Leaders in Prompt Heart Attack Treatment
Duke was a key participant in developing a statewide program to ensure patients having a heart attack are evaluated quickly and treated promptly to minimize damage to their heart muscle. This nationally recognized RACE (Reperfusion of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Carolina Emergency Departments) Program has improved survival for people suffering from heart attacks.
Nationally Recognized for Heart Attack Care
Duke University Hospital is recognized by the American Heart Association for cardiac care and for its role in improving and coordinating the quality of care for people who experience life-threatening heart attacks. Duke University Hospital was also named one of Healthgrade's top 100 best hospitals for cardiac care, recognizing "superior clinical outcomes" for heart attack treatment.
High-Volume Cardiac Catheterization Center
Our cardiologists perform more than 5,500 cardiac catheterizations each year, including interventional procedures. Our interventional cardiologists perform high volumes of interventional percutaneous coronary interventions -- the most effective immediate treatment for heart attack -- and stent placements to open blocked arteries.
Heart Bypass Surgery for High-Risk Patients
We perform heart bypass surgery on high-risk patients, as well as on patients with complex conditions involving multiple blockages or blockages in difficult-to-reach locations. As a result, we offer procedures to people who have been declined at other centers.
More Surgical Options
Our surgeons perform routine and complex surgeries and offer minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. During coronary artery bypass, we use small incisions to obtain the veins needed, resulting in less scarring and faster recovery.
Access to Novel Therapies
As a Duke patient, you may be eligible to participate in clinical trials that test novel heart treatments and surgical techniques before they are widely available.
Support for Your Recovery
Our cardiac prevention and rehabilitation program gives you the resources you need -- nutrition counseling, exercise instruction, stress management, smoking cessation programs, and more -- to overcome the impact of a heart attack, establish lifestyle changes, and maintain your heart health.
