The need is greater than ever

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming as many lives each year as cancer, chronic lung disease, accidents and diabetes combined.

Changing demographics have increased the need for high quality heart and vascular care in Central Texas as more families move to the area and a large portion of the population enters retirement age.

Our cardiovascular teams serve more than 100,000 patients annually and participate in many community community service and education events to bring attention to heart disease.

How your gifts help

Cath labs

In the cath lab, interventional cardiologists can place stents, correct heart defects, dissolve blood clots and implant devices to help the heart function properly.

Unlike surgery, which requires large incisions, cardiac catheterization involves inserting a catheter, a thin, flexible tube, through a small nick in the groin or wrist and guiding it to the arteries of the heart. Patients typically have less discomfort and heal faster than with open-heart  surgery. In fact, patients are often only partially sedated during catheterization procedures.

These minimally invasive procedures are especially advantageous for higher-risk patients who may not be able to undergo open-heart surgery.

Community education and wellness

The cardiology program participates in a wide variety of community activities and committees, such as American Heart Association events and the Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council. We also host our own outreach programs, such as:

• Wellness program offering free screenings and education on topics including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, cholesterol management and more
• Kourage Health® program (formerly known as FitSteps for Life® ) to help diabetes patients manage their disease and improve their overall well-being

Continuing education and training

Continuous learning helps our physicians and other care givers stay up to date on the latest research, treatments and techniques. We also provide educational opportunities for other healthcare providers in our five-county service area, including rural hospitals and EMS services.

Research

Studies and clinical trials in areas such as heart failure care and cardiac rehab help promote advances that ultimately benefit patients.

For more information, contact

Jeremy Ksionda

Director of Philanthropy

Call

254.202.9553

Email

Jeremy.Ksionda@BSWHealth.org