Cardiology

Cardiology

At the heart of our care: best practices, new treatments and peace of mind. Most, if not all of your treatment happens here. Our cardiovascular specialists in Foundation Cardiology and Vascular Surgery work together to provide the best possible outcome.

Your Heart Matters

Our expert team of cardiologists has the resources and experience to offer the most sophisticated, cutting-edge cardiac services, giving you the best treatment at your convenience. Should you need open heart surgery, or advanced stroke treatment, we partner with Massachusetts General Hospital, and other leading tertiary (specialty) care providers. We’ll coordinate your care and continue treatment at SNHH as soon as possible.

Conditions We Treat

We treat acute (sudden), chronic (long-lasting) and congenital (present at birth) heart disease including:

  • Atrial Fibrillation (AF or a-fib)
  • High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Heart Murmurs
  • Heart Attack (myocardial infarction)
  • Heart Failure
  • Stroke
  • Arrhythmia
  • High Cholesterol
  • Heart Valve Disease
  • ​And More

Resources

Doctors may suspect heart disease based on your symptoms, medical or family history, or risk factors. We offer a number of diagnostic tests through Foundation Cardiology.

Diagnostic tests include:

Cardiac Catheterization: A diagnostic heart test to find out how well the heart works, and if any of the arteries feeding the heart muscle (coronary arteries) are blocked. 

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): An imaging test that uses X-rays, computer technology and injected dye to take pictures of blood vessels. 

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (DEC): A test to look at heart structure, and to see how the heart works under stress. 

Echocardiogram: A test that uses harmless sound waves to make two-dimensional images of the heart and its internal structure. 

Electrophysiology: A procedure to study the heart’s electrical system, to test for arrhythmia. 

Exercise Myoview (EMYOVIEW): A treadmill exercise test that combines exercise with nuclear imaging to check blood flow to the heart muscle. 

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram: A test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart, with an exercise stress test, to see how the heart muscle responds to stress. 

Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT): A test that lets doctors check whether there is enough blood supply to the heart during different levels of exercise. 

Implantable Loop Recorder: This device monitors heart rhythm. It can help determine the cause of fainting spells and whether you may need a pacemaker. 

Nuclear Stress Test: A test that uses nuclear imaging to check blood flow to the heart muscle, or identify blockages in coronary arteries. 

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A test that sends harmless sound waves to the heart through a small scope placed down the throat to create a picture of the heart. 

If you have cardiovascular disease, there are steps you can take to improve your health and lower your risk of having a serious complication, like a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise, healthy eating and habits, and plenty of rest can make a big difference.

Outpatient Clinics

We offer several outpatient clinics to support you with expert, convenient care.

  • Pacer/ICD Clinic: Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators (ICD) are battery powered, complex devices that need fine-tuning and monitoring. This clinic, run by a doctor and registered nurse, can check your device and lead system, and make custom adjustments to address your medical issues. To make an appointment in the clinic, call 603-577-2039.  

  • Anticoagulation Clinic: This clinic provides ongoing care and education to help you remain safe and healthy while taking an anticoagulant drug (blood thinner) such as warfarin or Coumadin®. ​​​​​​​

  • Support Groups and Education: Support groups can help you live a healthier, happier life. We offer classes and support groups to support your health and wellness.

Prevention, education and talking with your doctor all play an important role in taking care of your heart. Eating right, exercising and quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease. 

  • Screenings: A screening is a test or exam to find a disease, like heart disease, before you have any symptoms. Early detection is the best chance for successful treatment. Ask your primary care provider which screenings are best for you based on your age, health and family history.
     
  • Support Groups and Education: Support groups can help you live a healthier, happier life. We offer classes and support groups to support your health and wellness.
     
  • Stop Smoking: Call the state helpline, or visit the website, for information to help you quit smoking at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) / 1-800-8-DÉJALO (1-800-833-5256).

Providers at Foundation Cardiology treat heart disease in several ways. They may:

  • Suggest a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle
  • Prescribe medications
  • Recommend procedures and treatments
  • Prescribe cardiac rehabilitation
  • Recommend a clinical trial

Learn More

Is it a Stroke?

Act F.A.S.T. to recognize the signs of stroke:

  • FACE: Drooping face or uneven smile
  • ARM: Weak arm(s)
  • SPEECH: Slurred speech
  • TIME: Call 911 immediately 

Is it a Heart Attack?

Symptoms include:

  • Pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of your chest that comes and goes
  • Pain or discomfort that moves from chest to arms, back, neck, stomach, teeth or jaw
  • Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
  • Other unexplained symptoms like cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, anxiety, indigestion or fatigue