Cardiovascular Care

At MetroWest Medical Center we are targeting a wide range of conditions related to the heart and vascular system.    Our comprehensive program includes advanced technology, expert staff and personalized care working to locate, identify and treat cardiovascular conditions.   Click here to view our Cardiovascular Care brochure. Because cardiovascular disease is associated with the three major atherosclerotic conditions, coronary artery disease (heart disease) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke), and peripheral arterial disease, treatment may range from management of risk factors to surgical procedures. The same risk factors that may contribute to a heart attack or stroke are the same for peripheral arterial disease. These include, but are not limited to, the following: smoking (tobacco) diabetes hypertension (high blood pressure) hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol) family history of atherosclerosis
Whether you are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, have been diagnosed with cardiac or vascular disease or need information about cardiovascular disease, MetroWest Medical Center provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient programs to meet your needs. MetroWest Medical Center offers healthcare services provided by highly skilled multidisciplinary team with advanced training in caring for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Did You Know?   MetroWest Medical Center is a nationally recognized Stroke Center MetroWest Medical Center 24/7 Heart Team Emergent Cardiac Angioplasty

• MetroWest Medical Center has a strong record of providing quality cardiac care to patients, and realizes the importance of having cardiac resources available to the community. Many cardiologists hold academic appointments and closely collaborate with colleagues at Boston’s leading academic centers, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical System. MetroWest Medical Center offers a continuum of cardiac services, including: Cardiac Catheterization Lab Cardiac Care Unit Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Cardiac Wellness Program

Cardiac Catheterization Lab
The Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Framingham Union Hospital provides diagnostic services for patients with heart disease, and has been operating for more than 25 years. Cardiac catheterization is a specialized procedure that helps locate blockages in the coronary arteries of the heart. The unit is staffed by critical care registered nurses who have extensive experience and advanced certification in the treatment of cardiac patients, and are specially trained in cath lab procedures.

In addition to catheterization, lab services also include the placement of pacemakers, and electrocardioversions and electrophysiology studies (EPS) for people with irregular heart rhythms.

Cardiac Care Unit
The 24-hour Cardiac Care Unit at MetroWest Medical Center specializes in the care of the heart and is an extension of the Intensive Care Unit. The unit is staffed by critical care registered nurses (CCRN) and equipped with cardiac monitoring equipment capable of performing ST segment analysis and continuous EKGs. The CCRNs work closely with a team of cardiologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, critical care technicians, and physical therapists to develop a plan of care. Patients are initially seen in the Emergency Department and if directed by their physician, are transferred to the unit for observation and further diagnostic testing. Patients are monitored by their physicians and a cardiologist while in the unit.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Reducing the risk of heart disease involves not only a commitment from patients, but also a commitment from healthcare providers and access to resources. MetroWest Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a specialized medical service that helps people with heart disease improve physical function, build confidence in day-to-day activities, and reduce health risks. It includes comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and wellness program to promote cardiac health.

For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, please call 508/383-1679.

Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
After admission to the hospital for a heart attack or new diagnosis of angina, patients and family members receive educational materials on diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, risk factor modification, and activity progression. Nutritional counseling and other support services are also available, as needed, to assist in making the transition to home with ease. Family members are encouraged to participate in the patient's learning process.

Monitored Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
Monitored Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation is available for patients who have recently experienced heart attack, angioplasty, or cardiac bypass surgery. In addition, certain individuals with angina, abnormal stress tests, cardiomyopathy, valve surgery, and cardiac transplant may be eligible.
The program staff consists of the following interdisciplinary team members: