Much like the plumbing system in your house, your body has tubes and vessels that circulate blood. Directly or indirectly, this piping system is connected to your heart, the body’s primary pump.

As your heart beats, it moves oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and also carries away waste. Arteries move blood away from the heart. Veins return it. Together, this circulatory network is called your heart and vascular or cardiovascular system. Like any plumbing system, parts can wear out or breakdown. Pipes can get clogged or burst. Valves can leak or malfunction. The electrical system that stimulates the heart’s pumping action can go awry.

At Mercy, we offer comprehensive heart and vascular services, a wide variety of treatment options and advanced technologies to diagnose and treat a full range of conditions.

We also provide a full complement of cardiac rehabilitation, therapy and education services.

If you or a loved one needs ongoing care for an existing condition or is suffering possible heart or vascular symptoms, talk to a Mercy primary care provider or one of our specialists. We will be with you every step of the way to keep your heart and vascular system healthy, so you can remain active and living life to its fullest.

When an ailment of the heart requires extra attention, you may find yourself in need of a specialist. Finding a cardiologist for your care is the first step to feeling better. A cardiologist is a physician with special training and skill in finding, treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists focus on the prevention of heart disease or specific heart conditions, helping you lower your risk with lifestyle changes.

At Mercy, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons offer comprehensive services, a wide variety of treatment options and advanced technologies to diagnose and treat heart disease. We provide the highest quality of patient care and work with you and your primary care doctor at every stage of the process.

When choosing a cardiologist, ask about experience and board certification. Board-certified cardiologists have completed ten years of education and clinical training and have passed a two-day exam given by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Your cardiologist may talk with you about your risk for heart and blood flow problems, including heart attack and stroke. You and your doctor can then decide whether you need to lower your risk and what treatment is best for you.

Getting answers to the following questions will give you information about your heart health and what you can do to improve it. Consider these questions during your next visit to the cardiologist:

• Am I at risk for heart disease?
• What is my blood pressure reading, and what do I need to do about it?
• What do my cholesterol numbers mean for me, and what should I do about them?
• What is my body mass index (BMI)? Do I need to lose weight for my health?
• Does my blood sugar level mean I’m at risk for diabetes?
• What other heart disease screenings do I need?
• How often should I return for checkups for my heart health?
• What are the warning signs of heart disease and stroke?
• How can I tell if I’m having a heart attack?
• (If you smoke) What can you do to help me quit smoking?
• How much physical activity do I need to help protect my heart? What kinds of activities are helpful?
• What is a heart healthy eating plan for me? Should I see a registered dietitian or qualified nutritionist to learn more about healthy eating?

Mercy’s heart and vascular team of specially trained cardiologists, technologists and nurses will provide you with the very best heart care, so you can do more of what you love.