Expert heart care in Frankfort, Kentucky
At Frankfort Regional Medical Center, we are committed to providing excellent cardiovascular care. From advice on preventing heart disease to proficiency in diagnosis, treatment and after care, the board-certified physicians at Frankfort Regional offer high-level expertise and patient-focused care, close to home.
To schedule an appointment with us, please call (502) 226-1655. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Heart conditions we treat
Our board-certified cardiologists and medical staff provide care for a variety of conditions, including:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
- Arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorders)
- Atherosclerosis (disease of the blood vessels)
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Peripheral artery disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Stroke
Accredited Chest Pain Center
As an Accredited Chest Pain Center recognized by the American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services, Frankfort Regional meets and exceeds quality-of-care measures based on improving the process for the care of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. This means our medical staff has the tools, advanced technology and level of expertise to care for a wide range of needs, from emergent conditions like heart attacks and chest pain to diagnostic and preventive care.
Patient stories - Matt Sawyer's heart attack journey
Signs of a heart attack
Heart attack symptoms show up in a variety of ways. Watch out for:
- Discomfort, pressure, squeezing or pain in your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back
- Discomfort in other areas of your upper body including your jaw, neck, shoulder, arm, back or stomach
- Lightheadedness and fainting
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
- Cold sweats
If you believe you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Heart attack symptoms in women
Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and back or jaw pain when having a heart attack. Often, women may have these symptoms with or without chest pain.
Primary Stroke Center
As a Primary Stroke Center, Frankfort Regional is committed to efforts that create better results for stroke care. Our team is equipped with the experience and technology needed to effectively manage the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
Remember F.A.S.T. to identify stroke symptoms:
- Face: Is the face drooping on either side?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or numb?
- Speech: Is the speech slurred or are they unable to speak?
- Time: If a person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately.
Cardiac catheterization lab
The cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab) at Frankfort Regional provides diagnostic and therapeutic services. We have the capacity and support to treat patients experiencing chest pain or other complications 24/7. Often, cardiac catheterization is performed on an emergency basis.
Our lab team includes highly experienced interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, licensed radiological technologists, registered nurses and registered cardiovascular technicians. Cardiac catheterization helps our doctors to:
- Identify narrowed or clogged arteries of the heart
- Measure blood pressure within the heart
- Evaluate how well the heart valves function
- Determine how well the four chambers of the heart function
- Check for heart abnormalities present at birth
- Evaluate an enlarged heart
- Decide on an appropriate treatment
Angioplasty
With our interventional cardiology program, we're able to provide treatment for chest pain or heart attack by offering angioplasty with or without stent placement.
Performed in our cardiac cath lab, angioplasty is a nonsurgical treatment designed to open clogged arteries. A balloon angioplasty (also called PTCA, or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) is a procedure where the area of the vessel blockage is widened with the use of a special balloon.
A coronary stent is a small, expandable tube. This acts as a type of scaffolding and holds the artery open to improve the blood flow. Stents come in a variety of sizes, strengths and textures and are frequently inserted after a balloon angioplasty. We also use drug-eluting stents, which are coated in medications that decrease the potential for the artery to become blocked again.
Stent insertion
Like angioplasty, this procedure takes place in our cath lab. A balloon angioplasty procedure is performed, then the stent is inserted. The stent is placed on another balloon catheter and guided to the area of blockage. The stent is then expanded in the artery by the inflation of the balloon, which usually takes anywhere from several seconds to a few minutes. The stent will adhere to the wall of the artery and will be left in place to become part of your artery.
There is a bit of risk involved in this procedure. After the procedure, your doctor may prescribe a medication to prevent blood clots from forming. Call your doctor or seek medical treatment if:
- The insertion site bleeds
- You feel chest pain or discomfort
- Your arm or leg feels numb or cold
- The bruising or swelling gets worse or increases
- You have a fever or signs of infection (redness or oozing) at the insertion site
- You have any other unusual symptoms
Nationally recognized cardiac rehabilitation
The cardiac rehab program at Frankfort Regional Medical Center is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available and enhanced standards of care.
At Frankfort Regional, our cardiac rehab team consists of highly skilled healthcare professionals who help patients learn how to exercise safely, improve stamina, strengthen muscles and develop an individualized exercise program to help prevent future heart problems. Each person's exercise plan is based on their unique abilities, needs and interests.
As a safe and effective way to help patients with heart conditions, cardiac rehab helps patients feel stronger, reduce their risk of future heart problems and live an overall healthier and longer life. Cardiac rehab benefits patients who have experienced:
- Heart attack
- Stable angina (chest pain)
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Angioplasty, atherectomy, rotablation and stenting
- Heart transplant
- Congestive heart failure with ejection fraction, less than 35 percent
For more information about our cardiac rehabilitation program, call (502) 226-7526.
Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
Phase II cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised exercise program designed for patients who have had a recent heart illness or surgery. This program combines regular physical exercise with risk factor modification to help with recovery and strengthen your body.
Phase II cardiac rehabilitation can begin anywhere between one and six weeks after being discharged from the hospital. Patients who have had heart attacks, angina, angioplasty and stenting usually begin rehab within one week. Patients who have had open heart surgeries generally start between two and six weeks after discharge from the hospital.
Cardiac rehab courses are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As a participant, it is recommended you attend three days a week for maximum improvement of your cardiac status. Classes are between 7:30am and 6pm. You are assigned a one-hour class time based on your availability and schedule. Our team also offers counseling services and follow-up care at home.
If your insurance permits, you could be eligible for 36 rehab visits. Some insurance companies will authorize less than this. While you can terminate the program at any time, the longer you attend, the more you will benefit.
How to enhance your heart health
You can be your own health advocate by establishing and maintaining healthy habits. Try these strategies to reduce your chances of having a cardiac event and to improve your overall heart health:
- Take your prescribed medications
- Get a yearly checkup
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Get your cholesterol checked
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol use
- Manage your diabetes
