Opened in 1996, St. Joseph's Heart Center centralizes all cardiac services. Integrating clinical research with innovative and advanced diagnosis, St. Joseph's participates in pioneer studies both nationally and internationally to advance the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Our highly trained physicians, nurses and multi-disciplinary support staff make it possible for patients to find the wide variety of services they may need all under one roof.

Today's center features three state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratories; two specially designed heart surgery suites and a complete diagnostic program.

• Cardiac surgery, including new, less invasive surgical approaches
• Cardiac catheterization
• Balloon angioplasty, stenting and additional intervention treatments
• Cardiac rehabilitation

Our cardiovascular services continues to excel in our performance as measured by a number of industry standards. We are continuously raising the bar for health care in our community and invite you to view comparison results in the first edition of our Cardiovascular Outcomes report. 

St. Joseph's Heart Center has been recognized nationally and locally as a leader in comprehensive cardiac services with the following awards:

• Top 100 Interventional Cardiology 1999, HCIA
• Consumer's Choice, Most Preferred Hospital, Heart Care Services 1999, National Research Corporation
• Heart Hall of Fame Award 1999, American Heart Association

In addition to these awards, St. Joseph's Heart Center was recognized by HealthGrades.com, a new consumer-oriented Web site that uses a star system to rank cardiac programs from across the nation. The Web site ranks cardiac programs in five different areas - three procedures and two diagnoses - by comparing federal mortality data. Among Stockton-Modesto area hospitals, St. Joseph's Medical Center scored among the highest overall, receiving five stars in three out of five areas. The five-star ratings, according to HCRC, rank St. Joseph's among the nation's elite cardiac programs. St. Joseph's Medical Center received five stars for Interventional Procedures (PTCA, Angioplasty, Stent, Atherectomy), treatment of heart attacks and treatment of heart failure (hospitals that do open heart surgery).

For more information or questions, contact:
St. Joseph's Heart Center
1800 N. California Street
Stockton, CA 95204
(209) 467-6489

St. Joseph's Heart Center is dedicated to the diagnosis and intervention of heart disorders using advanced digital technology and superior imaging systems.

Diagnostic cardiac catheterization
These procedures provide images that show detailed analysis of abnormalities within the heart chamber, coronary arteries and heart valves. The patient's cardiologist and cardiac surgeon can then make the best treatment decision.

Electrophysiology
Electrophysiologists record electrical impulses that help identify and localize abnormal heart rhythms.

Non-invasive procedures
Cardiologists also use procedures such as nuclear imaging, electrocardiograms and cardiac ultrasound to diagnose heart abnormalities.

Pediatric Cardiology
On-site diagnostic and follow-up pediatric cardiology services are provided by Pediatric Cardiology specialists.

St. Joseph's team of highly trained physicians, nurses and technicians provide quality and excellence in the treatment of cardiac care.

Cardiac catheterization procedures
Coronary angioplasty, coronary stents and rotoblating are three procedures used to open or repair a blocked coronary artery, which causes a heart attack. If surgery is needed, the surgeon will have complete information and data.

In another procedure, the electrophysiologist inserts a sophisticated pacemaker for conditions that cause the heart rhythm to slow to dangerous levels, or a device that delivers an internal shock to correct life-threatening rhythm disorders.

Surgical procedures
Coronary artery bypass surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure. Cardiac surgeons also perform a variety of cardiac valve repair and replacement procedures. St. Joseph's Heart Center is fully equipped with cardiac surgical intensive care units.

REHABILITATION

The primary focus of St. Joseph's cardiac rehabilitation program is to work with patients to modify risk factors and lifestyle patterns that may contribute to heart disease. Individuals recovering from a cardiac procedure or those at risk of heart disease are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation. Program components include education, diet modification, exercise, and stress management. A comprehensive program for patients with chronic congestive heart failure is also available.

ADVANCED MEDICAL CARE

St. Joseph's Heart Center is involved in many clinical research trials, giving our patients new technologies that may improve the treatment of their heart disease. The clinical results, data collection and analysis have elevated St. Joseph's as one of the leaders in the country for cardiovascular services and keep us at the forefront of clinical practice. St. Joseph's strongly believes in the benefits of clinical research and is pleased to offer participation to all patients who qualify for a study protocol. Through our ongoing participation, St. Joseph's is able to offer our patients tomorrow's advanced medical care within our Heart Center today.

Identifying high-risk patients is a critical step in the prevention of heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders, and is an integral part of St. Joseph's cardiac program, which includes:

• Fitness testing, EKG/cardiac stress testing and cardiopulmonary stress testing
• Screening for cholesterol and glucose levels
• Evaluating and modifying diet, exercise, blood pressure and lifestyle patterns
• Heart health education classes
• The Nurse Call Center audio health library    

For a free library directory, call (209) 939-4525.

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness website featuring interactive health risk    assessments, self-care centers, health reference library, health tips, and much more