Hospitals that receive the Gold Performance Achievement Award have demonstrated for 24 consecutive months that at least 85 percent of coronary patients are discharged following the AHA’s recommended treatment guideline, thereby reducing the number of recurrent events and deaths in cardiovascular disease patients.

Mercy – Dubuque offers comprehensive spine surgery services, including discectomy and fusion, as well as comprehensive knee and hip replacement services, including total knee and total hip replacement. Mercy also offers a full range of cardiac care services that include inpatient cardiac care, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery.

The Blue Distinction designation is awarded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare. More information is available at www.bcbs.com.

• Atherectomy
• Automatic implantable cardiac defibrillators
• Balloon angioplasty
• Bi-ventricular pacing
• Cardiac catheterization
• Carotid stenting
• Coronary artery bypass grafting
• Electrophysiology
• Heart pacemaker insertion
• Off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery
• Percutaneous coronary intervention
• Stent implantation
• Valve repair and valve replacement

For more specific information please consult your physician or heart care professional.

We realize that any cardiovascular procedure or surgery can create anxiety and worry. Understand that Mercy has a dedicated team of doctors and nurses who are fully committed to easing your mind. What’s more, we try to make the process as positive as possible.

Don’t forget that you’re a part of the healthcare team, too! If you are scheduled for a cardiac procedure at Mercy, please review the following links so you have all the information you need.

Preparing for your procedure
The day of your procedure
After your procedure

Cardiac Imaging Studies
These non-invasive procedures study cardiac function and blood flow while the heart beats.

Chest X-Ray
X-rays are non-invasive radiograph projections and are among the most common tests taken.

Echocardiogram
A non-invasive, non-radiation procedure, echocardiograms use sound waves to create a very detailed, moving picture of the heart.

EKG
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive recording of your heart. The test reports the electrical activity of your heart through electrodes that are placed on various parts on your body.

Electrophysiology Test
This non-invasive test records the electrical activity and pathways of your heart by safely reproducing its abnormal rhythm.

Graded Exercise Testing
Non-invasive, this test evaluates heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption during exercise.

Heart MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is non-invasive and uses large magnets and radio-frequency waves to create images of the heart’s pumping cycle. No X-ray exposure is involved.

Myocardial Biopsy
This test is done during invasive cardiac catheterization or similar procedures. It is used to remove small pieces of tissue from the heart muscle which are then sent off for testing.

Pericardiocentesis
Also called a pericardial tap, this invasive procedure involves a needle and catheter to remove fluid from the sac around the heart. The fluid is then sent to a lab for tests.

Stress Echo
This test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary cycle while being monitored.

Stress Radionuclide
This procedure involves injecting a radioactive isotope that is absorbed by the heart. Images are then obtained during rest and exercise.

Stress Test
Sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, stress tests are a non-invasive procedure that shows if the blood supply is reduced during exercise.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
An invasive procedure, TEE uses sound waves to produce an image of the heart. These waves travel through a tube-like device put in the mouth and passed down the throat into the esophagus.

Gender: Men have a higher risk of heart attack and at a younger age than women.

Heredity: Children whose parents have a history of heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. African Americans have more severe high blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease than Caucasians. Mexican American, American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and some Asian American also have a higher risk of heart disease.

Now that you know the risks, download our “Healthy Living Guide.” It’s full of information you can use to help you become — and stay — heart smart.

High Cholesterol: High cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease especially when other risk factors are present.

High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure.

Physical Inactivity: Regular physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Obesity and Overweight: Excess weight raises blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Diabetes Mellitus: About three-quarters of people with diabetes die from some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

The same day surgery unit was outstanding! They couldn’t have been more accommodating, the cheerful staff explained the proceedure to the fullest, and checked and rechecked constantly. The professionalism, courtesy, and attitude of the staff was over the top. I would recommend Mercy to anyone.

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The outpatient surgery nurses at Mercy were friendly and understanding of all my concerns. Dr. Schemmel did a great job repairing the knee, and I was back racing and winning within weeks. I’m sure to them it was routine, but to me it was a big deal and they were really respectful of that. Thank you, Mercy.