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Article Category: Highlights

Advanced Heart Care Close to Home

Published on February 23, 2022

Last updated 10:16 AM February 23, 2022

Illustration of cardiovascular experts repairing a heart together.

When it comes to getting high-quality care for your heart, you can count on Wellstar.

Because we know well starts with healthy hearts, we offer leading expertise, innovative treatments and compassionate care to protect your cardiovascular health.

From heart attacks and rehabilitation to cardiac surgery and psychological support, your heart is in expert hands at Wellstar.

High-tech heart treatments

As part of the largest Emergency Cardiac Care Center (ECCC) network in Georgia, Wellstar ensures world-class heart care is never far away.

Our cardiac experts are ready to treat patients like Brett Faucett at the first signs of a heart attack. We use high-tech equipment — including electrocardiograms (EKG), chest X-rays and cardiac catheterization — to diagnose heart attacks quickly.

Getting the right care can minimize or even prevent heart damage. That’s why Wellstar relies on the most advanced treatments, such as Shockwave technology, medicines and life-saving cardiac surgery, to effectively prevent and treat heart attacks as fast as possible.

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital has a new cardiac hybrid operating room, bringing a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one place. With catheter-based procedures, our interventional cardiologists can provide expert, minimally invasive heart attack care.

We also perform structural heart procedures, including valve repairs and replacements, along with cardiac surgery and electrophysiology procedures that can determine the cause of heart rhythm problems.

At Wellstar, we don’t just treat heart conditions when they happen. Our providers also offer world-class preventative care, helping people like Latoya Jordan catch chronic conditions — such as high blood pressure — at the very start.

That way, you can continue to be the healthiest you.

Care that never skips a beat

If an on-going heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), is keeping you down, Wellstar has a team of experts who can help.

When Frank Ryan’s heart had trouble keeping pace and kept him from playing the tuba, he felt off-beat in everyday life. After getting specialized care at Wellstar, he’s back in the band again.

Wellstar Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Narendra Kanuru shared state-of-the-art treatments available for heart rhythm disorders.

“Along with advanced medical therapies, we have numerous interventional or surgical therapies, including pacemakers, defibrillators and other advanced cardiac devices as well as cardiac catheter ablation,” Dr. Kanuru said.

Cardiac catheter ablation is a non-surgical procedure available at Wellstar that helps restore a regular heart rhythm by blocking abnormal electrical signals.

With the latest advances in electrophysiology at Wellstar, we’re keeping hearts going strong.

Hope for heart failure

Wellstar also provides expert care for people with congestive heart failure like Bow Matthews. The husband and father-of-two found support from our Heart Failure Academy and learned how to take care of his well-being for the long haul.

To help prevent heart failure flare-ups, Wellstar offers a remote heart monitoring technology that provides real-time health information to our providers.

“With heart failure, as with all health issues, it’s best to take preventative action and stop problems from occurring,” said Dr. Hans Lee, Medical Director for the Wellstar Congestive Heart Failure program. “Monitoring your heart health and staying in touch with your cardiologist can help keep you out of the hospital and keep your heart in shape.”

For those whose hearts need extra assistance like Mike Clements, a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) can be a game-changer. An LVAD is a battery-powered pump that is surgically implanted to help the heart more effectively pump blood.

"An LVAD gives patients with severe heart failure the opportunity to get their lives back,” said Dr. Brian Howard, Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure & LVAD program at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. “These life-saving devices are powerful enough to take over for the failing heart. They allow patients to enjoy life with their loved ones as they await a heart transplant, and in some cases, they even serve as an alternate to a heart transplant entirely.”

At the Heart Failure Clinic at Wellstar Cobb Hospital and the Advanced Heart Failure Program at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, trained experts provide specialized care for those with heart failure and LVAD implants, helping to improve quality of life.

After Mike received his LVAD implant, he was able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Thanks to advanced technology available at Wellstar, patients with heart failure can keep doing what matters most.

Specialized support services

Wellstar has dedicated resources to help people with cardiac conditions find support.

Following a medical event like a heart attack or other serious cardiac problem, Wellstar offers cardiac rehabilitation to get people back on track.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically monitored program that provides education, support and lifestyle modifications. Our team helps you learn heart-healthy behaviors and lower your risk for future heart issues.

However, we understand health journeys aren’t just about physical healing. Dealing with heart issues can also cause many difficult mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

“At Wellstar, we wanted to build out a program just for our cardiovascular patients because behavioral health and cardiac health are really closely connected,” said Dr. Shawn Coyne, Wellstar Director of Health Psychology & Cardiac Psychologist. “In fact, cardiac patients are three times more likely to be depressed than the general population.”

After living with three chronic heart conditions for years, John Petrick found solace in meeting with a Wellstar cardiac psychologist. Now, he’s learned new coping skills and how to prioritize his mental well-being.

With Wellstar’s support services at the ready, patients with complex conditions can better understand themselves and their overall health.

Care to keep your heart healthy

No matter what your cardiovascular concerns may be, Wellstar is dedicated to helping people with heart conditions live life to the fullest.

Learn more about how Wellstar is protecting heart health in Georgia, and how you can take control of your cardiac health.

Tags

Narendra Kumar Kanuru Hans Hanwoo Lee Brian Gaston Howard
Shawn Marie Coyne Heart Care
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Illustration of blood clot

Highlights

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center Completes 250 Procedures Treating Venous Thromboembolism

The peripheral vascular care team at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, a leading facility in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), has completed its 250th venous thromboembolism (VTE) procedure.

According to the American Heart Association, VTE is the third most common vascular diagnosis after heart attacks and strokes, and affects between 300,000 and 600,000 Americans each year. There are two types of VTE: 

  • Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep vein. It usually occurs in the leg, but it can also appear in the arms.
  • A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot breaks off the vein and travels to the lungs, blocking the blood supply.

VTE can be fatal and can cause lifelong disability. Early intervention is crucial. At Wellstar North Fulton, the heart care team was an early adopter of a groundbreaking treatment for VTE, which uses a catheter to remove the clot. The healthcare provider inserts the catheter through the groin and navigates it to the clot for treatment. 

“This has been a game changer in the treatment of this disease,” said Wellstar Cardiologist Dr. Ahsan Achtchi. “We’re seeing a lot less long-term disability and a lot less deaths in patients who come to the hospital with a blood clot.”

Wellstar North Fulton continues to receive referrals from around the region for this procedure and is one of the highest volume hospitals for VTE care in metro Atlanta. 

Previous treatment options included open chest surgery, blood thinners and clot-busting medications. These methods posed a higher risk of complications, especially for patients who have recently undergone another surgical procedure. Because a recent surgery can put a patient at higher risk for VTE, using a catheter to remove the clot is safer for many patients. This new treatment method has reduced patients’ hospital stays for VTE from an average of five to seven days to only one or two days, according to Dr. Achtchi.

“Typically with this procedure, patients feel better almost immediately, and their recovery outside the hospital is a lot more complete and brisk,” he said.

Recognizing and preventing VTE

If you or someone else is showing signs of VTE, seek emergency care as soon as possible.

Symptoms of VTE include:

  • Swelling of the legs
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

Risk factors for VTE include not moving for a longer period of time—such as when someone is on bed rest following surgery—as well as some medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders or kidney disease. Your Wellstar provider can help you evaluate your risk of VTE and manage your risk factors.

Learn more about cardiovascular care at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center. 

Keep reading
Patient Ralph Aiken. Text reads "RalphCare"

PeopleCare

RalphCare

Douglasville, Georgia resident Ralph Aiken experienced a motorcycle accident in April of 2022. The 82-year-old was thrown 10 feet in the air and another 20 feet down into a hole, suffering a broken left leg below the knee. As part of his healing, Aiken worked closely with Dawnette Waters, Wellstar Physical Therapist, to rebuild muscle in the injured leg.

One fateful day while at therapy, the U.S. Army veteran suffered cardiac arrest. Due to the quick actions of Waters and members of the adjoining Wellstar Outpatient Cardiac Rehab center, EMTs were able to revive Aiken and rush him to Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, where Wellstar Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Cheryl Robertson found the cause of the cardiac event — 95% blockage of an artery. Dr. Robertson immediately inserted an atrial stent. Mr. Aiken has felt healthy since the surgery and is grateful for the team at Wellstar who saved his life. 

“Wellstar is very well-operated and efficient, and the doctors, the nurses and the therapists are top-notch. I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the therapy staff,” Aiken says, choking up.

In early March of this year, Aiken enthusiastically reunited with his entire care team at Wellstar. Smiles and hugs were the mood of the day, as each recalled the events that led to Aiken still being with us to enjoy life.

Today, Aiken continues to exercise and is proud of his active lifestyle, despite his age. “Look at me. How many 82-year-old men have a 34-inch waist and an arm muscle like that?” he says, showing off his impressive bicep.

Keep reading
Illustration of group of people. Wellstar and Best of Cobb logos

Highlights

Wellstar Team Members Voted Best of Cobb

The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:

  • Bruce Alayof, MD
    Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
    Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Second Place

  • Kyle Brown
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Personal Trainer, Second Place

  • Ryan Breshears, PhD
    Wellstar Clinical Psychology
    Best Psychologist, Second Place

  • Ryan Cantwell, MD
    Wellstar Internal Medicine
    Best Family Physician, First Place
    Best General Practice Doctor, Second Place

  • Kozue Cunningham
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Massage Therapist, First Place

  • Diedre Greene, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, Second Place

  • Amy Gross
    Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
    Best Physical Therapist, First Place

  • Ashish Kapila, DPM
    Wellstar Podiatry
    Best Podiatry, Third Place

  • Amy Kewin, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, First Place

  • Keisha McClure
    Wellstar Health Place
    Best Massage Therapist, Third Place

  • Eduardo Molinary, MD
    Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine
    Best Pulmonary Medicine, Third Place

  • David Parks, MD
    Wellstar ENT
    Best ENT Specialist, First Place

  • Dhaval Patel, MD
    Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
    Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place

  • Daniel Saade, MD
    Wellstar Pediatrics
    Best Pediatrician, Third Place

  • Carolyn Smallwood, DO
    Wellstar Primary Care
    Best General Practice Doctor, First Place
    Best Family Physician, Second Place

  • Randall Webb, MD
    Wellstar OB/GYN
    Best OB/GYN, Third Place

  • Wellstar Atherton Place
    Senior Living and Memory Care
    Best Nursing Home, Third Place

  • Wellstar Health Place
    Best Fitness Center/Gym, First Place

  • Wellstar Health Place
    Best Yoga/Barre/Pilates Studio, Third Place

  • Wellstar Health Place
    A Healthier You- Medical Fitness
    Best Weight Loss Clinic, Third Place

  • Wellstar Pediatrics at 3707 Largent Way
    Best Pediatric Group, First Place

  • Wellstar Pediatrics at 760 Kennesaw Avenue
    Best Pediatric Group, Second Place

  • Wellstar Pediatrics at 121 Marble Mill Road
    Best Pediatric Group, Third Place
Keep reading
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