Cardiology
There are more hospitalisations each year in the MidCentral district from cardiovascular disease than any other cause. MidCentral Health provides assessment, investigation, education and treatment for patients with cardiac disease through both secondary and tertiary services.
Cardiac services provided at MidCentral Health include:
Diagnostics include:
- Electrocardiograph (ECG) service
- Echocardiography
- Exercise treadmill testing
- Holter monitoring
- Diagnostic angiography
- Transoesophageal echocardiograms
- Other Services:
- Pacemaker insertion (temporary/permanent pacemaker insertion)
- Pacemaker Clinics
Some cardiac patients may need to be referred to Wellington Hospital
If you require an complex angiography or angioplasty you will be referred to Wellington Hospital. All cardiac surgery is normally performed at Wellington Hospital
MidCentral Health's Cardiac Outpatient Clinics
MidCentral Health has regular cardiology outpatient clinics based at Palmerston North Hospital for patients referred to a cardiologist by their GP. There is also a full-time ECG (electrocardiogram) service for both inpatients and outpatients based at Palmerston North Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Centre. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
Heart Failure Service
A multidisciplinary heart failure service was established in 2001. There are 2 weekly clinics run for patients with heart failure. These are run by the cardiologist for patients referred as inpatients as well as GP referrals.
A heart failure nurse led clinic is also held weekly in Palmerston North Hospital. The nurse led clinic accepts referrals from the cardiologists, inpatient wards and GPs for individualised care planning. This includes self-management strategies such as recognition and management of symptoms, learning about triggers of exacerbation, and medication titration (in conjunction with the cardiologist) aimed at optimising care in accordance with evidence based practice and improving quality of life. Patients under the care of the Heart Failure Service have access to a “Heart Helpline” phone number. The Heart failure service works closely with your primary healthcare team in sharing information relevant to your care.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
Cardiac rehabilitation programmes are designed to help you make the best possible recovery from your heart problem and return to an active, satisfying and potentially longer life.
Joining a cardiac rehabilitation programme will help you improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of further heart problems by supporting you to make lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking, enjoying healthy eating and taking regular physical activity.
You can benefit from cardiac rehabilitation if you have:
- heart disease, such as angina, acute coronary syndrome or if you had a heart attack
- had heart surgery, angioplasty or pacemaker insertion.
- heart failure
MidCentral Health’s cardiac rehabilitation begins before discharge from hospital and then continues as a hospital or community-based programme for several weeks.
Education topics include:
- understanding your heart condition
- understanding medications
- healthy low-fat eating
- physical activity guidelines
- managing emotions
- stress management
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instruction
These seven sessions are provided weekly at Palmerston North Hospital Education Centre and Horowhenua Health Centre.
The New Zealand Heart Foundation website provides useful information including an online tool that measures your heart age forecast!
Contact the Cardiology Service
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