Alex G Spanos Heart and Vascular Center - Dignity Health - Mercy General Hospital

We diagnose and treat a range of heart conditions, including: 

• Aortic aneurysm repair

• Aortic atherosclerosis

• Aortic valve stenosis

• Angina

• Arrhythmias

• Atherosclerosis

• Atrial fibrillation (Afib)

• Blood clots

• Cardiac amyloidosis

• Cardiac arrest

• Cardiomyopathy

• Carotid artery disease

• Chest pain

• Congenital heart disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Heart valve disease

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Palpitations

• Pericardial effusion

• Pericarditis

• Peripheral artery disease

• Stroke

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

• Vasculitis

• Venous insufficiency

• Ventricular tachycardia

We provide many leading technologies at Alex G. Spanos Heart & Vascular Center - Dignity Health - Mercy General Hospital. These advanced treatments and technologies include: 

• Robot-assisted technology for heart surgery

• Epicardial and endocardial ablation combination procedures – Minimally invasive surgical and catheter procedures for atrial fibrillation

• Hybrid catheterization/surgical suites – Advanced treatment environment for cardiovascular imaging and procedures)

• Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) – Implanted mechanical pump for advanced heart failure

• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) – Minimally invasive procedure for people unable to undergo traditional open-chest valve replacement)

• Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) – Minimally invasive procedure for moderate-severe mitral valve regurgitation

• Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure technology – LAA device that reduces stroke risk due to thromboembolism

Your heart and vascular care team may include one or more specialists depending on your needs. Our skilled team focuses on building relationships with you and your family to support your long-term health.

Your care team may include:

• Cardiac electrophysiologists

• Cardiac rehabilitation specialists

• Cardiologists

• Cardiothoracic surgeons

• Interventional cardiologists

• Radiologists and other imaging specialists

In many cases, yes. Some insurance plans allow you to schedule directly with a cardiology clinic. Others may require a referral from your primary care doctor. If you’re unsure, the clinic can help you understand the next steps.

A review of your health history, lifestyle habits and recommended screenings can help you better understand your heart disease risk. Start with your primary care provider for an initial assessment. They may evaluate factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history and family history, and suggest tests like blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings or an electrocardiogram (EKG).

You can also complete our online heart health questionnaire. It offers a simple way to explore risk factors. Answer a few questions about your health history and lifestyle to receive personalized insights about your potential risk factors. These insights are designed to support conversations with your health care provider about heart health and preventive care.

Take our heart health questionnaire

Most health insurance plans cover heart services and procedures, including care visits, diagnostic testing and ongoing treatment. Coverage can vary based on your plan, provider network and whether a referral is required. 

Our staff can help verify insurance coverage, explain benefits and answer questions before your appointment, so you can focus on your care.