LIKE MOST HEALTHCARE specialties, the field of cardiology has
experienced a transformation in recent years. One of the most
significant changes centers around community need.
"During the last 10 years, we've seen decreases in the number of
people visiting the hospital because of a heart attack," says Danny
Wade, RN, MSN, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory,
Emergency Department and Interventional Radiology Nursing at LUH.
"But we still see many patients who need help managing heart failure
or atrial fibrillation, which can lead to stroke and other significant
health issues."
Wait times to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist for one of
these conditions can be extensive and range on a regional level from an
average of three to six weeks. To better and more quickly accommodate
community members needing day-to-day cardiovascular care, the LUH
team recently welcomed a new specialist, John Abboud, MD.
FROM DIAGNOSIS ...
Dr. Abboud comes to LUH most recently from Cleveland Clinic, where
he practiced as a staff cardiologist for three years. He began seeing
patients at Centura Health Physician Group - Heart & Vascular on
Oct. 17. In his role at LUH, Dr. Abboud consults with patients and
coordinates necessary diagnostic tests. Some of the diagnostic exams
Dr. Abboud may recommend include:
• Echocardiogram—An ultrasound of the heart, an
echocardiogram provides information about your heart's
function and structure. This test allows physicians to view images
of the upper and lower chambers of your heart—the atria and
ventricles—your blood vessels and other related structures.
• Exercise stress tests—During an exercise stress test, which
takes approximately one hour, you exercise on a treadmill or
stationary bike at increasing levels of intensity. Prior to beginning
The Longmont United Hospital Heart and Vascular program is
expanding to provide better care for the communities we serve.
A Season for
4 / LONGMONT UNITED HOSPITAL WINTER 2017
