Heart Services
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are key in preventing the complications associated with heart disease and stroke. At Albany Memorial Hospital and Samaritan Hospital, we provide a full range of diagnostic tests, including EKGs, stress tests and TE Echoes. In addition, Samaritan Hospital offers cardiac catheterization, a state-of-the-art non-surgical procedure used to diagnose abnormalities in heart valves, chambers and in the coronary arteries. This procedure is used to evaluate patients exhibiting chest pain, heart murmurs or congenital abnormalities. Cardiac catheterization helps determine the best method for correction and treatment without the risks associated with exploratory surgery.
The Heart Program at Albany Memorial Hospital
An estimated two to three million Americans are affected by congestive heart failure (CHF). It accounts for more than 750,000 hospital admissions annually, many of which are avoidable.
The Heart Program at Albany Memorial Hospital is a comprehensive outpatient program for patients with CHF. Our program features outpatient treatment in a supportive, friendly environment and provides an alternative to frequent hospitalizations.
The goal of our program is to improve quality of life and promote independence with an emphasis on self-care. We provide:
Assessment - A registered nurse specially trained in cardiac disease management performs a thorough assessment at each visit. The assessment looks at weight, lung sounds, accumulation of fluids and general health status. If lab tests or x-rays are needed, they are performed at that time, eliminating the need for another trip to the hospital.
- Education - Nurses, a dietitian and other clinical staff provide education for patients and caregivers on a wide range of topics, including instructions on diet, exercise, medications, weight monitoring, social issues and home modifications.
- Follow-up - Frequent monitoring conducted by our nursing staff helps patients adhere to the recommendations of The Heart Program and identify changes in their condition.
- Support - Patients benefit not only from treatment and education, but also from the social and spiritual support that is provided.
- Communication - Our nursing staff routinely discuss each patient's condition with his/her physician, and quickly relay test results so their physician is always aware of any changes in status.
Award-Winning Inpatient Care
Congestive heart failure patients at Albany Memorial Hospital or Samaritan Hospital benefit from our award-winning CHF care plan developed to best manage your care while you are in the hospital.
Our Care Facilitator
To insure that CHF patients receive coordinated care from diagnosis to day-to-day management of their condition, our care facilitator, a registered nurse, works with patients and their physician to manage the care at any one of our Northeast Health affiliates. Our care facilitator has years of cardiac care nursing experience, and will is a resource to patients and families.
The care facilitator continues to follow the patient's progress after they return home.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation
More than seven million people in the United States suffer from angina, the most common symptom of coronary artery disease.
We are pleased to offer EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) is a state-of-the-art therapy for patients suffering with angina. Its has been shown to improve, and in some cases eliminate, the symptoms of angina.
For more information about our services, please call (518) 449-4468.