1441 Constitution Blvd.
Building 400
Salinas, CA 93906
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Cardiology Services
(831) 796-1630
We’re here to listen, help and inspire you to live a healthier, longer life. Our expert cardiologists will work with you to give you the knowledge, support and tools you need to meet your heart health goals.
Our Team
Dr. M. Kerala Serio, Chief of Cardiology Services
Dr. Yu-Chuan Liu (specializing in electrophysiology, which examines the heart’s electrical system)
Our Services
Natividad’s expert Cardiology Services team provides a wide range of services in an outpatient setting. We offer everything from preventive care to testing and monitoring to the treatment of heart conditions and vascular disease. At your appointment, your overall health and specific condition will be evaluated and you’ll probably be assessed using some of the typical diagnostic tests, which may include:
- Echocardiogram. Also known as an echo, an echocardiogram looks at the anatomy of the heart using ultrasound technology.
- Stress test. A stress test measures the heart’s ability to respond to external stress, such as exercise on a treadmill, stress echo and cardiac nuclear procedures.
- Electrocardiogram. Often called an EKG or ECG, an electrocardiogram graphs the electrical activity and timing of the heartbeat.
Heart disease is the #1 cause of the death in the U.S. Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in preventing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If your primary care doctor is concerned about your heart health, they will refer you to the care of a cardiologist. You can also self-refer. Some insurance providers require a referral from your primary care doctor. New patient appointments are in person. Established patients may be seen in person or in phone/video appointments.
When to See a Cardiologist
Cardiologists are doctors who are experts in heart disease. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a cardiologist to closely monitor your health or to evaluate and treat you.
Seeing a cardiologist is recommended for people who:
- Have heart disease
- Are at risk of heart disease, such as those with family history of heart disease or stroke
- Have symptoms of heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Smoke
Some types of heart disease you would see a cardiologist for include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disease
If you don’t have any of the factors listed above, but you are concerned about your risk level, your primary care doctor may be able to help or refer you to one of our cardiologists.
About Heart Health
- Choose a healthy eating plan. A healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar and managing body weight. Talk to your doctor about the ways you can improve your eating habits.
- Be physically active. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running, each week. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a big difference!
- Know your family history. If a relative has heart disease, you have a higher risk of developing it. That’s especially true if the relative is a parent or sibling.
- Reduce stress. Long‐term stress can increase both your heart rate and your blood pressure, which can damage artery walls.
- Know the signs of a heart attack. Warning signs include:
- Discomfort in the chest or arms
- Shortness of breath
- A cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
Call 9-1-1 if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, new confusion or loss of consciousness, bluish lips or face.
Read more about our services here and here.
Women’s Diagnostic Services
(831) 755-4369
Featuring mammography services, women’s diagnostics, bone density exams, ultrasound scans.
