The Asian Cardiovascular Institute of Asian Hospital and Medical Center is the first and only advanced cardiovascular care facility in southern part of metropolis which offers comprehensive cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment procedure using a holistic approach to heart and vascular care. It brings together the best among cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, electrophysiologists, and allied healthcare professionals to provide high quality, comprehensive, and value-based care.
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
Our champions in the care of patients with cardiovascular diseases are grouped according to ten (10) centers of excellence to bring sharp focus to the individual treatment needs of our patients.
- Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Catheterization Lab
- Structural Heart Disease and Endovascular Therapy
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Cardiology
- General Adult Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation
- Cardiac Physiology, Arrhythmia and Syncope
- Cardiology Fellowship Training
- Cardiovascular Research
What Is Cardiology?
Cardiology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of disorders related to the heart and the blood vessels. It encompasses a wide range of heart conditions including heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease specifically refers to conditions that involve the heart itself, while cardiovascular disease affects both the heart and the blood vessels. Cardiology is a vital field, given the critical role the heart plays in our overall health and well-being.
What Is a Cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a specialist doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They underwent extensive training, including four years of medical school, three years of training in internal medicine, and at least three more years specializing in cardiology. Cardiologists are not cardiac surgeons; they do not perform heart surgeries. Instead, they conduct tests, interpret results, and guide treatment plans for heart-related conditions. In addition, they may also perform procedures, such as heart catheterizations, angioplasty, or insertion of a pacemaker.
What Is an Interventional Cardiologist?
An interventional cardiologist is a cardiologist who underwent additional years of training to treat and diagnose heart diseases using very small tubes called catheters. Unlike general cardiologists, interventional cardiologists typically only work with patients needing their specialization in catheter-based procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting. These procedures can be used in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases, including congenital and structural heart conditions. However, if the heart condition cannot be treated with less invasive catheter-based procedures, the patient may be referred to a cardiac surgeon to perform “open” surgeries.
When Do You Need to See a Cardiologist?
Knowing when to consult a cardiologist, or heart specialist, is crucial for maintaining heart health. Here are the key indicators:
- Symptoms: Physical signs such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, and changes in heart rhythm could indicate heart-related issues. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant immediate medical attention and possibly a referral to a cardiologist.
- Risk Factors: Certain factors increase the likelihood of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. If you have these risk factors, your primary care doctor may recommend a cardiologist for preventive care.
- Family History: If heart disease or cardiovascular conditions run in your family, it is advisable to see a cardiologist. They can assess your risk, monitor your heart health, and guide you on preventive measures.
- Age: The risk of heart disease increases with age. Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist can help detect potential issues early.
- Referral from your Primary Care Doctor: If your primary care doctor detects heart health abnormalities during a routine check-up, they will refer you to a cardiologist for specialized care.
What Are the Most Common Cardiovascular Diseases?
Cardiologists can help with a wide range of heart and vascular problems. Some of the most common cardiovascular diseases include:
- Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries.
- High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, it can lead to severe complications and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death.
- High cholesterol: Having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort caused when your heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood.
- Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
- Heart attack: A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Arrhythmias: Problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.
- Congenital heart disease: Anomalies of the heart that occur at birth.
These conditions require specialized care and treatment, which a cardiologist is trained to provide.
Why You Should Consider Asian Cardiovascular Institute’s Cardiologists
At the forefront of cardiovascular care in the southern metropolis, the Asian Cardiovascular Institute offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic and treatment procedures.
With a holistic approach to heart and vascular care, our ten centers of excellence cater to the individual treatment needs of our patients. From interventional cardiology and cardiovascular surgery to preventive cardiology and rehabilitation, we are committed to providing world-class, compassionate cardiac healthcare within the reach of every individual.
Asian Cardiovascular Institute’s Mission and Vision
Vision
To provide world-class, compassionate cardiac healthcare within the reach of every individual
Mission
To establish a state-of-the-art, holistic cardiac institution with the highest standards of community-driven patient care
OUR CORE VALUES
PATIENT-CENTERED
We consider the needs of the person as a whole, their experience and their outcomes in everything we do.
EVIDENCE-INFORMED INNOVATION
We support the translation and delivery of evidence-based practices and promote innovation
COLLABORATION
We join our partners, including patients and families, to accomplish more than we can achieve alone.
CATALYZING ACTION
We support the delivery of new programs, policies, and services, which can improve the cardiovascular health of our patients.
INTEGRITY
We commit to transparency, adhering to the highest moral principles and standards of professionalism, making our institution accountable and worthy of trust.
ACVI MANAGEMENT TEAM
Dr. Ofelia Najos-Valencia
ACVI Program Director
Dr. Lenora Fernandez
Head, Pulmonary Services
Ms. Kristine Joy Palacpac
ACVI Senior Manager
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECT LINES:
Heart Station 8876-5748
Pulmonary Services: 8876-5911
CV Cath Lab 8876-5751 or 8876-5805
EMERGENCY LINES:
8876-5755 (ER Department for Heart Attack and Stroke)
0939 902 3442 ( CV Cathlab Hotline)
OPERATING HOURS
Heart Station is Open 24/7 for inpatients, 8am-5pm for outpatients from Mondays to Saturdays. All procedures by appointment but may accommodate walk-ins.
CV Catheterization Laboratory (Cathlab) is Open on Mondays to Saturdays 7am – 5pm; By Appointment Only. Open post-duty hours, Sundays and Holidays, anytime (For STAT/ Emergency cases only)
Pulmonary Services is Open 24/7 for inpatients, 8 am to 5 pm for outpatients from Mondays to Saturdays
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Heart Station and Pulmonary Services: 4th-floor Lifestyle Medicine Center, Tower I
Cardiovascular Catheterization Laboratory: 2nd-floor Medical Office Building (MOB) -
