Atrium Heart Care Programs
At Atrium Medical Center (Atrium), cardiac care does not stop after diagnosis or treatment. We make it a priority to be a part of our patients’ heart health for as long as their hearts needs us. From the Emergency Trauma Center to the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, every area of our hospital is designed with our patients’ heart care in mind.
Emergency Trauma Center
Many cardiac incidents are initially addressed in our Emergency Trauma Center at Atrium. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) brings patients suffering from cardiac symptoms into the Emergency Trauma Center, where they are quickly assessed. X-ray equipment and CT scans are available in the Emergency Trauma Center to help diagnose cardiac issues and determine the best treatment path. Because every second counts, our team at the Emergency Trauma Center is committed to giving patients the fastest and most effective cardiac care possible.
Miriam G. Knoll Heart Failure Center
The Miriam G. Knoll Heart Failure Center, which is operated jointly with The Ohio State University, provides ongoing patient care through assessment, follow-up, and progress reports with physicians, the hospital, and community services. The Heart Failure Center is designed to provide quality of life recovery for heart patients. The center staff provides education for patients and their families, taking into account the type and severity of heart failure and the individual’s age, cultural influences, and learning needs.
Heart Failure Center services include additional programs to support inpatient and outpatient care through participating in cardiovascular (heart disease) research. Heart research opportunities bring new medications and treatments earlier to patients in the Atrium service area. Research also maintains medical care at the forefront for patients in the area.
Cardiac Prevention Program
The Cardiac Prevention Program was designed by nurses and dieticians for individuals at risk of heart problems due to family history or lifestyle factors. The program blends supervised exercise, education and group support to provide a plan based on the specific needs of the patient and family.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac Rehabilitation was designed for patients who have experienced cardiac disease, heart attack, angioplasty, a pacemaker implant or open heart surgery. This program combines exercise, education and counseling to help patients resume normal activity. Cardiac Rehabilitation is staffed by registered nurses and the program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
There are three phases in the cardiac rehabilitation process at Atrium Medical Center.
- Phase One, which begins shortly after surgery, involves assisting the patient with “slow and steady” physical progress. This is the first step toward recovery.
- Phase Two involves nutrition counseling, behavior modification, supervised exercise, and group support. It is designed to help the cardiac patient regain confidence and stamina.
- Phase Three focuses on continuing recovery in a secure, familiar environment. The goal is to have patients begin unmonitored, independent exercise. It is a progressive program that may last indefinitely, depending on a patient’s goals.