St. Mary Medical Center Foundation

Cardiovascular Care

When it Comes to Heart Care, Every Minute Counts.

The sooner a patient is treated the better the odds of recovery. That is why it is essential that St. Mary Medical Center have a comprehensive cardiac care unit that is equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment technologies.

Recognized for setting new standards in cardiac care, each year St. Mary Medical Center performs more cardiac procedures than many of the region's larger hospitals. Through the efforts of the St. Mary Foundation, the Medical Center expanded its coronary care facilities with new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs. Caring for the heart of the community is at the heart of what we do.

Surpassing Every Goal — A Team Effort

Ninety minutes. When someone arrives at St. Mary Medical Center with a coronary emergency, that's how long the coronary care team has to perform the procedures that will unblock an artery and give the patient the best chance for recovery.

Every day, the cardiology team at St. Mary surpasses that goal, just one of the many reasons the Medical Center has earned a reputation as one of the region's top cardiac care facilities. St. Mary has been a leader in working with local ambulance squads to enable them to transmit critical information directly to the Emergency Room, saving valuable time and providing interventional cardiologists with the data they need to start appropriate treatment the moment the ambulance arrives.

To insure that St. Mary will be able to continue to provide Bucks County residents with world-class care, the St. Mary Foundation secured a $1 million Redevelopment Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania toward the expansion of the Medical Center's Cardiac Care program. To expedite care, a new cardiac catheterization lab equipped with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies recently opened near the emergency department. The new facility also includes a reception area where concerned families can meet privately with physicians and stay abreast of the condition of their loved ones.

The combination of a highly-qualified cardiology team, state-of-the-art equipment, and a comprehensive program that begins before admission and lasts long after discharge is what sets St. Mary above the rest. It is how we care for the heart of the community.

Home for the Holidays

If John Turner never sees the inside of St. Mary Medical Center again, that will be fine by him. But when he suffered a heart attack a few days before Christmas, he was more than relieved to see the Medical Center's cardiology team waiting for him at the ER entrance.

As Bucks County residents who were committed to making sure that the community had access to the best health care available, John and his wife Dorothy had been long-standing supporters of the St. Mary Foundation. Over the years, John experienced first-hand the benefits of having world-class medical facilities nearby, seeking treatment for diabetes and other health issues. After his encounter with the coronary care team, he is more committed than ever to making sure St. Mary has the most advanced cardiac health services.

Immediately after being admitted, John underwent numerous non-invasive diagnostic tests with such advanced technology as the state-of-the-art 64 slice imaging equipment. In less than an hour he was in the cardiac catheterization lab where Dr. Heyrich inserted a medicated stent. He was discharged the next day.

Since returning home, John has participated in the St. Mary cardiac rehab program where he is on a monitored exercise program and receiving nutritional counseling. As he is getting healthier, life is returning to normal. He is, he says, a happy patient. And after his experience, he is an even happier donor.