Cardiologists in Myrtle Beach
The Heart Center at Grand Strand Medical Center is committed to helping you keep your heart in good health. If you or a loved one has a heart or vascular condition, trust the experience of our specialized heart team. We provide comprehensive services focused on the prevention, treatment and recovery of heart and vascular diseases.
For more information about our cardiovascular services, call our Consult-A-Nurse line at (800) 352-6762.
Comprehensive cardiac care
Grand Strand Medical Center is one of largest cardiac care facilities in Horry and Georgetown counties. Our cardiovascular team offers comprehensive experience in treating a wide range of conditions that affect the circulatory system. Procedures we offer include:
- Cardiac stent placement
- Coronary angioplasty
- Electrophysiology, including ablations, implantable cardioverter defibrillators and pacemakers
- Heart catheterization
- Heart surgery, including coronary artery bypass (CABG), valve repair/replacement, aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve procedures
- Thoracic surgery to treat cancer and noncancerous tumors
- Valve-related issues
Cardiac catheterization laboratory
Our hospital's cardiac catheterization (cath) lab is where we perform diagnostic and complex interventional procedures to treat chronic diseases. Our heart specialists perform many of our advanced imaging services, diagnostic tests and cardiovascular procedures in the cath lab. This includes:
- Balloon angioplasty
- Coronary and left ventricular digital angiography
- Coronary intravascular ultrasound
- Right and left heart catheterization
- Rotational atherectomy
- Stent implantation
- Thrombectomy
The Valve Clinic
Our heart specialists treat valve disorders and provide evaluation and support for patients who may be eligible for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Conditions we treat include:
- Aortic stenosis
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Mitral valve disease, including mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis
- Tricuspid valve disease
- Pulmonary stenosis
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Grand Strand Medical Center is one of a few hospitals in South Carolina that offers TAVR. This is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require open heart surgery. It is the only valve replacement option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not well enough to undergo traditional surgery.
How TAVR works
TAVR involves using a catheter to thread the replacement valve from a blood vessel in the leg to the heart’s diseased aortic valve. The diseased valve is then replaced with a new valve. The malfunctioning valve is opened with a balloon, and the new valve is anchored in place. This leaves the patient with a functional valve that delivers better blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Benefits of TAVR include:
- Earlier return to normal activities
- Less blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Spending fewer days in the ICU
Heart attack symptoms
It is important to be aware of the warning signs of a heart attack. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately:
- Arm numbness or tingling
- Chest discomfort (uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, heaviness, indigestion/burning, tightness or pain)
- Discomfort in the upper body (the arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw or stomach)
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
These symptoms may be accompanied by clamminess, lightheadedness, nausea and/or sudden unusual fatigue.
Cardiac rehabilitation
Our cardiac rehabilitation team is committed to building your strength following cardiac surgery, a heart disease diagnosis or a heart event. We also provide education resources to help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle. Our rehabilitation services focus on:
- Emotional support
- Lifestyle education
- Long-term physical wellness
Cardiovascular nurse navigators
Nurse navigators are available to help you along your journey, from diagnosis through treatment. These specialists help patients:
- Access healthcare resources and education opportunities
- Manage recovery and ongoing treatment
- Transition from the hospital to home
