The days of having to leave our area for excellent cardiac care are behind us. In fact, with our cardiac care network - which combines the doctors, technologies and impressive resources ofSt. Joseph's Highland, St. Elizabeth's Belleville and St. Joseph's Breese (the Southern Illinois Division of the Hospital Sisters Health System), the cardiac care in our region has never been better.

Prevention
At St. Joseph's Hospital, we offer a full array of diagnostic services to detect cardiovascular problems early on- before more serious conditions happen such as heart attacks and strokes. These diagnostics include stress tests, heart scans and ultrasounds which are used to identify any abnormal blood flow to the heart. In cases where a heart attack has already occurred, we use these same tests to determine the extent of the damage to the heart muscle and/or measure heart function.

Emergency Care
Should you experience chest pain or think you've having a heart attack (warning signs & symptoms), our experienced team of cardiologists, ER physicians, nurses and other team members work to improve your outcome and quality of life.That's because every second counts when it comes to your heart. By choosing a hospital that is only minutes from home, we are able to quickly diagnose and treat you with the most advanced medicine available- including a clot-busting drug that stops some heart attacks and strokes while they're happening.

Advanced Treatment
Formore advanced treatment, a single call alerts the cardiac team at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, our sister hospital in Belleville, to prepare you for cardiac cath or open heart procedures.

Cardiac Rehab
St. Joseph's Hospital also offers a proven-effective Cardiac Rehab program- combining exercise and education to strengthen the heart and teach participants how to make heart-healthy choices. In our program, patients will work on:

• Enhancing strength and reconditioning
• Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides
• Altering risk factors to prevent the progression of heart disease
• Improving muscle strength
• Improving self-confidence
• Lowering blood pressure
• Allowing a more prompt and safe return to work

Our Cardiac Rehab team is trained to assist participants in all areas of cardiac care- including nursing, dietary, social service, physical therapy and pharmacy. In addition, a cardiologist will oversee your progress and your primary physician is kept informed of your status. For more information, contact the Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab at (618) 651-2755.