New Services

In the near future, Southeast's Heart Hospital will open a new Chest Pain Observation Unit located near the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. In May 2008, Southeast will open its fifth and second fully integrated digital Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Digital imaging improves image sharpness, image detail and reduces radiation exposure to patients undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure. With digital imaging, the cardiologist has better visualization of the patient’s coronary arteries and heart chambers.

This summer, the Heart Hospital will open an Electrophysiology Lab that will be one of a handful in the nation equipped with an EP Navigator, a new imaging tool used in treating complex cardiac rhythm disorders.

Measuring Quality The Heart Hospital ranks among the top 10 percent in the nation for cardiac surgery, according to the recently released Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study. The study analyzed patient outcomes at virtually all of the nation’s 5,000 hospitals over the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. In recognition of its ranking in the top 10 percent in the nation for cardiac surgery and 5-star rating in that specialty, the Heart Hospital is one of two Missouri hospitals to receive the HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award for 2008 (the other is Freeman Health System in Joplin).

Our Heart Hospital also has received the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease Silver Performance Achievement Award in recognition of Southeast’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of cardiac care that effectively improves treatment of patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease.

Click here to see more quality measures

Wellness and Community Outreach

Wellness and community outreach also are key components of the Heart Hospital. Recognizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Southeast in 1980 established the region’s first hospital-based wellness program. That program has grown to include fitness and wellness opportunities for people of all ages; HealthPoint Fitness in Cape Girardeau and Jackson; CPR, smoking cessation and proven weight loss programs; Heart Smart screenings to monitor blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid and cholesterol; and a Congenital Heart Clinic held at the Heart Hospital in cooperation with St. Louis Children’s Hospital.