Two Specialties. One Team

Because cardiac disease and vascular disease often go hand in hand, Saint Agnes combines both fields of medicine into one comprehensive Cardiovascular Institute. As a result, we offer comprehensive cardiovascular care; using the latest technology, we accurately diagnose cardiovascular disease in both emergency and exploratory situations.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include the new $2 million Cardiac Catheterization Lab, the $3 million Vascular Lab and innovative Vascular operating room. This cutting-edge technology, combined with our top cardiologists and vascular surgeons, make Saint Agnes a leader in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and heart disease.

Our cardiovascular team are among the best in Maryland at rapidly treating cardiac and vascular emergencies as well as more subtle diseases that develop over time such as arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, varicose veins and other venous diseases. Most importantly, all of our Saint Agnes physicians are deeply committed to a multidisciplinary approach to determine the most effective treatment for each individual patient.

Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

The Cardiovascular Institute at Saint Agnes Hospital is passionate when it comes to being proactive in catching cardiovascular diseases before they become an emergency.

Vascular Disease Prevention.
30 minutes could save your life.

Vascular disease refers to any disease that affects the blood vessels, arteries or veins outside of the heart. One of the most common vascular diseases is arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This disease is often a cause of a build up of cholesterol within the artery making it difficult for blood to flow. As this occurs over various parts of the body it becomes a disease known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
If you

• Smoke
• Suffer form high blood pressure
• Suffer from high cholesterol
• Are diabetic
• Have been diagnosed with or have a family history of heart disease

The best way to detect and prevent complications from vascular disease is to participate in a vascular screening. These screenings are painless and only take 30 minutes. The results are reviewed by our expert, vascular surgeons. The screenings include:

• Carotid Artery Ultrasound- detects plaque that could lead to stroke
• Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound – helps detect the potential for aneurysm
• Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) - Detects PAD

These tests can help you take a proactive approach to your healthcare and prevent a heart attack, aneurysm or stoke. Please take advantage of these free screenings today by calling 1-877-410-8272 (VASC).

Heart Disease Prevention

Coronary Heart Disease is the result of the build up of fatty deposits in the arterial walls which reduce blood flow to the heart thus damaging the heart muscle. Our Cardiologists provide a variety of services for those who are at risk of coronary heart disease. You may be at risk if you are:

• Overweight
• Smoke
• Have a history of heart disease in your family

The Cardiovascular Institute offers the following heart disease services:

• Heart Failure Center-- Our team members work with you and your physician to manage your heart failure symptoms and provide you with the education you need to keep you feeling well and out of the hospital. Call 410-368-8912 to learn more.
• Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation-- A monitored exercise and education program for patients with a variety of heart-related illnesses as well as those recovering from heart attack and bypass surgery. For a complete list of convenient hours call 410-368-2246.
• Healthy Heart Program-- Our vast outreach and education programs, collectively called the Healthy Heart Program, covers a variety of topics related to the prevention of heart disease as well as general wellness techniques, free screening services and early heart attack symptom recognition. Learn more about our Heart Healthy Program offerings. Call 410-368-2246.  

More Information

Women's Heart Health Podcast

Recently Dr. Shannon Winakur was featured on the radio program, Women Talk Live to discuss the symptomatic differences between being stressed out and having a heart attack.  Dr. Winakur also provides valuable tips on how to prevent cardiovascular disease.  Click here to listen to Dr. Winakur's interview.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

If you see or have any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately

• Chest discomfort
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
• Shortness of breath

Stroke Warning Signs

If you see or have any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Provided by the American Heart Association.

 

Videos

Dr. Michael Zatina discusses vascular disease.

Dr. Carlos Ince discusses cardiovascular disease prevention.