Heart Care (Cardiology)

A strong and healthy heart is central to your well-being. When you come to Astera Health with questions or concerns, your heart health is in good hands. We have teamed up with top-ranked CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center to provide heart care close to home.

What Is Cardiology?

Cardiology is the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). At Astera Health, we are committed to providing you with the medical services you need to maintain good heart health. The heart specialists at our not-for-profit clinic in Wadena, Minnesota would be happy to consult with you about your concerns. Consider the many types of cardiology services we offer to help our patients achieve a healthier heart. You do not need a referral in order to receive our exceptional cardiology care.

CONTACT US

To schedule a heart appointment with our cardiologists, please call: 218-631-7579

High-Quality Cardiology Care

CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center is one of the leading heart care providers in the nation. In an annual ranking by U.S. News & Report, CentraCare was ranked in the country’s top 50 for cardiology and heart surgery. With access to a team of over 60 providers, this partnership improves access to high-quality healthcare for patients in the Astera Health area. Expansive service offerings include heart surgery, electrophysiology, and a structural heart program. The CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center also offers the latest life-saving technologies, with a research department where patients have access to new drugs and therapies, such as 4D holograms and other imaging modalities.

Atrial Fibrillation Management

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heartbeat. This condition increases your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems. We can help you manage this disease and possibly even correct it, depending on the underlying cause and how long you’ve had it.

Cardiac Diagnostic Testing

New tests are continually being developed to further the understanding of cardiovascular disease. Thanks to our high level of experience and expertise, you can visit us with full confidence, knowing that we’ll have the proper test to diagnose your heart condition.

Cardiac Nutrition

Diet is an important part of your overall heart health. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery, or you simply want to keep your heart strong, we can advise you on what proper cardiac nutrition entails.

Cardiologist Interpretations

In addition to performing all of the above cardiac diagnostic tests, we also provide expert interpretations of the results. Our cardiologists are highly experienced and qualified medical professionals, able to offer sensible advice on what treatments you should seek next.

Echocardiography

Also known simply as an echo, this non-invasive test evaluates the chambers and valves of the heart using sound waves. As the technician passes an ultrasound probe across your chest, sound waves bounce off your heart, generating an image on a monitor. This simple test can reveal a great deal about the pumping function of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

This diagnostic test records the electrical activity of the heart, which reveals abnormal rhythms known as arrhythmias. EKGs can also sometimes detect damage to the heart muscle.

Holter Monitoring

For this test, patients wear a portable, battery-operated EKG machine to record their heartbeats for 24 to 48 hours as they go about their regular activities. After the allotted period is up, the patient returns to our doctor’s office so the results can be read and evaluated.

Nuclear Medicine Stress Testing

This test, also known as a myocardial perfusion scan, uses a small amount of radioactive intravenous (IV) dye and an imaging machine to generate pictures of the blood flowing to your heart. Measurements may be taken both while you’re exerting yourself and resting. The results reveal areas with poor blood flow or heart damage.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD) Management

PAD is a circulatory problem that occurs when narrow arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. We help our patients manage this condition to decrease uncomfortable symptoms and stop the progression of clogged or hardened arteries that could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Vascular Ultrasound

While echocardiography focuses primarily on the heart’s function, a vascular ultrasound assesses the entire circulatory system to help identify blockages and blood clots in your arteries and veins. A Doppler ultrasound study, which evaluates blood flow through your blood vessels, is usually part of this exam.

Caring for our patients is at the core of what we do here at Astera Health. It’s not just our purpose—it’s our privilege. If you’re ready to improve your health, please contact our heart doctors in Wadena today.