Cardiology
At Providence Heart Institute of Spokane, our Cardiology program gives you access to routine and specialty heart care from award-winning teams right in your community. With multiple locations across the region, our cardiologists treat patients in our outpatient heart clinics, our hospitals and through telemedicine – when and where you need us.
Our Approach to Cardiology
At Providence Heart Institute of Spokane, we provide specialty heart care for a variety of heart conditions in a community setting, so you can find the services you need close to where you live.
With the largest cardiovascular team in the region, we’re proud to be a leader in the advancement of cardiac and vascular therapies. Our experts meet regularly to review the most complex heart cases so that you get the best treatment without having to visit a doctor or specialist outside the region.
Cardiology Conditions We Treat
As one of the nation’s most advanced centers for cardiovascular care, we offer both routine and complex heart treatments for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions and diseases, including:
- Angina (Chest Pain)
- Arrhythmia
- Cardio-Oncology
- Cardiomyopathy
- High Blood Pressure
- Hyperlipidemia / Hypercholesterolemia
- Myocarditis
- Pericarditis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
Meet Our Heart Care Team
At Providence Heart Institute of Spokane, you’ll be cared for by a tightly connected group of specialists who bring deep expertise and a personalized approach to treatment, prevention, and long-term wellness. Our experts work collaboratively to support your health through every stage of care.
Testing & Diagnostics
Our cardiologists use advanced testing and diagnostic tools to diagnose and monitor your heart condition. By taking a closer look at your heart and how it functions, we can make earlier, more accurate diagnoses for better treatment outcomes.
Blood tests give doctors more information about your health, including your risk for common conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Based on your needs, your doctor orders tests that analyze different components in your blood, such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol”
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad cholesterol”
- Total cholesterol
- Triglycerides
During a blood test, the phlebotomist inserts a needle into your vein – usually near the inside elbow. They draw blood, which usually takes about a minute, and send the samples to the lab for analysis. Your doctor discusses the results with you and determines how it might impact your treatment and care.
CT scans use a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce clear images of the body that can be used to monitor a variety of conditions, including tumors. Our services also include low-dose CT lung cancer screenings and coronary calcium scans to help evaluate calcium deposits that may have collected in the heart’s arteries.
Diagnostic procedures, like echocardiograms, allow our doctors to more accurately diagnose and better treat cardiovascular conditions.
Echocardiography uses ultrasound technology to produce detailed images of the heart’s valves and chambers. Through a monitor, your doctor can evaluate how the heart is pumping blood in real time.
An ECG/EKG is a test that uses electrodes to record electrical signals from your heart. The electrical signals detect your heart rate and rhythm and help your doctor accurately evaluate the heart’s function.
An electrophysiology test uses special wires, called temporary electrode catheters, placed in the atrium and/or ventricle along the conduction areas of the heart. An electrophysiology cardiologist conducts a series of tests to identify the areas of the heart that are causing the problems and determine the best course of treatment.
Event and Holter monitors are portable devices that record your heart’s electrical activity over time. They help your doctor understand your heart rhythm, especially if you have symptoms like chest pain, dizziness or irregular heartbeats.
- A Holter monitor records heart activity continuously for one or two days, including while you sleep. Electrode patches attach to your chest and connect to a portable monitor you can carry in your pocket.
- An event monitor is similar but records only when activated during symptoms, such as palpitations, skipped beats or other heart-related concerns.
Heart catheterization is a common diagnostic procedure that helps your doctor check how well your heart is working and if you need treatment.
During the procedure, your interventional cardiologist inserts a long, narrow tube called a catheter through a blood vessel in your leg or arm and guides it to the heart. Then, they may take an X-ray, open a narrowed artery or valve or take a tissue sample.
This exam uses a thin tube, called an endoscope, with a built-in sound wave transducer to help view the heart in greater detail. The endoscope is inserted into your chest via the mouth. Then, the transducer emits ultrasound waves to help produce images. Often, sedatives and numbing agents are provided for your comfort.
Advanced Cardiology Treatment
We’re ready to take care of you as soon as you walk through our doors, and our cardiologists and care teams are here to meet your needs and encourage you and your family throughout treatment. Together, we help you understand your diagnosis and therapy options, develop a treatment plan, incorporate important heart-healthy lifestyle changes into your daily routine and work towards achieving your long-term health goals.
Medication management is a core part of cardiology care. Our team prescribes and monitors therapies across the full spectrum of heart conditions. As part of your treatment, your cardiologist may prescribe medications to manage your heart condition, relieve symptoms, reduce cardiovascular risk, and help prevent complications.
Because we know heart disease affects women differently, we provide heart treatments that are unique to women during every stage of life – giving you the information and care you need to take charge of your health.
Patient Resources & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Many insurance plans cover heart screenings, especially if they’re medically necessary or are part of your preventative care. Some imaging scans or tests may require a copay or deductible.
Since coverage and plans can vary, it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider directly before scheduling a visit.
As a new patient, please bring the following items with you to your first appointment:
- Completed New Patient form and Medical Records Request forms, provided by individual locations
- Your insurance card(s) and photo ID
- All non-narcotic medications in their original containers
- List of your narcotic medications
- Copay or deposit
We also ask that you review and follow any diagnostic study prep instructions from your care team.
Regular appointments with a cardiologist are essential to monitor your condition and make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan – even after a procedure. For pediatric patients, caregivers should be involved in coordinating and attending these appointments.