Our Cardio-Pulmonary Department has highly trained nurses and respiratory therapists to provide quality outpatient services.
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the US. Of all heart attacks that occur, 20% are silent. This means that the patient is not even aware they had a heart attack. Women under the age of 50 are twice as likely to die from a heart attack as men in the same age group. The good news is, it is the most PREVENTIBLE cause of death. Prevention is the key. It is never too late to start new health inspired habits.
Our Outpatient Cardio-Pulmonary Department is ready to assist your provider when they order testing to assess your cardiac and respiratory status. These tests include Stress Testing, Echocardiograms, Cardiac Monitoring from 2 to 14 days, Pulmonary Function Testing, Overnight Oximetry, and Sleep Studies. Our Cardiac rehab program is certified by AACVPR and ready to assists you with your recovery from a Cardiovascular event.
At Palo Alto County Health System, we care about helping you attain your best health state.
Cardio-Pulmonary
Our Outpatient Cardio-Pulmonary Department is ready to assist your provider when they order testing to assess your cardiac and respiratory status.
Services include:
- Exercise Stress Test
- Cardiac Monitoring Using Holter for 1-2 Days
- Cardiac Monitoring Using ZioPatch for 7-14 Days
- EKG
- ABI/TBI (Ankle Brachial Index / Toe Brachial Index)
- Pulmonary Function Test
- Home Sleep Test
- Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Overnight Oximetry
Specialized Services
In conjunction with Mercy One Mason City, we offer specialized services including:
- Nuclear Stress Testing
- Echocardiograms
- Stress Echocardiograms
- Overnight Sleep Study
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab is ordered following hospitalization after a qualifying cardiac event. Acute MI, open heart surgery, valve replacement, stent placement, stable angina, and CHF with an EF < 35% are qualifying events for most insurances. At Cardiac Rehab, you will learn how to manage your risk factors for heart disease. Exercise is progressed at your level while your heart rhythm is monitored. We are proud of maintaining our certification from AACVPR since 2009, attesting to the quality of our program.
Cardiac Rehab meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for up to 36 sessions.
Phase 3 Cardiac Rehab
Phase 3 Cardiac Rehab is a private pay exercise program offered after discharge from Phase 2.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps individuals with pulmonary disease lessen their symptoms by making healthy lifestyle changes and being more active. It also provides education and support to manage living with a chronic lung disease. Chronic lung disease may include emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Pulmonary Rehab meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for 6-12 weeks.
Education
Education is a very important part of Pulmonary Rehab including the following topics:
- Breathing retraining and paced activities
- Lung diseases
- Safe Exercise
- Medications
- Keeping your lungs clean and healthy
- Conserving energy
- Eating to feel better
- Managing stress
To ensure success, you must be motivated to participate and to continue to use all that you learn even after discharge from the program.
Maintenance Program
Maintenance Program is a private pay exercise program available after discharge from Pulmonary Rehab.
Sleep Studies
Sleep studies at Palo Alto County Health System are used to diagnose patients with sleep-related disorders.
Cardio-Pulmonary Practitioners
Respiratory Therapy Services
Breathe Easier With the Respiratory Therapy Service PACHS Offers
Certified in ACLS, PALS, BLS
Respiratory Diseases
The Respiratory Department plays a significant role in treating all ranges of patients with respiratory diseases.
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Other respiratory diseases not mentioned
Respiratory Care Dept Offers:
- Ventilator and BIPAP/CPAP management for all patients needing support with sleep apnea or other respiratory diseases
- MDI education on the most appropriate way to take MDI and the purpose of the patient’s medication. Nebulizer instructions and medication education
- IN-CHECK dial test to see if the MDI is appropriate for the patient’s inspiratory capacity
- Smoking cessation information
- Chest physiotherapy, the encourage vest, to aid in removal of secretions
- Pulmonary function testing: Pre/post and full PFT
- Sleep studies and sleep apnea information
Heart & Vascular Screening
Project Life
If you are 40 years old or older, consider having a heart and vascular screening at PACHS.
Checklist to Prepare for Your Life Screen
Here is some helpful information to review before your life screen at PACHS.
What is Involved in the Screenings:
Calcium score CT
You will be asked to change to a hospital gown from the waist up. The technologist will be placing three patches on your upper torso. The CT scanner will take a picture of your heart.
Cholesterol & blood sugar check
You will have blood drawn.
Carotid artery screening
You will be asked to get on an exam table and lie on your back. The technologist will be examining your neck.
Peripheral arterial disease screening
You will be asked to remove your socks and shoes. The technologist will be placing blood pressure cuffs on your upper arms and ankles.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
You will be asked to to lay on an exam table and lie on your back. The technologist will examine your abdominal area with ultrasound.
