Skip to Main Content

Who does your heart beat for?

Check in on your heart health with a quick assessment to determine your risk factors for developing heart disease.

 

Sarvanand Heart & Brain Center


The Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center at Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive cardiovascular care to help improve your heart health. We're one of the most advanced centers for treating cardiovascular diseases such as congenital heart defects or heart attack in the Southern Valley, offering leading-edge preventative care and cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment services.

Heart Health Video Series

Heart Healthy Foods

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.

Know the Signs

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. 

Know Your Numbers

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. 

Lower Your Risk

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. 

Move More

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 insure you get up and walk around every hour. 

Reduce Stress

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.

Remember to Rest

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. 

Talk to your Doctor

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.

Specialized and coordinated heart health care

Our cardiology experts collaborate with a team of dedicated heart health professionals to ensure you receive the most comprehensive and convenient cardiovascular care possible. Whether you are admitted to the hospital or have an outpatient procedure, our specially trained cardiology providers will be there for you every step of the way.

US News and World Report Logo - 2022-23 Heart Attack - High Performing Hospitals

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – High Performing for treatment of Heart Attack

From U.S. News & World Report: A hospital's heart attack (AMI) score is based on multiple data categories, including patient survival, discharging patients to home and more. Over 6,000 hospitals were evaluated and eligible hospitals received one of three ratings -- high performing (692 hospitals), average (1,165 hospitals) or below average (858 hospitals) with the balance either not offering the service or performing too few of the procedure to be rated. Hospitals that earned a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average.

Blue Distinction® designation for cardiac care

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has a Blue Distinction® Center designation in the area of cardiac care. The Blue Distinction Center designation is awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies for delivering quality care with better overall outcomes in specialty care.

high performing for heart failure

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital – High Performing for treatment of Heart Failure

From U.S. News & World Report: A hospital's congestive heart failure score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, volume, advanced heart programs and more. Over 6,000 hospitals were evaluated and eligible hospitals received one of three ratings -- high performing (1,144 hospitals), average (1,627 hospitals) or below average (1,345 hospitals) with the balance either not offering the service or treating too few patients to be rated. Hospitals that earned a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average.

Dedicated to advanced cardiovascular care

The cardiac team at Memorial Hospital uses the latest cardiovascular technology to perform procedures. In addition, we strive to use the least invasive method possible to minimize your pain and shorten your recovery. We designed our catheterization labs, bi-plane suite, and operating rooms with the most sophisticated imaging and technology available.

  • Advanced Cardiac Imaging
  • Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
  • Cardiac Telemetry Unit
  • Cardio Diagnostics
  • Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
  • Certified Chest Pain Center
  • Heart Attack Receiving Center for the most severe heart attacks

Icon of a clipboard, pencil, and checklist

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

Stroke care

Stroke is a life-threatening condition, but patients and doctors—working together—can take steps to prevent it. That’s why we focus on providing both stroke treatment and prevention services to our community.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

See our Stroke Center page for more information.

Safety alert: iPhone 12

Apple iPhone 12 models and MagSafe Accessories may cause interference with some medical devices including pacemakers and defibrillators when not kept at a safe distance. Apple MagSafe accessories are wireless magnetic charging systems, including wireless chargers that attach magnetically to iPhone devices, cases with built-in components, wallets with built-in components, and leather sleeves with built-in components.

Learn more:

Let's have a heart-to heart.
Get cardiology-related content directly to your inbox. 

Learn more about heart care at Memorial Hospital

Click the links below to learn more about Heart Care at Bakersfield Memorial.

 

Find a doctor

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