Heart Care - Dignity Health - St. Mary Medical Center

We offer a range of cardiac diagnostic services in the Long Beach area. These tests help us evaluate your heart function, identify issues and create a treatment plan for conditions like heart disease. Our diagnostic tests include:

• 128-slice computed tomography (CT) scan, which helps detect diseases of the heart, valves, aorta and coronary arteries
• Cardiac catheterization test, which checks for problems in the coronary arteries
• Echocardiogram (echo) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), types of ultrasound that evaluates how your heart muscle and valves are working 
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), which checks for problems with the heart’s electrical activity 
• Electrophysiology study, to help diagnose heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
• Stress test, which monitors how your heart functions while exercising or under exertion

At St. Mary Medical Center, we treat a variety of common and complex heart and vascular conditions. Our specialists are highly experienced in caring for problems such as:

• Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders)

• Atherosclerosis 

• Atrial fibrillation

• Atrial flutter

• Chest pain and angina

• Coronary artery disease

• Heart attack

• Heart failure

• Heart valve disease

• High cholesterol and triglycerides

• High blood pressure

• Stable angina

• Supraventricular tachycardia 

• Ventricular tachycardia

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Our specialists have expertise in many advanced heart care procedures, including but not limited to:

• Angiograms

• Cardioversion

• Coronary angioplasty and stent placement

• Heart surgery

• Heart valve surgery

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement

• Pacemaker implantation

• Pacemaker or ICD replacement

• Peripheral artery angioplasty and stent placement

• Radiofrequency ablation

• Thoracic surgery

Yes, St. Mary Medical Center provides 24/7 care for cardiac emergencies from a highly trained, specialized team. We are a designated STEMI Receiving Center, meeting strict standards for heart attack treatment. 

A STEMI is a serious type of heart attack that happens when plaque buildup blocks blood flow to the heart. When EMS identifies a STEMI, they transport patients directly to our center for rapid, advanced treatment, helping reduce the risk of permanent heart damage.

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:

• Cardiologists

• Cardiac electrophysiologists

• Cardiac rehabilitation specialists

• Cardiothoracic surgeons

• Interventional cardiologists

• Radiologists and other imaging specialists

• Vascular surgeons

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 suggest tests like blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings or an electrocardiogram (EKG). 

A review of your health history, lifestyle habits and recommended screenings can help you better understand your heart disease risk. You can also complete our online heart health questionnaire, which guides you through a few simple questions about your health history, lifestyle and risk factors. It provides personalized insights based on your responses and may help inform conversations with your health care provider about your potential heart disease risk and next steps in care.

Complete the heart health questionnaire

Heart disease happens when fatty deposits called plaque build up 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, they may be signs of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 right away and go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Find a cardiologist

In many cases, yes. Some health insurance plans allow you to schedule directly with a cardiology clinic. Others may require a referral from your primary care provider (PCP). If you’re unsure, please confirm your referral requirements with your insurance plan.

You can also use our Find a Doctor tool to find a primary care provider (PCP) or cardiologist who meets your health care needs.