Cardiology Services, Pahrump, NV

Our Cardiology Services

Desert View Hospital has specially trained physicians and nursing staff to treat a broad range of emergency and non-emergency heart conditions. And, we are the only hospital in Pahrump (and all of Nye County) that offers heart/lung conditioning through our outpatient therapy center.

Treatment for Chest Pain

Time lost is heart muscle lost! If you are experiencing chest pain, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest ER.

Patients at Desert View Hospital are examined by an emergency medicine provider. Diagnosis and treatment services may include an EKG, diagnostic lab studies, running cardiac enzymes, monitoring vital signs, and determining if there’s a change in any of your cardiac markers. We can also perform cardiac stress tests (treadmill and non-treadmills), medication-induced Lexiscans®, echocardiograms and electrocardiograms, and give heart-muscle-preserving medications. We can also make immediate arrangements for a higher level of care if needed (i.e., balloon angioplasty or open heart surgery).

Cardiac Stress Tests

A cardiac stress test is used to help determine how well your heart is pumping blood to the rest of your body. It can help determine if you have coronary artery disease, which is a condition that can be hard to diagnose when your pulse is at its normal rate. The first step is to perform an echocardiogram while you are resting, to determine how your heart functions while at rest. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. Then you will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike to raise your heart rate. When you reach the target rate, another echocardiogram will be performed. This will help determine if your heart does not function as well when your heart rate increases.

If you are unable to walk on the treadmill or ride the bike, you’ll be given a medication called Lexiscan, which will make your heart act as though it is exercising.

Heart Conditioning With Outpatient Therapy

Patients with congestive heart failure can generally benefit from heart conditioning. For these patients, their heart doesn’t pump well so exercise is important and should be monitored and increased gradually to make sure the patient doesn’t overwork themselves and put too much stress on their heart.

With heart conditioning, you’ll perform a variety of exercises to help your heart pump better. Patients are monitored for oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure to make sure they are not overworking their heart. Types of activities include:

  • Biking – This could include a regular bike where you sit on it and pedal like a regular exercise bike. This is designed for physical therapy so it’s more comfortable to sit on. There’s also a true step bike where you sit and put your foot on flat pedals and push back and forth with your legs and then use your arms for resistance. This gives you a full workout while sitting down. And then there’s the Arm Ergometer where you pedal with your arms. This requires a physician order.
  • Walking on a treadmill.
  • Using other equipment for resistance exercise – this helps strengthen your whole body and pushes your heart to work better and harder.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

The following are signs of a possible heart attack in men and women:

  • Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
  • Pain that travels down one or both arms
  • Jaw pain
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Back pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling of fullness
  • Mild chest symptoms (pressure, burning, aching, tightness) that come and go

There are some differences between men and women. Many women never experience chest pain before a heart attack, although most men do. In addition, women often experience physical symptoms for as long as a month before a heart attack. Common symptoms that women experience before a possible heart attack include:

  • Unusual fatigue
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Shortness of breath
  • Indigestion

During a possible heart attack, common symptoms in women include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Cold sweat
  • Dizziness

If You Believe You’re Having a Heart Attack

  • Call 9-1-1 and tell the operator “I think I’m having a heart attack.”
  • Chew one adult strength aspirin or four baby aspirin. Keep supplies in areas where you spend time, as well as in your pocket or purse.
  • If at home, unlock your front door to enable paramedics to get to you quickly.
  • If possible, have a wallet card ready with your medical history and current medications.

Call 9-1-1 — Don’t Drive Yourself to a Hospital

Time lost is heart muscle lost. You will delay your treatment if you drive yourself to the hospital. The paramedics can begin treatment as quickly as possible once they reach you. They will also notify the hospital that you are coming. The hospital can then alert the interventional cardiologists and other heart attack team members so they are ready if you need a procedure such as balloon angioplasty or stenting.

Emergency Information Packet

If possible, have the following information packet ready for medical emergencies, such as a suspected heart attack:

  • Driver’s license photocopy or photo ID.
  • Health insurance cards (or photocopies) and an insurance contact phone number.
  • Copy of your living will or advance directive.
  • List of all medications, vitamins and supplements you are currently taking; include dosages and frequency.
  • Short descriptions of all current medical conditions or chronic illnesses.
  • A list of allergies and chemical intolerances.
  • Phone numbers (with area codes) of your family doctor, local pharmacy and specialists.
  • Phone numbers (with area codes) of relatives or family friends who may be contacted.

What to Do if You Witness a Person Collapse

There are two steps that can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. If you see a teenager or adult suddenly collapse, call 9-1-1 and then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest. Press on their chest 100 to 120 times a minute.

More information about hands-only CPR that can help save a life