In response to a rising number of patients experiencing heart problems after COVID-19, Ochsner Health Center – O’Neal has expanded its cardiology diagnostic services. The redesigned diagnostics center includes more equipment and capacity for echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and vascular ultrasound.
Ochsner cardiologist Bahij Khuri, MD, said ongoing research shows COVID can impact the heart, as well as the lungs and other vital organs. Also, Khuri says some patients may have had COVID and either didn’t know they were infected or never felt sick.
“If anyone is experiencing heart problems, they definitely should speak to a doctor about it,” he said. “It’s much easier to treat problems early, rather than waiting and having these problems become worse and possibly affecting other vital systems.”
The diagnostic center’s expanded capacity is part of a $4.8 million renovation project of the entire fourth floor of Ochsner Health Center – O’Neal. The renovation also provides new space for gastroenterology and pain management clinics