Samaritan’s cardiology program is large and comprehensive with specialists for virtually all medical conditions. Because we are an integrated system with primary care on speed dial to our specialty program, you can be assured that you will receive the best care timed to meet your needs and have the best opportunity for a positive experience and outcome. In addition, for patients referred from a non-Samaritan provider, we have more than 30 heart clinicians at the ready to serve you for both emergent and non-emergent care.
Our cardiothoracic surgery team includes affiliated doctors from Stanford Health Care, a world-recognized leader in cardiac surgery. They live in our community and enable Samaritan to provide the highest caliber and latest, most innovative surgical treatment of heart disease.
Samaritan is one of only two cardiology fellowship programs in the state training future heart specialists.
Our heart program serves patients at cardiology clinics and rehabilitation programs in Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Lincoln City and Newport. Advanced heart care is performed at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.
Our team of doctors collaborates to assess your condition through advanced testing and diagnostics, ensuring the best treatment plan for your heart health. From preventative care to complex procedures, we offer a full spectrum of services for all types of heart conditions. Once you approve your personalized care plan, you’ll be on the path to recovery and long-term health.
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis is the hub for all major cardiac procedures. Cardiac surgery and cardiology offices are in the second building to the right of the main Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center hospital entrance. Patients can be dropped off in the turnaround and there is designated heart center parking across the street. We also have cardiology clinical services in Albany, Lebanon, Lincoln City and Newport.
There are typically two primary types of doctors in heart care: surgeons and cardiologists with a variety of sub-specialties. These specialists have exceptional success rates in treating complex heart issues. Working alongside these physicians, you’ll find a skilled team of physician associates, nurse practitioners, therapists, nurses and other other care team members as needed or requested.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) work with a cardiologist to help in your diagnosis and treatment. They may take medical histories, perform exams, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide education, make rounds, coordinate discharges and more.
Cardiologists specialize in cardiovascular disease. They diagnose and treat conditions such as heart attacks, arrhythmias and heart failure that affect the heart, blood vessels and other parts of the circulatory system. Cardiologists make important decisions about procedures such as balloon angioplasty, catheterization or heart surgery and more.
Interventional cardiologists are trained to perform specific catheter-based treatments, or minimally invasive procedures, for vascular (blood vessel) and coronary (heart) diseases. They also help people with structural heart disease including heart valve defects and septal defects – abnormalities in the walls separating your heart chambers. Unlike surgeons, these procedures are typically performed in a cardiac cath lab instead of an operating room and involve live X-rays, contrast dye and specialized equipment.
Electrophysiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. They are experts in the heart’s electrical system to identify and treat irregular heart rhythms. They perform tests to determine the source of the problem and use a variety of treatments to fix it, including medications, catheter ablation procedures and devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Clinical or general cardiologists specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease. They may interpret tests such as electrocardiograms, Holter monitors and exercise stress tests, perform diagnostic cardiac catherization and coronary angiography, and are skilled in choosing the right medications to treat a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. They often work with your primary care provider, surgeons and other medical professionals to provide long-term care for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Nurses specialized in the care of patients with heart conditions can work on the cardiac unit, in the cardiac cath lab, in the intensive care unit, in cardiac rehabilitation centers and more. During your hospital stay, while caring for you, they are often the point person providing assessments and updates to your medical team and family.
Cardiac psychologists support patients with heart disease. These specialists help patients incorporate strategies to address emotional and behavioral barriers. This can be in response to dealing with a diagnosis, in support of incorporating lifestyle changes, and enhancing patient recovery.
Cardiothoracic surgeons treat anything in your chest including your heart, lungs, esophagus and trachea. They perform a variety of operations, including heart valve repair and replacement and coronary artery bypass, as well as treat atrial fibrillation, heart failure, aneurysms, and more.
Cardiac or cardiopulmonary therapists help you recover from heart issues and improve your cardiovascular health. They help in designing recovery plans that help you address your risk factors, stabilize or reverse heart concerns and enhance your confidence in your recovery. This could be through exercise supervision, medical/psychological support, education and more.
Your extended care team may include other medical specialists, social workers, dietitians, hospital chaplains, discharge planners and more pending your treatment needs.
Other specialists can be brought into your care team as needed including nephrologists, palliative care and others.
Social workers are professionals who provide emotional and social support to patients and families. They may help you understand your condition, access necessary resources, advocate for your needs and help you cope with your health care experience.
Dietitians who specialize in cardiovascular health can help identify and correct nutritional deficiencies to help you achieve your health goals regarding blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, sleep, blood sugar control and more. They work with you to promote overall health and well-being.
Hospital chaplains can provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and families. They provide a safe space to talk and can help patients and families process news. They can offer guidance on religious or cultural traditions that may impact medical decisions.
Your care team works together to provide a comprehensive approach to managing complex heart conditions. Coordinated care improves patient education, symptom management, outcomes and your quality of life. Your involvement in this team approach ensures that your needs are addressed.
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