Heart Care - Dignity Health - Mark Twain Medical Center

At the Heart and Vascular Center, you have access to diagnostic and treatment services for an array of heart conditions. Proper testing helps us identify and address heart disease and can also help prevent a heart attack or stroke. We focus on the special characteristics of heart disease in women, and we also diagnose and treat heart failure, coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular problems.

We rely on several methods to evaluate your heart health, including:

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound picture of your heart

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): A test that records the heart’s electrical impulses

• Pulmonary function testing: Breathing tests to measure how well your lungs work

Our cardiac rehabilitation program consists of exercise and education to help you resume and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We work with you to develop an individualized rehab plan, including supervised exercise while we monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure. We also help you learn how to lower your risk for coronary artery disease.

Our experienced cardiac rehabilitation team at the Mark Twain Medical Center includes a medical director, registered nurse, respiratory therapist, social worker, physical therapist, and dietitian. Our staff has extensive experience working with people of all ages.

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps evaluate, treat and manage breathing problems. We treat patients with lung conditions such as: 

• Asthma

• Bronchiectasis

• Bronchitis

• Emphysema

• Interstitial lung disease

• Pulmonary fibrosis

Our specialized pulmonary rehabilitation team at the Heart and Vascular Center at Mark Twain Medical Center includes a medical director, registered nurse, respiratory therapist, social worker, physical therapist and dietitian. 

Our goal is to: 

• Reduce shortness of breath

• Improve your activity tolerance

• Provide education on the proper use and maintenance of your breathing equipment

• Empower you with self-care strategies for home management

• Collaborate closely with your physician to ensure continuous progress monitoring

We work together to help you have a better overall quality of life.

Most health insurance plans and Medicare cover cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy services when they are medically necessary. Coverage details may vary based on your plan, diagnosis and number of visits allowed. Our team at (209) 754-2643 can help verify insurance coverage, explain benefits and answer questions before you begin therapy.

Heart disease happens when fatty deposits called plaque buildup inside the coronary arteries of your heart. This buildup can reduce blood flow, which can result in common warning signs, such as:

1. Chest discomfort

2. Fatigue or weakness

3. Irregular or rapid heartbeat

4. Shortness of breath

5. Swelling in the legs or feet

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be helpful to schedule an appointment with our cardiologists for support.

Knowing your heart disease risk can help you take steps to support your heart health. 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 recommend tests such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, or an electrocardiogram (EKG). 

You can also complete our online heart disease questionnaire to learn more. 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

In many cases, yes. Some insurance plans allow you to schedule directly with a cardiologist. Others may require a referral from your doctor. If you’re unsure, check with your primary care provider.

Use our Find a Doctor tool to find a primary care provider.