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 do 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.