For over 30 years, Brookwood Medical Center has provided comprehensive programs and services dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. We are committed to providing the advanced technology, quality care and highly skilled personnel to treat the cardiovascular needs of our patients. With over 60 cardiac and vascular specialists performing tens of thousands of diagnostic, interventional and surgical procedures each year, it’s easy to see why physicians and patients throughout Alabama depend on the experience and expertise that Brookwood Medical Center’s cardiovascular program provides.

Our board-certified cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and experienced support staff work together as an integrated team in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of heart and vascular conditions.  

Heart & Vascular Screenings

Screenings are available by appointment for those interested in assessing their risk of cardiovascular disease. The screening includes assessment of cholesterol and blood sugar levels, blood pressure, body mass index, extremity blood vessels and lifestyle. Clinicians review the results and make recommendations for lifestyle changes and further evaluation,

if necessary.

Heart Attack Intervention Program

Our Heart Attack Intervention Program in the emergency department utilizes a team approach to quickly assess and diagnose patients with heart attack symptoms. Our  Fast Response team includes emergency department physicians, cardiologists and other trained personnel who work in a collaborative and time-sensitive manner to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment for heart attack patients.

Non-Invasive Cardiology

Dedicated physicians and staff provide non-invasive services with the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease. Thousands of diagnostic tests are performed each year, including nuclear medicine, echocardiograms, ultrasounds, EKGs and high-resolution, 64-slice cardiac CTs.

Cardiac Catheterization Labs

Specially-trained cardiologists view images of the heart and arteries in labs designed to perform a wide range of diagnostic

and interventional procedures. The cath labs also provide specialized technology for the treatment of heart rhythm

and extremity blood vessel conditions.

Cardiovascular Surgery

Board-certified cardiothoracic physicians use advanced technologies and procedures to treat a wide range of cardiovascular conditions –

• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

Using endoscopic vein harvesting, off-pump and minimally invasive techniques, our surgeons aim to provide CABG patients with less post-surgery discomfort, a shorter recovery time, less risk for infection and less scarring.

• Atrial Fibrillation

Brookwood’s cardiac surgeons can now perform surgical procedures to return the heart to a normal rhythm.  These procedures may be performed in conjunction with a cardiac bypass graft or as a stand-alone procedure.  Some patients may be candidates for minimally-invasive procedures, which typically require only a short hospital stay and less recovery time.

• Heart Valve Repair

Heart valve conditions often leave patients without energy and unable to enjoy daily work and activities.  Today, there are several options for valve repair and replacement. Brookwood surgeons have performed hundreds of valve repairs designed to provide patients with more efficient and productive heart valve function and improved quality of life.

• Endoscopic Aortic Abdominal Aneurism Repair

Brookwood surgeons repair bulges and weakened areas in the aortic and iliac walls using the latest minimally-invasive techniques. These techniques are intended to provide patients with smaller incisions, less scarring and shorter recovery times.

• Interventional Vascular Procedures

For patients with advanced Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), Brookwood cardiovascular physicians routinely evaluate and treat this condition with endovascular and surgical procedures to restore blood flow to the affected arteries.

Specialized Nursing Units

Our cardiovascular patients are cared for on specialized nursing units designed for our heart patients. The Coronary Care Unit, the Cardiac Intervention Unit, the Cardiovascular Surgery Unit and the Cardiovascular Surgery Step- Down Unit are dedicated areas for cardiac patients. Experienced nurses and support staff provide compassionate care individualized to our cardiac patients’ treatment and recovery needs.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Our comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs utilize exercise, education and counseling to help patients with cardiovascular conditions reduce their risks and help prevent further complications from heart disease.

 Did You Know?-Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Increasing Age
 The older you get, the more likely you are to develop heart disease. The loss of natural estrogen as women age may contribute to higher risk after menopause.

Heredity & Race
Your risk of heart disease is greater if close members of your family have had the disease. African Americans have a greater risk of heart disease than white Americans do, partly because they're more likely to have high blood pressure.

Cigarette & Tobacco Smoke
Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death. Smoker's risk of heart attack is more than twice that of non-smokers. In addition, constant exposure to other people's tobacco smoke at work or at home increases your risk - even if you don't smoke.

High Blood Cholesterol Levels
The risk of coronary heart disease rises as blood cholesterol levels increase. When other risk factors are present, this risk increases even more.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing it to enlarge and weaken over time. It's the silent killer behind many heart attacks because it usually has no symptoms.

 Physical Inactivity
If you are inactive, you are more likely than active people to develop heart disease. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous exercise plays a significant role in preventing heart disease.

Obesity & Overweight
If you have too much fat - especially if the fat is concentrated in your waist area - you are at higher risk for some health problems. Excess weight increases the strain on the heart.

 Diabetes Mellitus
More than 80 percent of people with diabetes die from some type of heart or blood vessel disease. If you have diabetes, it is critically important for you to monitor and control any other risk factors you can.
Now that you know more about the major risk factors for heart disease, start taking steps to modify your lifestyle and reduce the risk factors you can control. You'll be glad you did and so will your loved ones.