Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where a catheter, a small hollow tube, is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and advanced into the heart, where the doctor can perform a number of tests.

Blood pressure refers to two different measurements: pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, and pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower.

When Tina needed a new mitral valve, she benefited from BJC HealthCare’s collaborative approach to care that connected her with a multidisciplinary team of heart specialists. Her journey included seamless coordination between medical teams at two BJC HealthCare facilities: Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center (MoBap).

Last August, Matt experienced a life-threatening "widow maker" heart attack. Fortunately, thanks to the quick action of EMTs, doctors and nurses, and the use of an advanced heart pump, Matt made a full recovery and is boxing once again.

April 2023 - We often think of cardiothoracic surgery as just heart surgery, but it encompasses so much more than that. Learn more about this broad specialty and the important work cardiothoracic surgeons do to keep us well.

December 2022 - Arteries bring blood to the brain and spinal cord. They divide into small blood vessels called capillaries to supply the tissue with blood. Veins then return the blood back to the heart. It’s a continuous cycle that keeps the brain and spinal cord supplied with blood and functioning properly. However, an abnormal connection between arteries and veins can occur, in which blood is shunted from the artery to the vein instead of going into the tissues. This is called an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, and it can be a life-threatening occurrence in the brain or spinal cord.

There is not a certain age to consider seeing a cardiologist, but you need to be aware of conditions that increase your risk of heart disease and know what questions to ask during your first visit.

November 2022 - The heart pumps blood throughout the body at a rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute. That rhythm is dictated by an elegant electrical system that responds to your body’s needs. If you’re resting, your heart rate will slow down. If you’re exercising, your heart rate will speed up. When this rhythm is beating inappropriately to your body’s needs, this is called an arrhythmia. Learn more about this common heart condition affecting 3 million new patients each year.

May 2022 - Angioplasty is a procedure used to restore blood flow by opening up narrowed coronary arteries. These arteries play an important role, wrapping around the outside of the heart and supplying it with blood. When these arteries narrow due to plaque or cholesterol buildup, help from an interventional cardiologist is needed. BJC Medical Group interventional cardiologist Michael Missler, DO, explains more about this minimally invasive procedure.

April 2021 - Fortunately, many people who are infected with COVID-19 experience minimal symptoms with no long-term complications. However, it can cause heart-related problems, even in those without prior cardiovascular disease. Learn more about the effects COVID-19 can have on the heart and symptoms you should look for if you’ve been infected.