Samaritan Heart (Cardiovascular) Services

Samaritan Heart Services

Cardiologists/Physicians

Physicians of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic, centered in Richland County, has been granted consulting privileges at Samaritan Hospital.

To date, five cardiologists from this group of ten have been granted privileges to consult on cardiology at Samaritan Hospital.

This expanded cardiology coverage in Ashland County will help to meet patient's needs within our aging market, as this group currently sees nearly 2,000 patients from the Ashland area. In September, they will be opening a temporary office location near Samaritan Hospital in Ashland to better serve their Ashland patients, with plans for a permanent office in the area. 

“This will mean more convenience for our patients in Ashland, as they will have shorter travel time for office visits, hospital stays, and much of their testing,” said Michael Louis Amalfitano, D.O., F.A.C.C., F.C.C.P., President of Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic.  “At Mid-Ohio Heart, we have the philosophy that patients are the most important people in our practice, because they are the purpose for our practice and the reason for our work.  We feel that this move will help us to better suit their needs.” “We think it’s important to treat our patients the way we would want our own family members treated and to keep them close to home.”

The five cardiologists with consulting privileges include Mary Alton, M.D., board certified in internal medicine and cardiology; Michael Amalfitano, D.O., board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, nuclear medicine and critical care medicine; Robert Drake, D.O., board certified in internal medicine, cardiology and nuclear medicine; Andrew Fahmy, M.D., board certified in internal medicine and cardiology; and Gregory Vigesaa, M.D.

Five other physicians work at Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic.  They are Gregory Eaton, M.D., board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology; James Bacon, M.D., F.A.C.C., board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology; Gregory Heins, D.O. board certified in internal medicine and cardiology; Frederick V. Crall, Jr., M.D., board certified in internal medicine and cardiology; and Steven D. Nelson, M.D., F.A.C.C., board certified in cardiology and electrophysiology.

Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic is also affiliated with MedCentral-Mansfield Hospital, Bucyrus Hospital, and Galion Community Hospital.  For more information, go online to www.midohioheart.com

With a low-risk catheterization lab opening up in 2002 at Samaritan Hospital, the Samaritan Heart Services Department, with an affiliation with OhioHealth in Columbus, works diligently to offer low-risk caths and a variety of cardiology and vascular services to the Ashland community, affording patients local care that is much closer to their families! 

Caring for the Heart of Our Community

Be Aware! Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Keep Health Close to Your Heart:  Be Aware of Peripheral Vascular Disease

By Karin Schwan, RN, MSN, NP-C, CDE; Director of Cardiovascular Services

One specific type of vascular disease that warrants some increased awareness is peripheral arterial disease (PAD), otherwise known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD).  It is a very common condition that can happen to anyone, regardless of age, but it is most prevalent in those over age 50.

Samaritan Heart Services plans to get the word out to our community this year about PVD.  Already, on a national level, word is being spread about PVD in television and print advertisements to encourage people to request and read literature and talk to their physician.  Locally, we hope to attach this message to our already ongoing heart awareness messaging to the men, women, and children in our Ashland County communities.

So what exactly is PVD you ask?  One particular telling sign of PVD is called claudication, which is leg pain that occurs when walking or exercising and disappears when the person stops the activity.  Other symptoms include numbness and tingling in the lower legs and feet, coldness in the lower legs or feet, and ulcers or sores on the legs or feet that don’t heal.  Some people chalk-up this leg pain as a normal part of aging rather than telling their doctor, but it is important to report these symptoms in order for the physician to assess for PVD.

PVD usually develops as a result of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which occurs when cholesterol and scar tissue build up to form plaque that narrows and clogs the arteries so that blood flow to the legs is decreased.  This can result in pain when walking, and eventually gangrene and amputation.

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, which means that people with PVD are likely to have blocked arteries in other areas of the body too.  They are at risk for heart disease, aortic aneurysms and stroke.  PVD is also a marker for diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions. 

PVD does affect 10 million Americans and the risk factors are those common to other cardiovascular issues:  smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart or vascular disease, being overweight, lack of exercise or physical activity, and being over the age of 50.

As always, we urge everyone to keep abreast of what their body might be trying to tell them. Know your risk factors and learn the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. 

Heart Health

Take Heart, Take Care, Take Action! Campaign

SRHS takes pride in its ongoing educational heart disease awareness campaign, revised to draw attention to the risks and symptoms of heart disease in men, women and children. Vibrant colors and important messaging are designed to help you take notice that in your life it is important to: Take Heart. Take Care. Take Action! We encourage you to see your primary care physician to discuss risk factors and symptoms.

SRHS has partnered over the years with Huntington Bank, Ashland University, Buehler's, ClearChannel Communications, Lamar, and the Ashland YMCA for about four years now to bring awareness of heart disease, its risk factors, and methods of personal prevention to the top of everyone's priority list.

Cardiovascular Services- General Information

In spring 2002, Samaritan Regional Health System (SRHS), in partnership with OhioHealth, opened Samaritan Heart Services, featuring a low-risk diagnostic cardiac catheterization lab that provides advanced heart care to the community close to home. Three cardiologists, who have provided onsite cardiology consultations at SRHS for a combined 20 years, now utilize their testing expertise by performing heart caths and other services to patients in our community. Heart caths provide valuable information to cardiologists about the presence and/or seriousness of heart disease. The renovated 7,000 square foot area has allowed room for an extensive cath lab, patient beds, other cardiac diagnostic services and patient education.

In the cath lab, professional staff remain in close contact with patients throughout procedures to answer questions and offer support. Families can be with loved ones before and after the procedure. Patient areas are clean, bright, quiet and private with emphasis on providing a soothing atmosphere and the best experience possible.

Cath lab testing includes:

  • Complete low-risk coronary testing
  • Tilt-table testing
  • EECP
  • Arterial
  • Carotid
  • Abdominal
  • Renal
  • Thoracic

Nuclear Medicine

Referred to as heart imaging, our nuclear medicine camera performs several types of tests to assess the heart's condition. It is a function of the Imaging Department (Radiology).

Cardiolyte Stress Test

Nuclear Medicine performs, hand-in-hand with Cardiopulmonary Care's ECHO stress test, a diagnostic study to see how well the heart muscle is receiving blood. This cardiolyte stress test is non-invasive, does not use dyes or contrasts, has no side effects, and is performed in a very comfortable and quiet environment. It is done as an outpatient procedure and has little or no risk to the patient. This three-hour study can also view partial blockages or damage to the heart muscle, give the physician a limited view of the heart's condition before ordering a catheterization, and is often used as a pre-operative test by physicians to see how well a patient's heart may withstand surgery. Overall, this test helps to identify problems before they exist.

Multi-gated Acquisition (Muga Scan)

This test is used to evaluate the heart's ability to pump blood. Also non-invasive, it is performed in less than an hour. This test performs ejection fractions to allow a physician to see the volume of blood being pumped. It is also used to evaluate a patient's heart prior to surgery, as well as prior to or during chemotherapy treatments that can sometimes weaken the heart. In addition, it uses no dyes or contrasts and has little or no risk to the patient.

Rehabilitation, Education and Support

Rehabilitation

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation - This is prescribed for people who have had a heart attack, angioplasty or open-heart surgery. The exercise program meets three times a week for a total of 10 weeks. Besides the exercise prescribed, education on coronary artery disease, cholesterol, and diet changes are discussed. Other topics include stress reduction, smoking cessation and weight reduction on an individual basis. This is function of the Ambulatory Care Medical Department. For more information, call Pat Butcher, ACM, (419) 289-0491, ext. 3262.

Support Groups

Samaritan also offers several support groups to help patients and members of the community join with others in similar situations for encouragement and education.

  • The Cardiac Support Group meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. to discuss a topic pertaining to cardiac health. For more information on the Cardiac Support Group, please call 1-800-257-9917, ext. 3262.
      
  • The Diabetes Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month, except during the summer, at 7 p.m. to discuss diabetes education. A physician will many times present to the group a topic pertaining to diabetes health. For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, please call 1-800-257-9917, ext. 3111.

Education
  

  • Heart Health for Women - Cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more women each year than the next 16 causes of death combined, and almost twice as many as all forms of cancer. Many national initiatives are underway, geared toward changing the way women and their physicians approach prevention, detection and treatment of heart disease. Through efforts over the last several years by SRHS, Huntington Bank and various other community co-sponsors—including Ashland University, Buehler's, Clear Channel Communications, Lamar Advertising, and the Ashland YMCA—a collaborative endeavor to raise awareness among women, and in its third year in 2005 began educating men as well as women, about steps they can take to prevent heart attacks and learn to recognize when a heart attack is actually occurring, has started to take effect in our community. Symptoms of a heart attack can be different for women compared to the classic symptoms found in men. In addition, nonspecific symptoms in women can also make heart disease hard to detect. More information on heart health for women can be found at: www.womensheartadvantage.com or www.americanheart.org or call Samaritan Heart Services at 1-800-257-9917, ext. 3111.

Diabetes

Diabetes Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart Disease strikes people with diabetes more than twice as often as those living without diabetes. In fact, two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Even so, a recent survey found that 68 percent of people with diabetes are unaware of their increased risk for heart disease or stroke. The American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology launched an initiative called "Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke" to help people with diabetes learn how they can reduce their chances for having a heart attack or stroke.

One key way to reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke is to manage the ABCs of diabetes:

  • A is for the A1C test, the blood test that measures blood glucose (sugar) over the last two to three months. Target range is less than seven percent.
  • B is for blood pressure. Target range is less than 130/80.
  • C is for cholesterol. Target range for LDL (bad) cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dl.

Even small lifestyle changes can help to lower the risks. Some suggestions include:

  • Get help to quit smoking.
  • Be active most days.
  • Eat low-fat meals that are high in fruits and vegetables, and whole grain foods.
  • Ask a healthcare provider about taking aspirin and other medications that can help reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for treating diabetes and reducing the risk for heart disease and stroke.

To find out more information on diabetes, or about the risks of cardiovascular disease among people with diabetes, visit or www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.

Important Links

Contact

Karin Schwan, Director - (419) 289-049, ext. 3111
 
 

A Story to Warm the Heart: Nancy's Testimonial
Nancy Campbell, 57, did not know she was at risk for having a heart attack, but says that she now knows she had the "typical woman's heart attack." In February 2004, Nancy began feeling very uncomfortable while at home one day. She had heavy arms, tremendous pressure as if something very heavy was sitting on her front and back, indigestion, hot and cold sweats, labored breathing, and she was shaking as if she might pass out. Since her husband takes an aspirin a day, she thought to take one too, and then her husband called 911. En route to Samaritan's Emergency Department (ED), she was given several nitroglycerin treatments by EMS, which made her feel more comfortable by the time she reached the ED. She was diagnosed in the ED as having had a heart attack.
   Nancy had never had high blood pressure, and though she had been on medicine for cholesterol, it was under control at 158 (200 or more is high). She took care of herself and was busy and active with things she enjoyed, such as gardening. Her family history included a grandmother who had a heart attack and a brother with heart problems.
   The next day, after the trip to the ED, Nancy had a visit in the Hospital from Dr. Bruce Fleishman, a cardiologist in the Samaritan Heart Services program. He had Nancy transported to Columbus, where they did a catheterization. Nancy says that Dr. Fleishman told her that her heart problems were caused by Estrogen, which tore several little veins in her system and created a flap that led to blockage.
   Several days later, Nancy felt she was having another episode and called Dr. Fleishman. He referred her for treatment in Samaritan Heart Services' seven-week EECP program (Enhanced External Counterpulsation), which is a noninvasive treatment for patients that stimulates the growth of small branches of blood vessels to create a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries.
   In addition, Nancy also then completed the eight-week Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Samaritan before returning to her part-time job at Buehler's Market in Ashland.
   In December of 2004, Nancy again felt as if she might be having pain associated with her heart problems, and she went to the ED. She was given a catheterization in the Samaritan Heart Services lab at Samaritan Hospital. Nancy is happy to report that Dr. Fleishman said she was free from blockage. In fact, he told her that it was refreshing to look at a healthy heart and she attributes this to the EECP program.
   Nancy believes that everyone who cared for her at Samaritan were very helpful and positive. She was glad they were able to walk her through each step and were available to talk over anything and reassure her. She feels she made some friends in the Samaritan Heart Services staff. Though Nancy knows—through her work as a Hospice volunteer for 13 years—that each day should be taken with a great appreciation for living, she is still thankful that she was able to get her life back to normal and share her story with others in our community.




Women's Heart Health Update: Women with Diabetes are at Higher Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke!
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death among women. Besides the numerous risk factors such as family history, weight, being a smoker, and so forth, another risk factor is also being a diabetic. Approximately 9.1 million women in the United States have diabetes, a disease that affects the way the body converts food into energy.
   Women are hit harder by diabetes in a multitude of ways. For instance, women with diabetes are at greater risk for heart disease and stroke compared with men. 45% of women with diabetes have heart disease, compared to 39% of men.
   Also, women with diabetes are more likely to have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke than women without diabetes. These risk factors include high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
 
Phone: (419) 289-0491       Toll Free: (800) 257-9917
Mail:

Samaritan Regional Health System
1025 Center Street
Ashland, OH  44805