Wellstar Douglas Hospital

Remote heart monitoring technology is helping Wellstar patients prevent heart failure flare-ups by keeping their providers up-to-date with real-time information about their health.

The CardioMEMS HF system monitors pulmonary artery pressure. Changes in pressure are an early indicator of worsening heart failure, but providers can often address the issue through some easy adjustments to the patient’s care. 

The system gives patients and providers the opportunity to be more proactive in heart care, reducing hospitalizations and helping prevent acute heart failure episodes.

“With heart failure, as with all health issues, it’s best to take preventative action and stop problems from occurring,” Dr. Hans Lee, medical director for Wellstar's congestive heart failure program, said. “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.”

The device is implanted by an interventional cardiologist. Once the sensor is implanted, patients take daily readings at their convenience, saving trips to the doctor’s office. Physicians then review the data and contact the patient if needed.

Wellstar offers this technology at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, Wellstar Paulding Hospital and Wellstar Douglas Hospital. 

Consult with your Wellstar cardiologist to learn whether the CardioMEMS system could be beneficial for your care plan. To find a cardiologist, visit our heart care page. 

When someone has breast cancer, catching it early can be life-saving. As part of Wellstar’s efforts to address health inequity and enhance the well-being of those we serve, Wellstar recently offered free mammograms so local women could check in on their breast health.

A $5,000 grant from the American Cancer Society provided the mammograms, helping to remove barriers to healthcare access. Mammograms, which were promoted through the American Cancer Society website, were available at imaging facilities at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Wellstar Cobb Hospital, Wellstar Douglas Hospital and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. 

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, excluding skin cancer. 

“Unfortunately, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, so early detection is key,” said Dr. Paula Greaves, Wellstar’s chief women’s health officer. “There are some risk factors that women cannot change, such as genetics, but there are some that women can reduce, such as smoking and nutrition.”

Breast cancer is more treatable when it is caught early and treatment can start as soon as possible. 

“Mammograms are essential in early detection,” Dr. Greaves said. “It is recommended that women start getting mammograms at age 40, or earlier if there has been a family history of breast cancer — and to continue not only getting mammograms but seeing their gynecologist for regular breast exams.”

To ensure our communities are educated about cancer screenings and have access to essential care, Wellstar has partnered with the American Cancer Society’s Return to Screening initiative. 

“The American Cancer Society’s Return to Screening initiative has brought together mammography leaders from across the state for a meeting once a month to brainstorm and collaborate on ways to get women to have their annual screening mammograms,” said Lynn Hanks, executive director of medical imaging operations for Wellstar. “The learning collaborative allows us to share best practices and what has been successful at other locations.”

To schedule a mammogram, call (678) 581-5900.