About Us
Physician Directory
Department & Services
Job Openings
House Calls Newsletters
Net Nursery
Patient Information
Public Health Clinic
Health-Related Web Links
JCAHO Survey - Public Notice
|
|
|
|
 |
| Cardiac Diagnosis |
 |
The Hospital District offers a variety of ways to diagnose and treat issues of the heart. In addition to the common and more traditional diagnostics, such as electrocardiograms (EKG's), stress tests, and blood tests, our cardiopulmonary department offers state-of-the-art echocardiograms and dopplers to evaluate the blood circulation in arteries and veins throughout the body. Sometimes nuclear stress tests are utilized so that a more specific reading can be made.
 Any issue with the heart can be a frightening experience. When one has chest pain, an EKG is usually the first test ordered. This is a relatively basic screening exam which can tell the physician if you are currently having a cardiac event, or if you have had one in the past. Next, the physician may order a Treadmill Stress Test which has a higher accuracy, since it is performed with the heart under stress.
The clinical term for "clogged arteries" or blockage is coronary artery disease, which slows the blood flow to the heart, and consequently, chest pain occurs. Once the artery is completely blocked, the heart attack (otherwise known as an "MI" or myocardial infarction) occurs. If a blockage is noted on the diagnostic exam, your physician may order a heart catheterization. However, if the result is negative or borderline, a Nuclear Stress Test may be indicated to check for coronary artery disease.
Angioplasty (use of a balloon to open clogged arteries), cardiac bypass surgery, and other major procedures are still referred to the tertiary care facilities, often at the Texas Medical Center. You and your physician will discuss the options if this level of care is indicated.
| |
| Cardiopulmonary Services |
 |
Pulmonary diagnosis and treatment is another service provided at MCHD by the Cardio-Pulmonary Department. Every staff member of this department is credentialed to treat your individual disease. These personnel have graduated from Respiratory Care Programs and have been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders. These disorders include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Cardio-Pulmonary personnel utilize Pulmonary Function Diagnostic equipment to diagnose the presence and severity of these lung disorders.
Once these disorders have been diagnosed, it is imperative that treatment be started to minimize the progression of the disease. Treatment and patient education by the respiratory care practitioners is important to successfully treating respiratory disorders. Of higher importance, if the person with a respiratory disorder is a smoker, it is imperative that he/she discontinues smoking immediately. In 99% of people with respiratory disorders, smoking is the causative factor. If a person continues to smoke, not only will it be extremely difficult to treat this person, but the disease process will progress much faster.
For additional information on pulmonary diagnosis and disease, please call the Cardio-Pulmonary Department, at 241-6583.
| |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation |
 |
Second Chance is a Cardiac (heart) and Exercise Program offered by Matagorda County Hospital District. If you have an existing heart condition this is an opportunity for you to take control of your life and significantly improve how you feel every day.
A special exercise program will be designed to fit your individual needs and capabilities. You will rotate among various exercise stations that include treadmill, bike, Nordic Track, and arm and leg resistance exercises. Your physician will determine the proper exercise level for you at each of these stations.
Your heart and blood pressure will be monitored and your exercise supervised by Licensed personnel. Since your personal program will be prescribed according to your ability, levels will be increased as tolerated. Remember your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle it responds to exercise and becomes stronger.
Included with the Exercise Program is a dietary consultation given by a Registered Dietitian. Our goal is to supply you with the proper tools for a heart-healthy program that can effectively help you control cholesterol levels in the blood supply.
One-hour sessions are held Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Fitness Room at Matagorda General Hospital.
As a graduate of the Second Chance Exercise Program you will be eligible to use the exercise equipment unsupervised at your own convenience (with your physician's okay). This will help you finish making the changes in your lifestyle that you have already started and can truly improve your quality of life.
To get started, ask your doctor about whether you might benefit from this program. You must have your physician's permission to enter the exercise program. It will also be necessary to have an exercise electrocardiogram to ensure your ability to participate.
In many instances, your insurance will pay most of the cost of the program fee. If you are interested or have questions, call the Cardio-Pulmonary Department at (979) 241-6583.
 | |