Cardiology

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Estimator

The ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) Risk Estimator helps patients understand their 10-year and lifetime risk for developing serious heart conditions such as heart attack and stroke. At DHR Health Heart Institute, with multiple locations across the Rio Grande Valley, we use this tool to support early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

While the results provide helpful guidance, they do not replace professional medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed provider. Our board-certified cardiologists are available throughout the RGV to help interpret your results and recommend personalized strategies for heart health.

ASCVD Risk Estimator

Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. At DHR Health Heart Institute, our board-certified cardiologists use advanced techniques to safely correct rhythm disorders and improve heart function.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel and guided into the heart. Radiofrequency energy is then used to carefully destroy the small areas of heart tissue causing the irregular heartbeat. This helps restore a normal rhythm and reduce symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) or another type of arrhythmia, our cardiology team is here to help you explore safe and effective treatment options—including catheter ablation.

At DHR Health, our accredited Chest Pain Center is committed to rapid, lifesaving care for patients experiencing heart-related symptoms. With locations across the Rio Grande Valley, we are equipped to quickly diagnose chest pain, initiate treatment within minutes of arrival, and dramatically improve patient outcomes.

We follow evidence-based protocols established by the American Heart Association, ensuring each patient receives timely, high-quality care. Early intervention is critical in cardiac emergencies—and our Chest Pain Center team is trained to respond fast, with advanced technology and 24/7 readiness.

Chest Pain Center

The Chest Pain Center at DHR Health strives to quickly diagnose cardiac patients, begin treatment within minutes of arrival and significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome. We follow evidence-based protocols established by the American Heart Association and achieve success with early intervention and rapid initiation of therapy.

Computed Tomography (CT scan)

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a noninvasive imaging test that allows doctors to see detailed pictures of the inside of the body. At DHR Health, cardiac CT scans are used to detect early signs of heart disease, including atherosclerosis—a condition caused by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Cardiac CT is a fast, painless, and highly accurate way to assess coronary artery health, evaluate chest pain, and help prevent serious cardiac events. Our advanced imaging technology is available across the Rio Grande Valley and is part of our commitment to early detection and personalized heart care.

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD), also known as a congenital heart defect, refers to structural abnormalities in the heart that are present at birth. These conditions can range from simple to complex and may affect how blood flows through the heart and lungs.

Some congenital heart defects may cause no symptoms and go undetected for years, while others can lead to serious complications later in life. At DHR Health, our cardiology team provides personalized care for both children and adults with CHD, including long-term monitoring, implantable heart devices, and surgical repair when needed.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed coronary arteries—often caused by coronary artery disease. When blood flow to the heart is restricted, CABG surgery helps restore proper circulation and reduce the risk of heart attack or other serious complications.

During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body—commonly the chest, leg, or arm—and grafted to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery. This creates a new path for blood to flow, improving oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. Also known as cardiac ultrasound, this test helps doctors evaluate the heart’s structure, blood flow, and how well it is functioning.

Echocardiography is commonly used to detect heart valve problems, assess heart muscle strength, and monitor conditions like heart failure or congenital defects.

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP)

Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive outpatient therapy designed to improve blood flow to the heart. At DHR Health, EECP is used to help patients with chronic angina (chest pain) by promoting the development of natural bypass pathways around blocked or narrowed arteries.

During treatment, comfortable cuffs are wrapped around the lower legs and thighs. These cuffs inflate and deflate in sync with the heartbeat, gently compressing the blood vessels and enhancing circulation. Over time, this stimulates the opening of small blood vessel branches—called collaterals—which can naturally reroute blood flow and reduce heart-related symptoms.

EECP is a safe, drug-free option for patients who may not be candidates for surgery or who continue to experience angina despite other treatments.

Heart Failure Surgery

Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle becomes too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, or persistent coughing. Heart failure is often caused by underlying conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or obesity.

While lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, some patients may require surgical intervention. At DHR Health, our cardiovascular specialists offer advanced surgical options for heart failure, including:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
• Heart valve repair or replacement
• Implantation of medical devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators

Heart Valve Surgery

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves—the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary, or aortic valve—does not open or close properly. This can disrupt normal blood flow through the heart and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling.

At DHR Health, our cardiovascular specialists offer advanced heart valve surgery to either repair or replace the affected valve(s), depending on the severity and type of damage. Procedures may be performed through traditional open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques, based on each patient’s needs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging test used to detect and monitor heart conditions. It provides detailed pictures of the heart’s structure, blood flow, and function—helping doctors accurately diagnose heart disease and guide treatment decisions.

Our cardiac MRI technology allows us to evaluate conditions such as cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, heart failure, and inflammation of the heart muscle. This test is safe, painless, and does not involve radiation.

Pacemaker/ Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation and Monitoring

Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are small medical devices placed in the chest or abdomen to help manage abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias.

A pacemaker helps regulate slow or irregular heartbeats by sending electrical signals to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. An ICD continuously monitors heart rhythms and delivers a life-saving shock if it detects a dangerously fast or abnormal heartbeat, such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.

Our cardiologists specialize in the implantation, programming, and long-term monitoring of both pacemakers and ICDs.

Stress Testing

Stress testing is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate how well your heart performs during physical activity. During the test, you’ll walk on a treadmill—starting at a slow pace and gradually increasing to a brisk speed—while your heart rate, blood pressure, and rhythm are closely monitored.

This test helps detect issues such as reduced blood flow to the heart, blocked arteries, or abnormal heart rhythms that may not appear while at rest. It’s commonly used to diagnose coronary artery disease, assess exercise tolerance, and guide treatment planning.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

The aorta is the body’s largest artery, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When a weakened section of the aortic wall begins to bulge, it’s called an aortic aneurysm. If this occurs in the chest area, it is known as a thoracic aortic aneurysm—a potentially life-threatening condition depending on its size and location.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms may not cause symptoms right away, but they can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including aortic rupture or dissection. At DHR Health, our cardiovascular specialists diagnose and treat aortic aneurysms using advanced imaging and surgical techniques.

When necessary, surgery may be recommended to remove the weakened section of the aorta and replace it with a durable synthetic graft, restoring blood flow and reducing the risk of rupture.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis, a condition where the heart’s aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow. TAVR is designed to relieve symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath—without the need for open-heart surgery.

This procedure is often recommended for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional valve replacement surgery due to age or other health risks. Instead of opening the chest, a new valve is delivered through a catheter, typically inserted through a blood vessel in the leg, and positioned within the damaged aortic valve.

Vascular Ultrasound

A vascular ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries and veins in the body. This diagnostic tool helps detect narrowing, blockages, or abnormalities in the blood vessels that may lead to serious conditions like peripheral artery disease, blood clots, or aneurysms.

Using high-frequency sound waves, vascular ultrasound provides real-time images of circulation without the use of radiation. Our vascular specialists use this test to identify the location, severity, and cause of vascular issues so treatment can be accurately planned.