Heart doctors in South Tampa

Heart care you can trust is always available at Memorial Hospital of Tampa. Our staff is prepared to offer emergency heart attack treatment and our cardiac catheterization lab is open 24/7. Combined with a full spectrum of cardiac imaging services, our hospital provides all the resources needed to restore your heart health.

To learn more about heart care at our hospital, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (855) 245-8329.

Heart screening and imaging

A wide range of advanced cardiac imaging procedures are performed at our hospital for both diagnostic and screening purposes. We look for potential blockages and abnormalities in an effort to prevent a damaging cardiac event, such as a heart attack. (screening services require a physician referral)

The following imaging exams and tests are offered at our hospital:

  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—This exam uses MRI technology, which uses magnetic fields instead of radiation, to create a detailed image of the heart.
  • Echocardiogram—This is an advanced type of ultrasound that examines the heart.
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram—This specialized type of echocardiogram uses a scope inserted through the mouth to closely examine the heart without imaging interference from the ribs or lungs.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)—This is an imaging procedure that examines the heart's electrical activity by tracking electrical impulses on a graph.
  • Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)—This is a specialized type of CT scan that examines the coronary arteries for blockages, such as a buildup of plaque.
  • Exercise stress testing—This exam puts the heart under stress, such as exercise, while monitoring vital signs and the heart's functionality via EKG.
  • Nuclear cardiac stress testing—This exam involves a cardiac stress test that is enhanced using nuclear medicine to view changes in the heart that occur prior to and after the stress test.

Cardiac catheterization lab

Our cardiac catheterization (cath) lab is a dedicated location where physicians can visualize the heart and arteries, identifying blockages and abnormalities. It is equipped with diagnostic imaging equipment so your cardiologist can make a swift diagnosis and provide immediate treatment, if needed.

A range of lifesaving heart and vascular procedures are performed in the cath lab, including:

  • Angiograms
  • Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations
  • Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs)
  • Peripheral vascular angioplasties and stenting

Cardiovascular conditions we treat

Our team of board-certified cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists works hard to treat:

Several of the heart conditions we treat can be chronic, or long-lasting conditions. Because of this, we offer physical therapy and rehabilitation options for cardiac patients looking to increase their quality of life through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Treatment for heart attacks

A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in the nearest emergency room (ER). Upon arrival to the ER at Memorial Hospital of Tampa, patients exhibiting heart attack symptoms are taken to our cardiac cath lab to be examined for blockages in the coronary arteries.

If a blockage is found, cardiologists may perform a PCI. This procedure uses a catheter to place a stent in the blocked blood vessel to open up the artery and restore proper blood flow.

Common heart attack symptoms

Recognizing signs of a heart attack could save a life. When you identify the signs of a potential heart attack, don't wait, call 911 immediately. Remember, heart attack signs may manifest differently in men and women. Common signs and symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Cold sweat
  • Discomfort in the upper portion of the body, such as the back, neck, stomach, arms or jaw
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath

Heart attack symptoms that are more commonly experienced by women include:

  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Jaw or back pain
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Uncomfortable pressure in the chest

Treatment for heart arrhythmias

A heart arrhythmia is defined as an abnormal heart rhythm—it may be too fast, too slow or beating irregularly. Sometimes heart arrhythmias are benign and cause no outward symptoms. However, in some cases they pose a threat to your cardiac health and require treatment.

All types of arrhythmias are diagnosed and treated at our hospital, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). Your treatment will be determined based on the type of arrhythmia you are experiencing. Treatments offered at our hospital include:

  • Pacemaker insertion
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion
  • Cardioversion for AFib