John had always been active, but lately, he felt winded just climbing the stairs. His wife noticed his fatigue and insisted he see a doctor. Reluctantly, John agreed to see their family doctor. This decision opened their eyes to the importance of noticing subtle health changes, the value of thorough medical evaluations, and the importance of following prescribed treatments. Their experience serves as a reminder that paying attention to our bodies and seeking timely medical care can be life-changing.
At Glacial Ridge Health System, Dr. David Polzin has additional training in cardiac care and provides diagnostic testing for a wide range of heart conditions. Based on test results, Dr. Polzin works alongside other clinicians at Glenwood Medical Center to develop and deliver treatment plans for conditions such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension—ensuring that patients like John receive coordinated, high-quality heart care without unnecessary travel.
Comprehensive Cardiac Evaluation
The cornerstone of effective cardiac care is accurate diagnosis. A variety of non-invasive cardiac evaluation options are conducted and evaluated at GRHS by Dr. Polzin to assess heart health. “Many heart conditions can be managed effectively if caught early,” stated Dr. Polzin. “That’s why we offer a variety of stress tests and diagnostic procedures to identify potential issues before they become serious problems.”
Heart Monitoring: Holter and EKG interpretations provide valuable insights into the heart’s electrical activity over extended periods, helping identify irregularities in heart rhythm.
Stress Testing: Patients can undergo various types of stress tests, each designed to provide specific insights into heart function. Patients are closely monitored throughout each of these scenarios.
- The Exercise Stress Test is a basic test that involves walking on a treadmill while monitoring heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing.
- Treadmill ECHO combines exercise with ultrasound imaging. This test provides detailed views of the heart’s structure and function.
- Treadmill Cardiolite is another exercise test that combines radioactive imaging. This test measures blood flow to the heart and muscles at rest and during stress.
- Lexiscan Cardiolite, also called a “sit-down stress test,” works well for those who are unable to exercise or can’t exercise for very long. The medication makes the heart respond as if the person is exercising, to evaluate the condition of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
“The choice of stress test depends on the patient’s condition and the specific information we need,” Dr. Polzin explains. “Sometimes, we may use a combination of tests to get a complete picture of a patient’s heart health. For instance, nuclear stress tests such as Cardiolite are particularly effective for detecting coronary artery disease, providing detailed images of blood flow to the heart. Meanwhile, stress echocardiograms combine exercise with ultrasound imaging, offering a comprehensive view of the heart’s structure and function.”
Advanced Cardiac Care
For patients requiring specialized care, Glacial Ridge offers cardiology through outreach services. Specially trained staff provide additional diagnostic imaging options, including PET scans and Echocardiograms, in Glenwood. Cardiologists from CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center see patients and provide follow-up care at GRHS.
Comprehensive Approach to Heart Health
Understanding that heart health is interconnected with overall wellness, the entire medical team at Glacial Ridge takes a whole-patient approach to care. They offer management and treatment for conditions that can impact heart health, such as:
- Diabetes, including insulin pump management
- COPD and asthma
- Rheumatologic disorders
- Osteoporosis
This comprehensive care ensures that all factors contributing to a patient’s heart health are addressed, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life. “We believe in treating the whole patient, not just individual symptoms,” says Dr. Polzin. “Many of our patients have multiple health concerns, and our comprehensive approach allows us to address all of these issues in a coordinated manner.
Preventive Care and Wellness
Prevention is key to maintaining heart health. Annual exams are designed to catch potential issues early and help patients make lifestyle changes that can significantly impact their long-term health. GRHS offers preventive care screenings, among many other services. These regular check-ups can help identify potential heart issues before they become serious, allowing for early intervention and better long-term health outcomes.
A Community-Focused Approach
By offering a wide range of cardiac services locally, patients like John can receive high-quality care without the need to travel long distances. This accessibility not only makes it easier for patients to attend appointments and follow-up visits but also allows for better continuity of care. Glacial Ridge Health System also has Cardiac Rehab in Glenwood—a one-on-one outpatient program that helps individuals improve their strength and quality of life after a heart attack, heart surgery, or another heart condition.
Dr. Polzin sums up the Glacial Ridge approach, “Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition, diagnosing a new issue, or simply helping maintain overall health, we’re committed to providing personalized, high-quality care to every individual we serve.”