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Staying ahead in care for the heart.

Discover your heart disease risk factors with a fast, online assessment.

 

Sarvanand Heart & Brain Center

 

Dignity Health provides top-tier heart care in the Central Valley. Our award-winning team at the Sarvanand Heart & Brain Center at Memorial Hospital offers prevention, diagnostics, and treatments for heart issues. From treating congenital heart defects, to heart attack and advanced cardiovascular disease, our experts are renowned in the region, handling more heart patients than any other.

Recognized cardiovascular excellence

In your body, your heart and blood vessels are essential to your health. So, it’s wise to choose a health care provider top-rated for cardiovascular excellence. Memorial Hospital has just such a reputation, earning third-party recognition from a range of prestigious sources:

  • Kern County’s only Joint Commission-certified Primary Heart Attack Center for the most severe heart attacks

  • Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Attack care

  • Kern County STEMI Receiving Center designation

  • Chest Pain Center Accreditation

  • Graded ‘A’ for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group, a national organization committed to improving health care quality and safety

  • Voted “Best Hospital” in the Bakersfield Californian’s 2023 Best of Readers’ Choice Awards

Comprehensive services

Memorial Hospital’s facilities for heart care are unsurpassed in the region, including:

  • Cardiac Catheterization Labs: Five designated suites equipped to support specialized care, including two suites dedicated specifically to the treatment of cardiovascular disease through diagnostics and interventions
  • A Hybrid Suite: To provide minimally invasive treatment such as full valve repairs or replacements without open heart surgery
  • An Electrophysiology Lab: With technology used to monitor and map the electrical systems of the heart, and treat heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
  • A Biplane Angiography Suite: For complex vascular and neurological cases
  • Cardiothoracic Program: A vital service to our community, thoracic surgery is essential for open heart/coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or to receive prestigious STEMI/NSTEMI designation from the American Heart Association
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Center: This program enhances patients’ recovery so they can get back to daily living with greater success after a cardiovascular event
  • Kern County’s only designated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Featuring doctors, nurses, and staff with specialized training in cardiovascular care
  • Designated Cardiac Telemetry Unit: For patients in need of continuous monitoring by our dedicated cardiovascular team

Advanced procedures

The cardiac team at the Sarvanand Heart & Brain Center at Memorial Hospital offers the most sophisticated imaging and technology available and uses the least invasive methods possible to minimize pain and shorten recovery, including procedures such as:

Learn more about Heart Valve Replacement

Bakersfield Cardiologist Dr. Caleb Thompson puts his whole heart into healing yours. Just ask Huguette Jennings who is living her best life after Dr. Thompson performed a first-of-its-kind heart valve replacement that gave Huguette back her active lifestyle.

Our cardiac experts

At the Sarvanand Heart & Brain Center at Memorial Hospital, our team delivers unparalleled cardiovascular care. Renowned for treating more cardiac patients than any local program, our fellowship-trained experts continuously innovate for the best patient outcomes. Whether you're admitted to the hospital or treated on an outpatient basis, trust our cardiovascular team to support you at every stage.

Heart Health Video Series

When it comes to your heart health, what you eat matters. Start with simple actions, for example, always choose items from the produce section when grocery shopping. Cook and meal prep at home more than eating out. Or plant a garden to incorporate more fruits and vegetables.

Knowing the signs of a heart attack could save your life. Many of us know that uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, sharp pain or fulness in the chest is a signal. But did you know it's common to experience other, lesser known signs, such as shortness of breath or fatigue?  Also, look out for swelling, pain in the jaw, neck, back, shoulders or arms. 

Your cholesterol, resting heart rate, blood sugar and blood pressure numbers are your heart health roadmap. It's important to know where you stand so you can know where you are headed. These numbers can also indicate your risk for heart disease or stroke. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. The good news is that it is preventable with healthy lifestyle choices. To help lower your risk, add aerobic exercise to your routine, stay well hydrated, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep, refrain from smoking and excess alcohol consumption, and keep up with your regular doctor's appointments and screenings. 

When you can't seem to find the time to work out, try incorporating movement into your everyday tasks. Moving more helps lower blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels, which promotes good heart health. Try going for a walk when you get a phone call. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or set a timer while you work to ensure you get up and walk around every hour. 

While high blood pressure and high cholesterol are key risks for heart disease, so are external factors, like anxiety and stress. Talking with friends and family can lower stress. Getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep have been shown to relieve tension and anxiety. If stress, anxiety, or depression begin to take a toll on you, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional right away.

When it comes to heart health, you have permission to sleep in. Poor sleep quality has been shown to increase one's risk of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. If you have a hard time getting a good night's rest, trying going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including the weekends. Refrain from using electronic devices close to bedtime. And avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol or other stimulants in the evening. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but it is often preventable and treatable. Your doctor is one of the most important tools you have in preventing heart disease. This is especially true for those with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Reach out to your primary care provider or cardiologist if you have any concerns about your cardiovascular health.

Know the symptoms of heart attack

Heart attack symptoms may vary in women and men, and women are more likely to dismiss them. One thing remains the same: the need for emergency medical care is essential.

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At risk for heart disease?

Heart disease comes in many forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The more you can learn about your heart health, the better. Knowledge is truly powerful medicine that helps you understand your risks and take action to lessen your potential for problems. It can lead to early detection, and most importantly, to early treatment and better outcomes.

Take this quick assessment to:

  • Understand symptoms, causes, and types of heart disease
  • Determine your risk factors for developing heart disease
  • Learn which lifestyle factors can increase or decrease your risk

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Learn more about heart care at Memorial Hospital

Find a doctor

One of the most important things you can do for your heart is to speak with your doctor or health care provider. Whether it’s a primary care physician to discuss ways to help keep you in tip-top shape or a cardiologist to talk about specific cardiovascular diseases, reach out to a doctor or health care provider for help.

 

To find a cardiologist, cardiovascular specialist, or primary care physician (PCP), please call (661) 324-7070 or use our online Find A Doctor tool.

 

Details & Directions: Sarvanand Heart & Brain Center at Memorial Hospital