Cardiology
The River Valley's only Accredited Chest Pain Center
How much do you really know about heart health?
The lowdown on blood pressure - how it is measured and what it means.
Fewer that one in 10 women perceive heart disease as a great health threat.
Expertise and compassionate care are two of the main traits of all the members of our team. When it comes to caring for your heart our expert physicians will be there for you every step of the way.
A. Nasser Adjei, MD
Sheharyar Ali, MD
Robert C. Parris, MD
Thomas N. Williams, MD
Ayhan A. Zia, MD
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Heart Risks Last Beyond Hospital Discharge, Study Finds
Likelihood of death, readmission remains high for more than 30 days after heart failure, heart attack
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Get Fit in Middle Age to Cut Heart Failure Risk, Study Says
It's never too late to start, researchers find
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Fish Oil Supplements Don't Protect Against Heart Trouble: Study
They don't reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure or death, researchers report
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U.S. Heart Failure Costs Could Skyrocket: Report
Better awareness, prevention and treatment are crucial, experts say
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Heart Scarring May Be More Dangerous Than Thought, Study Suggests
Anomaly in a cardiac pumping chamber shows up on EKG and is tied to higher heart failure rate
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Ultrasound Waves, Bone Marrow Cells Show Promise in Heart Failure Patients
But experts caution that larger studies of combined treatment are needed
How well do you know your heart? This article provides a basic understanding of the heart’s anatomy.
What is blood pressure? This article defines blood pressure, addresses risk factors, and gives tips for reducing high blood pressure.
Are you making heart-healthy choices? This article provides suggestions for heart-healthy living.
Have you been diagnosed with heart disease? This article explains how cardiac rehabilitation can be a valuable part of your treatment plan.
Are you at risk for heart disease? This article suggests actions to reduce your chances of developing heart disease.
How will your life change after a heart attack? This article provides tips & suggestions for returning to a “normal” lifestyle.
Chest Pain Center
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 people dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain.
As frightening as this is, you can take comfort in knowing that Sparks Regional Medical Center is close by—the one and only accredited Chest Pain Center in the River Valley. That means our cardiologists, our staff and our facility have met or surpassed the most rigorous standards of excellence to become the only place you want to be when heart attack strikes. And because we’re close to home, treatment can begin at once.
As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Sparks Regional Medical Center ensures that patients who arrive at the hospital complaining of chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack receive the treatment necessary during the critical window of time when the integrity of the heart muscle can be preserved.
Signs and Symptoms 
- Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea)
- Frequent coughing or wheezing
- Swollen feet, ankles and legs (edema)
- Fatigue (tiredness), weakness
- Nausea or lack of appetite
- Fast heart rate (Tachycardia)
- Dizziness, confusion or impaired thinking
Have Chest Pain? Call 911!
Because every minute counts when having a heart attack, getting to the Emergency Room as quickly as possible is important. Unfortunately, more than 50 percent of all patients experiencing chest pain walk into the Emergency Department rather than calling 911. The fact remains that every minute counts, and calling 911 starts treatment earlier.
- 911 dispatchers are often trained to not only locate you quickly, but also assist you in early treatment options.
- In many areas of the country, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can diagnose a heart attack by using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and also initiate early treatment.
- Arriving by ambulance to the Emergency Department helps to ensure that you will not wait to be seen by a physician. Many patients who experience chest pain drive themselves, only to find that they may wait in the Emergency Department lobby until they can see a doctor. Do not let this happen to you.
- EMS is able to radio ahead to the Emergency Department that you are on your way. This enables the Emergency staff to be ready for you when you arrive through their doors.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the United States. At Sparks Health System, we provide comprehensive, technologically advanced heart care delivered by knowledgeable, experienced cardiac professionals. Our heart care specialists offer state-of-the-art heart care, from diagnosis and emergency intervention to the latest treatments, preventive education and rehabilitation.
