Heart care tech provides early warnings, improves care

While heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States and Iowa, advanced technology is playing a role in reducing this trend.

“We have a lot of options today to help people regain heart health and daily activities,” says Jennifer Goerbig-Campbell, MD, a cardiologist specializing in heart failure and transplant care at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center Des Moines. “Medications and available technologies offer hope and provide improved quality of life for a lot of people.”

Who benefits from heart care tech?

More than six million patients across the U.S. age 20 and older are experiencing heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Should a patient’s heart need help pumping, options include a heart transplant or implanting a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), powered by external rechargeable batteries. MercyOne is accredited to provide LVAD care for all Iowans. 68 patients have received LVADs through MercyOne and received almost 53,000 days of benefit. Nine people received a new heart.

“We can provide care involving pumps and transplants. We don’t want anyone to need those things if we have other options,” says Dr. Goerbig-Campbell, who stresses lifestyle education as soon as preschool to prevent heart disease. “Intervention is key, and the sooner care starts, the better the outcome.”

Cardiologists use medical management, education and lifestyle changes to prevent further injury to the heart.

Find out your risk for heart disease

How does heart technology work?

Initial heart failure care often involves the internet. Patients provide daily weight and answer questions using a cloud-based system. Cardiologists monitor fluid retention and modify care, avoiding possible hospitalization.

Patients requiring help with heart rhythm and pacing often receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker. These devices feed vital data weeks before a patient experiences heart failure symptoms.

Dr. Goerbig-Campbell says a CardioMEMS technology sensor can be implanted if pulmonary blood flow in the body needs to be tracked. “If a patient’s pulmonary artery pressure is outside of the desired range, I can see an alert in real time. Providers can make changes almost a month before a patient experiences heart failure symptoms.” Dr. Goerbig-Campbell also encourages people to get care when necessary.

Know when to get care

“People know hospitals and emergency departments are busy, but if you are short of breath and have chest or arm discomfort that’s not normal for you — get care. By delaying care you risk irreversible heart damage that could limit your care options and quality of life.”