Healthy
SPRING 2019
HAPPENINGS THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF
Fauquier Hospital Opens New Cath lab Cardiac Care Close to Home
Getting Heart-Healthy with Cardiac Rehab
See the Warning Signs: Early Heart Attack Care
Fauquier Health interventional cardiologist Dr. Robert Stenberg has begun seeing patients in the new Cath Lab.
New Cardiac Cath Lab Opens at Fauquier Hospital
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HEALTHY HAPPENINGS
He added, “I am new to Fauquier, but I understand we have a significant older population, with a higher potential risk for cardiac issues. Those patients may be unwilling to get certain procedures because they have to travel a ways down the road, but they are more open to necessary procedures if they are offered locally.” Mark Masonheimer, RN, manager of the Cath Lab, said that for now, only diagnostic procedures will be
offered in the Cath Lab. Procedures performed in the Cath Lab offer cardiologists a detailed look at what is happening inside and around the heart. The imaging technique requires a catheter (a long, thin tube) to be inserted in the patient’s groin or wrist. “I prefer using the wrist, when possible,” said Dr. Stenberg. “It’s typically easier on the patient.” Dye is sent through the catheter, and X-ray technology provides
PHOTOS BY KARA THORPE
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nterventional cardiologist Dr. Robert Stenberg couldn’t be happier about the recent debut of Fauquier Hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab. He said, “I love working in a smaller hospital setting. I find that the hospital staff and the community take real pride in providing the best care for patients. There is a lot of excitement here about the new services and the employees here have been great to work with.”
“I already love Fauquier County. There is a small town feel to the area which I love, but there still is easy accessibility to the big city amenities in Washington, DC. It’s the perfect location at this stage of life. This is where we plan to stay indefinitely, as we have grown children and grandchildren in the DC area.” Dr. Robert Stenberg, interventional cardiologist
Most Common Cath Lab Procedures The new Cath Lab offers diagnostic cardiac catheterizations including:
• Left Heart Catheterizations: The heart pumping function is evaluated. The heart valves’ function and condition of the coronary arteries are examined, looking for any significant blockages that may put someone at risk for a heart attack. • Right Heart Catheterization: This test measures the pressures and oxygen levels in the four main chambers of the heart, as well as in the arteries that transport blood from the heart to the lungs.
continuous moving pictures of the area being examined. The patient is given medication to relax, but is conscious during the test. Dr. Stenberg said, “Putting a person to sleep makes the procedure more complicated than it has to be. We want people to be comfortable and relaxed, but able to respond to questions or requests. Certain views of the heart can be seen more clearly if the patient can take a deep breath or move their arms
over their head, for instance.” Jamie Hutcheson, RN, is one nurse who will be assisting Dr. Stenberg during procedures. She added, “We will also have a person in the control room, live-charting each procedure.” Dr. Stenberg put his enthusiasm into words: “I love cardiac cath lab work. What is especially satisfying about this specialty is that you can really make a life-saving difference. You can truly save lives.”
• Pacemaker implant: A cardiologist might order a pacemaker implant if a patient’s heart is beating too slowly or with an irregular rhythm. • Pericardiocentesis: A procedure where the cardiologist draws off fluid that has built up in the sac that surrounds the heart. • Hemodynamics assessment: Hemodynamics looks at blood flow and how much oxygen is in the heart.
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Cardiac Testing Available at Fauquier Hospital
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n addition to cardiac procedures performed in Fauquier Hospital’s new Cardiac Cath Lab, several other imaging procedures provided at the hospital can help cardiologists diagnose and treat their patients.
Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Scans
Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers that are typically injected into the bloodstream, inhaled or swallowed. This technique provides unique information that often cannot be obtained using other imaging procedures and may offer the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages. Nuclear medicine may: • Visualize heart blood flow and function • Detect coronary artery disease and the extent of coronary stenosis • Assess damage to the heart following a heart attack 4
HEALTHY HAPPENINGS
• Evaluate treatment options such as bypass heart surgery and angioplasty • Evaluate the results of revascularization procedures • Detect heart transplant rejection • Evaluate heart function before and after chemotherapy
CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring
A Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS) scan can detect early signs of heart disease. The non-invasive diagnostic exam is performed on a low-dose CT scanner and produces highly specialized images of the heart. A board-certified radiologist evaluates the images for calcium (calcified/ hard plaque) within the coronary arteries. The amount of calcium detected is highly predictive of the amount of coronary atherosclerosis.
Echocardiogram
Fauquier Hospital’s ECHO department can perform Cardiac testing requires a doctor’s order. Call 540-316-5800 to schedule a test.
echocardiograms, using high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make pictures of your heart. Bubble studies (a noninvasive test that allows physicians to assess the flow of blood through the heart), transeosophogeal echocardiograms (TEE), echocardiograms with enhancing agent and pediatric echocardiograms are also offered.
Stress tests
A stress test, also called an exercise stress test, shows how your heart works during physical activity. Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster, an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart. The test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored. Stress testing can be useful in patients that present with abnormal EKG findings, chest pain, shortness of breath and as part of some pre-op testing.
Cardiac Rehab a Good Next Step for Heart Patients
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ccording to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only 20 to 30 percent of those who qualify for cardiac rehabilitation services actually receive the insurancecovered therapy. The goal of the CDC’s Million Hearts initiative is to boost that number to 70 percent by 2022. The CDC reports that cardiac rehab reduces death by cardiac causes by 26 to 31 percent, reduces death by all causes by 26 to 31 percent, and reduces hospitalizations by 31 percent. For those in Fauquier who have had a heart event or surgery, or are being treated for congestive heart failure or chronic chest pain, they have a choice. Fauquier Health offers a 36-session cardiac rehab program at its Wellness Center. In August 2018, the program received a three-year national certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Cardiac rehab program director Linda Costello, RN, says that she loves her job because she is able to see patients improve their quality of life. “Outcomes are very good. Many have stopped smoking and their blood pressure may improve.” The magic doesn’t happen overnight. Once referred by their doctor to the program, patients attend exercise sessions three times a week; heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar are carefully monitored. Exercise starts out slowly; duration and intensity are gradually increased. Each participant is under the direct supervision of a registered nurse at all times. Respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists lend their expertise at times during the 12 weeks. In addition to exercise therapy, cardiac rehab participants attend
Fauquier Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Where: Fauquier Health Wellness Center, 419 Holiday Court, Suite 200, Warrenton, VA. Classes: 36 exercise therapy sessions over 12 weeks, plus classes in nutrition, pharmacology, stress management, the anatomy of the heart and cardiac risk factors. Payment: The program is covered by insurance for qualifying patients. Contact: 540-316-2651 More information: www. fauquierhealth.org/our-services/ outpatient-services/wellnesscenter/cardiac-rehabilitation
classes in nutrition, medication, stress management, the anatomy of the heart, and cardiac risk factors — like diabetes or obesity. Costello says that attendees are particularly enthusiastic
Robert Simpson works with Linda Costello, RN, during a cardiac rehabilitation exercise session.
about the nutrition classes, taught by registered dietitian Beth Potter, who is also a diabetes educator. “Understanding diet is huge. Everyone has questions about diet, and they really love hearing from a dietitian about what they should be eating.” Costello would like to see more of a direct line for patients — from cardiologist or surgery — right into cardiac rehab. “Our outcomes are typically good. Whether you have had a heart attack, are having a stent inserted, heart valve repair or are seeing a cardiologist for stable angina, cardiac rehab should often be your next step.” THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF
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Early Heart Attack Care Like other diseases, heart attacks have early signs and symptoms. These beginnings may occur in 50 percent of patients. Timely treatment can help prevent permanent heart damage.
What is EHAC?
Early Heart Attack Care (or EHAC) education teaches you to recognize the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack. About 750,000 people in the U.S. have heart attacks each year. Of those, about 116,000 die. Many of these patients experienced early symptoms.
Heart Attacks: Men vs. Women Some heart attack symptoms can be different between men and women. Because people don’t understand the signs, women may be less likely to seek immediate medical care, which can cause more damage to the heart. • Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm or side of chest, but in women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. • Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous. • Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw. • Women may experience stomach pain, which they may attribute to flu, heartburn or an ulcer.
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HEALTHY HAPPENINGS
Early Signs of a Heart Attack • Feeling of fullness • Pain that travels down one or both arms • Jaw pain • Excessive fatigue or weakness • Anxiety • Nausea or vomiting • Back pain • Shortness of breath • Chest pressure, squeezing, aching or burning • Some people may present with atypical symptoms — like a sharp or “knife-like” pain that occurs with coughing or breathing, pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body, or difficult or labored breathing.
DID YOU KNOW? Most heart damage can occur within the first two hours of a heart attack. EHAC encourages you to know the subtle signs of a heart attack and act on them – before damage occurs. Source: The American College of Cardiology
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY If you suspect that you or someone you are with is having a heart attack: • Survive, don’t drive. • Call 9-1-1 immediately. If you miss the early signs and someone collapses: • Call 9-1-1. • Begin hands-only CPR. (It takes just minutes to learn.) • An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. If an AED is available, deploy it as soon as possible. AEDs provide easy-tofollow verbal instructions so you can help someone in an emergency.
Classes & EVENTS Most classes and lectures are free of cost but still require registration; please visit the Events & Education page at FauquierHealth.org to register, unless otherwise indicated.
Healthy Lifestyles
American Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, March 5 Friday, April 26 Mondays, May 13 and June 3 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sycamore Rooms
Medicare Made Easy Tuesdays, March 19 and June 4 1 to 3 p.m. Chestnut Room
Medication/Sharps Takeback Day Members of the community are welcome to dispose of old medications, controlled substances, needles, etc. Drive up and drop off. No doctor’s offices, please. Saturday, April 20 9 a.m. to 12 noon Fauquier Health Medical Office Building
Call 540-316-2600 for more information.
Support Groups Addiction Recovery Support Group Tuesdays 7 p.m. Chestnut Room
Call 540-935-8148 to register. Alzheimer’s and Dementia-Related Illnesses Support Group 4th Wednesday of the month 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Villa at Suffield Meadows
Call 540-316-3800 to register. Bereavement Support Group 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month 1 p.m. Chestnut Room
Call 703-957-1800 to register. Beyond Addiction Support Group 3rd Friday of the month 7 to 8 p.m. Chestnut Room
Call 540-364-0065 to register.
BLUE CREW Prostate Support Group 2nd Wednesday of the month 5 to 6:30 p.m. Chestnut Room
Call 540-316-2273 to register. Breastfeeding Support Group Mondays 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Family Birthing Center
CREW (Cancer Resources, Education and Wellness) 2nd Monday of the month 5:30 p.m. Chestnut Room
Call 540-316-2273 to register. Diabetes Support Group Tuesday, May 21 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Studio 1 at the Wellness Center
Call 540-316-2644 to register. Families Overcoming Drug Addiction (F.O.D.A.) 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 6:30 p.m. Chestnut Room
Call 540-316-9221 to register. Lyme Disease Support Group 3rd Thursday of the month (no April class) 7 p.m. Sycamore Rooms
Call 540-341-8245 to register. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Connections-Individuals Living With Mental Challenges 3rd Monday of the month 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sycamore Rooms
Call 540-347-9104 to register. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Piedmont Family Support Meeting 3rd Monday of the month 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sycamore Rooms
Call 540-347-9104 to register.
Stroke Support Group 1st Wednesday of the month 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. Chestnut Room
Youth Diabetes Support Group Tuesdays, March 19 and June 18 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Studio 1 at the Wellness Center
Call 540-316-2644 to register.
For Parents
Baby Basics 101 Tuesdays, April 2, May 14 and June 25 6 to 8:30 p.m. Family Birthing Center
Breastfeeding Made Simple Tuesdays, April 9 and June 4 6 to 8:30 p.m. Family Birthing Center
Your Childbirth Experience (a two-session class) Friday, March 8, 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Birthing Center
Friday, June 7, 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Birthing Center
Your Childbirth Experience (a four-session class) Mondays, April 8 and April 15 and Wednesdays, April 10 and April 17 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Family Birthing Center
Mondays, May 6 and May 13 and Wednesdays, May 8 and May 15 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Family Birthing Center
For Kids
Junior Chef Program Learn the basics of cooking and nutrition using freshly grown ingredients with our executive chef; for ages 10 to 18. Saturday, May 11 9 a.m. to 12 noon Cost: $45 Fauquier Hospital Bistro on the Hill
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PPCO
Published quarterly by
500 Hospital Drive Warrenton, VA 20186 Chad Melton President/CEO For more information on Fauquier Health services, call (540) 316-DOCS
Stay
IN TOUCH Fauquier Hospital 540-316-5000 Patient Scheduling 540-316-5800 or 866-341-0845 Physician Referral 540-316-DOCS (3627) or 800-322-7500 Program Registration 540-316-3588 Family Birthing Center 540-316-4000 Home Care Shop 540-316-4437
Medical Imaging 540-316-2670 (Warrenton Professional Bldg.) 540-316-4500 (Fauquier Hospital) Outpatient Registration 540-316-5819 Patient Accounts 540-316-2970 Patient Information 540-316-INFO (4636) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 540-316-2680 Fauquier Health Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (FHRNC) 540-316-5500
Sleep Center 540-316-2660 The Villa at Suffield Meadows 540-316-3800 Volunteer Services 540-316-2910 Wellness Center 540-316-2640 Wound Healing Center 540-316-HEAL (4325)