During Heart Month, a Reminder That Advanced Heart Care is Available Close to Home
By: Diane Heins
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and to remind people that help is available when they need it. At UPMC Washington, that means making sure individuals and families across Washington County know they can receive comprehensive heart and vascular care right here at home.
Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns in our region, and early diagnosis, access to care, and ongoing treatment can make a meaningful difference in outcomes. The Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Washington offers a full range of services — from routine screenings to advanced surgeries — designed to help people stay close to their support systems while receiving the care they need.
“Our goal is to make sure people understand they don’t have to travel far to receive high‑quality heart care,” said Brook Ward, president, UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene. “Whether someone is managing a chronic condition or facing a new diagnosis, we want them to know that experienced teams and advanced treatment options are available right here in our community.”
Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Services
UPMC Washington provides care for a wide range of heart rhythm and vascular conditions, including atrial fibrillation, fast or slow heartbeats, fainting episodes, coronary artery disease and heart valve disease. Services include heart health screenings, diagnostic testing, cardiac rehabilitation, and both minimally invasive and surgical treatments.
The hospital’s interventional Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory allows physicians to diagnose and treat heart disease using catheter‑based techniques that often reduce recovery time and avoid open‑heart surgery. Procedures performed include coronary angioplasty and stent placement, balloon valvuloplasty, diagnostic coronary angiography and specialized imaging such as intravascular ultrasound.
Advanced Heart Procedures Offered at UPMC Washington
Advanced structural heart procedures are also available at UPMC Washington, including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) for patients with aortic valve disease, MitraClip® Therapywhich allows repair without open‑heart surgery and the WATCHMAN® device for certain patients with atrial fibrillation who are unable to take long‑term blood thinners. These treatments, once available only at large urban medical centers, are now accessible locally.
Behind these services is a collaborative team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons who work together to tailor care to each patient’s needs. Their focus is not only on treatment, but also on education, prevention and long‑term heart health.
“For many patients, knowing they can receive this level of care close to home brings peace of mind,” said Dr. Lisa Goss, vice president, Medical Affairs, UPMC Washington. “It means staying connected to family, reducing the stress of travel and focusing on recovery.”
Encouraging Heart Health Across the Community
During Heart Month and throughout the year, UPMC Washington encourages community members to learn the signs of heart disease, schedule screenings when appropriate, and seek care early. Access to care, timely treatment and trusted local providers can play a vital role in protecting heart health across the region.
