovascular disease. Cardiologists within the system assess various conditions such as chest pain, high blood pressure, and heart failure. The medical staff also works with patients to identify effective medication management strategies to help lower the risk of heart disease.
Preventative and Surgical Care
Preventative care is a core component of the cardiology program, involving cardiac imaging—including CT, MRI, Echo, and Nuclear scans—as well as electrophysiology for arrhythmia or heart rhythm management. The system also provides specialized services such as cardiac catheterization, coronary intervention, cardiac or vascular surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. For more severe cases, the program manages heart failure, transplants, and the use of pacemakers and defibrillators.
